Shotguns have to be aimed. Even an open choke at 10 yards still only sprays shot at about 1.5 feet in diameter. At 5 yards, that's about 8 inches ... You cannot shoot it from the hip, unless you practice.
I do like a shotgun for self defense however. The mechanism and handling is second nature after thousands of rounds down the barrel. It can be easily traveled with without having to lock it or raising an eyebrow - at least compared to a handgun. An 18" barrel makes it handy and still a backup, if there is small game to be had in the area.
G