Its what they were invented for....
To repel boarders.
I have one, with shells in the butt cuff. A no brand name made in China gun, but it works! And at less than $200 when I got it, if the cops decide it needs to be evidence for months/years, I won't cry too much.
Yes, the down side is only having two shots. But to balance that, you can't short stroke a SxS! Shorter than a pump (by about 6"!) they are very handy, and better than any other long gun inside the house (except possibly something you can use with the stock folded).
Remember, in a home defense situation, you are legally responsible for every shot you fire. Not having enough shots in the gun to "spray and pray" is actually better, particularly if you live in an urban situation. Most places, firing a "warning shot" is not legally a good idea.
Home defense is about driving off the attacker(s), more often than anything else. Stopping them by shooting them is done only in gravest extreme. A double barrel 12ga has proven effective and efficient since they came out, and are no less so today.
Practice, and know where your gun hits at close range (because it ain't like so many people think it is). At across the room ranges, your pattern will be somewhere between your fist and your open hand in size. You can miss, and easily, if you haven't practiced. But, just a little bit of practice can give even a complete beginner the ability to use the gun effectively at home defense distances.
My personal opinion is that every member of the household that can physically use a coach gun should be taught how, whether they are interested in shooting, or not. Once they know the basics of how to use it, if they don't care for shooting, fine. At least you know that they know, and could use it in an emegency. There is no gun that is simpler to use, or hit with at close range, and has that kind of power. There have been many times over the years where even pre-teen children have saved themselves and family members, because the gun was available, and they knew enough to use it sucessfully.
Obviously, each of us has to decide what is right for our own households, taking all factors into account. But don't dismiss the coach gun, just because you only have two shots without reloading. Having one, and being able to work it, is a lot better than having a "better" gun that could be fumbled with or is harder to hit with under stress.
