Depends on the anticipated area of use and range. Having said that, I have two defensive shotguns. One - with a pistol grip, no stock, chamber limited to 2 1/2" shells only - I keep loaded with #1 shot. The other, with a regular stock, extended magazine, and 3" chamber, I keep loaded with #00 shot. For anticipated close range, maybe 30 feet or so, the #4 shot would do just fine. Anything farther than that, I would want larger shot. I would not want to be on the business end of any of them. JMHO,YMMV. Hopefully, neither of us will have reason to report results.
Merry CHRISTmas to all!
Last edited by Henryseale; 12/23/12. Reason: spelling
