I dunno, you guys are picking appart the use of a shotgun, but I think there is a reason they remain such a popular choice for home defense.
Jeff had mentioned their reduced effectivness at 30 yards, and this is certainly true. But is that a realistic scenario? I think we are all getting caught up in NO fever. I can't imagine a situation when I would be shooting at someone 30 yards away, and not plan on going to jail. Self defense means an
immediate threat to your person or your family.
Its ok to defend you castle, just make sure you know where your castle ends and the public domain begins....
Of course maybe you have a house with rooms 30 yards wide....in which case my whole arguement fails.....