how much is enough

[Old Grump]

Well sir the answer to your questions depends on who is mad at you and what kind of shot you are. You might need those extra rounds if your adrenaline, poor light and multiple targets present themselves. I myself am quite happy with the 6 rounds of 38 special LSWC 158 grains in my 357 mag revolver that lays in easy reach on my nightstand. From my bed to my bedroom door I shouldn't need more power than that. If you make me get on my feet than I am picking up Mr. Winchester or Mr. Mossberg, both loaded and both handy by the door. Neither carries 30 rounds or even 10 rounds but how many rounds of #4 shot at 20' or closer are you willing and able to take before you call it a day and go try to bother somebody else.

Ain't what you got but how you use it. I am a rifleman first and a competitive pistol shooter by training but a shot gunner inside my house. My personal preference may be M1 Garand but practical wins over preference. 45 and 9 MM stay in my gun rack along with several other fine guns I would prefer for battlefield conditions.

I hope that messed up your mind some, I am a rascal and I intended to do just that because my answer is to forget both 40 and 45 and get yourself a pump action shotgun and a case of shells with the load that makes you feel better. All that said and done I would take the 45 because I know what kind of shot I am and I believe a few bigger holes is better than a lot of little holes.