The moral of the story is do not underestimate the power of a 410 with 7 1/2 bird shot. This guy was smart enough (or simply had no other choice) to fire at close range keeping the shot closely knit enough to do proper damage.
I am a firm believer in using bird shot for self defense simply because it spreads out more with distance. For my magazine fed 12 ga I alternate between #4 Pheasant (about 1500 fps) with double aught (about 1325 fps). Range testing with the #4 shows I can hit anything at 50 yards by just pointing and shooting. The pellets will penetrate plywood about an 1/8 inch at 50 yards. The 00 Buck will pass through 1/2” plywood at 50 yards.
I would feel very comfortable going up against a bear or other intruder with this weapon.
I prefer slugs at close range - have you ever seen the damage they do? 😁
My first shotgun was a borrowed 410
I killed ducks on the wing with 7 1/2 shot
Once, while swinging I shot a sizable branch above me in two .