Smart. Nothing deters crime quite like a shotgun -- that big hole at the end of the barrel is a frightening sight. Sometimes stupid (or drugged up) perps might regard someone with a handgun - especially a small one, held by a woman - lightly enough to attempt the crime anyway, and you might end up shooting and fighting with him. Not a desirable circumstance, to say the least. But shotguns sober BGs into complacency, most of the time.
Only problem with a shotgun is that it can much more easily be grabbed away from you than a handgun, especially if you're looking for the intruder. That's why it's always wise to carry a backup handgun (like your .38 Spl) when you're wielding the shotgun. In the event that a perp attempts to grab the shotgun away from you, you should be able to quickly draw that .38 with one hand and unload on him before he can turn the long gun on you. It's definitely something one should practice.
....But you probably know all this. Sounds indeed like you're well prepared and well armed :)
Stay safe!
No, actually I didn't think about it. I'm not sure how to carry both of them at once? I live alone out in the country so I'm at risk but I installed intrusion alarms to give me the advantage. Once I know he's in that shotgun will blast him back out the way he comes in. I hope. LOL! IF somehow I miss, the 38 is right there on the night stand. By that time the SO will have been called by my alarm co. and they'll be on their way. The shotgun I keep in my bedroom is a short barrel pistol grip so there's not lots of barrel sticking out there for him to grab or do you think that is a miscalculation on my part? Thanks for the info! I do appreciate it.8-)