[omnivore75]

No doubt. My Winchester Defender with 7+1 12 ga ranger low recoil 00 is always within arms reach. Of course I always have a pistol at the ready that I can grab without even standing up but if given a choice I will always reach for my 12 ga most likely. In another situation I think I may prefer my AR particularly at range, against a hard target, or in low light for the ease of mounting lights/lasers but for home defense given the close ranges involved in defending a home from intrusion I don't think you can beat the 12 ga pump gun. Not only does it put em down hard but you can easily and reliably deploy a less than lethal munition and then be at the ready with a round of 00 in a flash. That alone is reason enough. If, God forbid, the worst were to happen, loading a less than lethal round as the first shot is a clear statement that you only wish to defend your life and family and are only willing to use lethal force as the last resort as it should be.