...”two rifles under their bed...”
You may want to consider a shorty spray gun and a couple
of loud, high caliber revolvers Kristen.
But if a deer breaks in some night, she’s got it covered.
Yeah, personally, I’d go with a 9mm or 40 S&W (hits a little harder). I’d also consider a Mossberg 500 tactical, 18.5” barrel, pistol grips loaded with #2 shot. For the truly paranoid, you might consider sleeping with a knife literally within arms reach. Less dangerous to kids than a loaded and non-locked firearm, and ready in case you wake up to someone already in the room...
Same for pistols, handy, no doubt, but likely to go through more walls than intended.
Shotgun, short barrel.
I'll never forget the article I read about home defense talking about this, "...besides, when the intruder hears the distinctive sound of a shotgun round being chambered, they are now worried about surviving the situation." I don't have to be a marksman, I just have to be in the general area...........
I've owned several shotguns over the years, non modified of course. I can fire off 6 rounds in under two seconds, that...is a load of lead coming your way. Won't go into the shell load but man, you can get wicked with a 'gage. The intended weapon is a Mossberg, designed for this purpose.
Still intend to buy a hand gun but for right now, the 'gage is within reach at night.....
just my .05 (inflation adjusted) worth...