“For home protection? 12 gauge pump-action shotgun, loaded and in the corner or behind the bedroom door. Nothing sends a chill down an intruder’s spine like the distinctive sound of a pump. And you don’t have to be particularly accurate - just point and shoot.”
The sound of racking the slide alerts the perp to your location and the fact that you are aware of his presence. At close range the pellets are in a tight bunch, so you still need to aim. A red dot sight would help with speed and accuracy. I recommend a Mossberg 930 SPX.
Yes, it does. And unless you're dealing with a tweeker or someone intent on killing you rather than just robbing you, alerting them is enough to send them quickly on their way.
I keep a Glock G19 9mm loaded next to my bed with an extra clip at the ready. I don't bother with a shotgun.