'home invaders' (lol) in this cesspool of a city are known to wear body armor. It's a short-barrel 870 w/no. 1 buck for me. My logic is even with full body armor a blast to the head should make an impression.
I agree, for me personally I'd rather have a normal shotgun vs a handgun in a home defense situation. I've got a Mossberg 500 w/18 inch barrel and a pistol grip next to my bed with OO buck shot. I think it'll do the trick :D