Home Defense?? shot gun always. Racking a chamber at night in the dark, per study of convicted criminals 12 out of 13 will run away after hearing it. they know what it can do, just like having a pitbull terrier in the house, criminals will avoid your house cause they know what it can and will do. handgun backup weapon. load a shotgun LIFO fashion last in first out. non lethal rounds first, then lethal. u gave then a chance.
studies show, millions of people every yr save their lives or someone else's from a perp just by showing a weapon and telling the perp to leave. A 27yr retired state trooper I know agreed with this 100%.
lever action 30/30 is always good, low cost, it will take down deer, perps no problem. remmington core-loc rounds.
some writers consider a lever action rifle the most politically correct rifle with great knock down power. they come in many calibers.
great book by former Green Beret Don Paul, he has some other excellent books also
Conquer Crime: How To Be Your Own Bodyguard: Don Paul: 9780938263241: Amazon.com: Books