[way-right-of-center]

IMO, #6 or 71/2 Heavy Game load is the ideal home defense load. It will almost certianly stop anyone in your home, and wont penetrate the walls to the extent buckshot will, lessening the risk of hitting innocents. My home defense weapon is a Ithaca model 37. First round in the Magazine- #6 Turkey load. Followed by #1 buck. I keep it secured of course, and with an empty chamber in case you were worried.

[cinFLA]

First round in the Magazine- #6 Turkey load.

Down here in FL we use #4's on Turkeys - at least the flying kind.

[Long Cut]

i keep my Charles Daley 12-gauge loaded with #6 as well. I also keep a slug around handy, just in case.

The C-D Field Tactical I have is a joy...weighs 6.5 pounds, 18-inch barrel, works any kind of shell, Magnums or 2 3/4". AND, it only ran me two hundred bucks, new-in-box. As a home-defense weapon, it is quite heartwarming to have leaning up in the corner.

That said, I AM keeping my eyes open for a good rifle. There are FN-FALs and CETME's around for under $500.00 lately, and I LOVE getting a lot of bang-for-the-buck.

[jt8d]

My philosophy is summed-up in a Remington 870 Marine Magnum w/7Rd Tube Mag; FILO: Rifled Slug, 000-Buck x2, 00-Buck x2, No.4 Buck x2. The closer they get... the more "hurt" they earn... cachunk, cachunk.

When it really has to be killed at the 200 yard line: MAC90 w/ 100rnd drum, skeletonized Fiberforce stock and fore-grip; FILO: hollow-point, incindiary, armor-piercing... repeat.

Close-up and personal: Auto Ordinance 45-ACP w/ full-length guide rod, heavy-duty return spring, polished and throated feedramp, cut-down and flared-back ejection port... a really nice way to say "goodbye."

[sneakypete]

My home defense weapon is a Ithaca model 37

THE finest pump shotgun ever built! I keep mine loaded with #4 buckshot. If I lived in a city or in a apartment,I would probably keep it loaded with #6 or #4 shot. This is providing I lived in a warm climate. If I lived in the north where a intruder is likely to be wearing layers of clothing or even a leather jacket,I'm most likely go to #2 shot or heavier.