[mozarky2]

In my concealed carry class, the instructor said NEVER use rifles or shotguns for home defense. Studies show the long barrel is a huge disadvantage in a dark home. Intruders can and have grabbed the long barrels and turned the tables on the homeowner.
And, even with a pistol, hold it close to your body, not stiff-armed outward.
And, with pistols, you get what you pay for. Any name brand gun that you feel comfortable with should be a very good investment.

[Spktyr]

Your instructor was an idiot.

[PzLdr]

[1]A shotgun with an 18" barrel isn't overly long.

[2]. Shooting accurately in the dark isn't easy, especially for someone who doesn't practice low light shooting.

[3] A shotgun with #4 shot will cover a larger area than a bullet - probably won't go through walls- and is more user friendly for someone who doesn't shoot a lot than a handgun.

[4] Most experts I read don't recommend you go looking for an intruder. they suggest you 'hole up' in a defensive position, and call 911. No loss of defensive ability with a shotgun. If you do, stay away [as far as practicable] from corners, etc., where a perp can grab the gun.

[5] Racking a pump shotgun has a much impressive psychological effect than cocking a handgun.

[5] Most gun writers recommend a shotgun as the best alternative for home defense.
[4]

[ExSoldier]

Studies show the long barrel is a huge disadvantage in a dark home. Intruders can and have grabbed the long barrels and turned the tables on the homeowner.

That's only for those folks stupid enough to try and "CLEAR" their home when they hear that bump in the night. Stay put in the master bedroom, stay out of the line of fire with the bedroom door. Call 911 and wait for the cavalry. If you have kids in the home, get them into the safe room immediately! That is the ONLY reason to leave a covered position! Tell the 911 Operator the address first thing, then tell them your position in the home. Instruct the operator to send the cops to your bedroom window and you will toss them your house keys with permission to enter. Tell the operator and cops you're armed. When a cop knocks on the door and slides his ID under the door for proof, THEN and ONLY THEN exit the safe room leaving the gun behind and having your hands in plain sight. Don't be surprised when you see the drawn guns aimed your way. Cops have to be careful, too.

[absolootezer0]

1: if you're not going to be holding your pistol stiff armed, you're MUCH better off holding a shotgun from the hip. the butt stock held tight against your side will give you much stability.
2: shotgun has a better spread and is more likely to hit an intruder
3: shotgun is less likely to blow thru a wall and endanger innocents in the next room or house.
4: get a forward pistol grip for your shotty, that makes it much harder for a goblin to pull the barrel out of your hand.
5: if a goblin does get his hand on your weapon, its much more effective to butt stoke the goblin with you shotty than it is to strike him with your bare hand.
6: if you're "clearing" your house, you're opening yourself up to ambush.
7: if you're truly afraid of getting the end of your weapon grabbed, mount a bayonette.

[Ghengis]

In my concealed carry class, the instructor said NEVER use rifles or shotguns for home defense. Studies show the long barrel is a huge disadvantage in a dark home. Intruders can and have grabbed the long barrels and turned the tables on the homeowner.
And, even with a pistol, hold it close to your body, not stiff-armed outward.
And, with pistols, you get what you pay for. Any name brand gun that you feel comfortable with should be a very good investment.

That is good basic/beginner instruction/advice. But if rifles or shotguns were such a bad thing for home defense, SWAT and military entry teams would never use them to clear a house of potential hostiles.

In a home defense scenario, most times you will be choosing the safest place to take a stand and awaiting response to your 9-1-1 call (made either before or after the shooting).

FWIW, I utilize shotgun and handgun in my home defense plan.