I've never had to shoot anyone and I hope that continues, but I'm with those who prefer an AR-15 to a shotgun for most defensive purposes. I shoot both regularly, and shotguns are slow to reload and cumbersome, especially inside a house. A relatively compact AR-15 holds lots of rounds and is fast shooting, low recoiling, quick to reload and plenty powerful with 77 grain OTM bullets. It also is much less likely to penetrate walls than buckshot or 9mm.
But it's true that you need hearing protection if you're going to touch off a rifle round indoors.
