[stylin_geek]

Thanks, I'm surprised I someone else didn't beat me to it. However, I'd argue with the Mossburg and suggest a very plain Remington 870, with a skeet barrel, (used) loaded with double 00. :)

[stainlessbanner]

Hear Hear! The 870 is standard issue (though I've never used a Moss).

Related FR thread: What Is The Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Load for Home Defense?

[wtc911]

Any long gun for home defense is plain silly. Don't believe me...try this....come down the stairs in the dark with a four foot rake handle held in both hands like you would a shotgun. Have someone stronger than you waiting in the darkness. What happens when you turn the corner? One of two things...you either poke the barrel around first and have the weapon wrestled away from you, or you peek around first which requires the weapon to be pointed away from the danger...which of these options appeals to you?

Oh yeah, now imagine it's not a game, your heart is pumping, there really is someone stronger than you waiting in the dark.

Shotguns are fine for standing on your front step and chasing bad guys away, not for close quarter combat in your own living room.

[ought-six]

My "go-to" home defense weapons are a Mossberg 500 12-gauge with 00-buck, and a Rossi .357 Magnum loaded with 125-grain hollow points. And my dog, of course.