on the buckshot v. birdshot v. .38/.357 issue
Yes, a miss is a miss is a miss
I've been seriously shooting almost every type and bore of shotgun since I was 12. I've won so many turkey shoots around my grandfather's home that I am no longer welcome.
That being said, I am going to be scared as hell if I wake up to some dude creeping around my apartment and the prospect of having to shoot someone is only going to add to an adrenaline spike big enough to make my own head explode.
THAT being said, as a confident and proficient shotgunner, I realize that I just might miss.
I also realize that buckshot and birdshot are the same thing at close range - a glob of lead in a plastic cup. Birdshot, however IS less likely to penetrate walls because upon impact, the smaller pellets/lighter load is more likely to act like those nifty saftey slugs for pistols.
I AM buying a carry piece in less than a month. READ ABOVE: .357 Ruger SP 100 in a 3 inch. I haven't fired a pistol in many years and have absolutely no combat training with one. I'm taking a self-defense class in May, which will give me the documentation I need to get my cc license, NOT to make me feel competent enough to rely on it. THAT will come in October or so, after I've spent about $1000 in range time and ammo.
I CAN say that adrenaline aside, if I need to take a second shot with a shotgun, training is going to kick in and take the intruder's head off.