Home defense weaponry should be a well rounded thought. A handgun is a good idea for quick applications and home searching (not a good idea unless you have been specially trained in this activity). Shotguns are great for a safe room (where your family holds out, calls 911, and waits for the cavalry). A rifle can be beneficial if you are in a country setting and your neighbors are not close. I live in a small city but have at least one of each available. My handguns for this are a Beretta 92F, 4" S&W model 686, 4" S&W model 28, 4" S&W model 10, 3"S&W model 65. My wife's home defense handgun is a 2 1/2" S&W model 66. With the right ammunition a 3 or 4 inch S&W revolver will serve you very well. My shotgun is a 20" Remington 870 Wingmaster. My rifles are a Colt AR-15 SP1 and a Beretta CX4 Storm set up to match my 92F. Another piece of equipment is a good high output flashlight. A bright flashlight may blind the invader to the point they don't want to fight. I new of a guy many years ago who used a 1,000,000 CP rechargeable spotlight. With that shining at the subject he never had to fire his Colt 45 ACP.