[riverrunner]

A shot gun is good for some things but they are very hard to carry with you all the time that where hand guns come it something you have with you when you need it.

[DonPaulJones]

Or, you can have the best of both worlds and buy some shot-shell ammo for your revolver. Like having a .357 magnum shotgun... Compactness of carry and gives you a decent close range spread... I've seen the shells available in several calibers...