An ex deputy sheriff with his own FFL sold me my Browning Hi-Power 9mm and my Colt .357 Python umpteen years ago.
He told me a story when I asked about the best home defense weapon.
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He passed through his dark kitchen as he headed up the stairs to go to bed. A while later, he awoke to sounds downstairs.
'Grabbed his .357 Python - his shotguns were down for cleaning - and slowly headed down the kitchen stairs. Moonlight coming through the windows showed the neighbor's dog rummaging through his garbage bag. Dog came in through the unlocked screen door - warm summer night - and he didn't notice it earlier.
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He said that even with all his military (Nam vet) and LEO training/experience, his heart was pounding so hard he questioned hitting anything w/the Python.
He advised a short-barreled shotgun - and even then, there's no certainty - also suggested a revolver.
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A while later, I bought the 12 ga. Mossberg 500 Persuader Maxi-Combo on sale at Big 5 for $199.
Standard 28" barrel w/stock and 18" barrel w/pistol grip, etc.
Like many of you, I have a variety of hand guns/rifles/shotguns.
This one is fully loaded/safety off, and lives next to my bed, on the floor under a towel.
No kids in the house.
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