Shot guns are good because you're most likely to hit the target while shacking like a leaf LOL there kill or wound area is wide and when you miss your neighbor across the street won't get hit by a stray bullet. There a little long though so maybe a pistol grip to help shorten it up. Shotgun also having the longer barrel makes it easier to hit things at night as well If you go with a pistol you can get ammo that's designed to become useless after it hits the first thing in its path instead of going threw the burglar then the wall and who knows from there. A rifle not sure who thinks that's the best way to go as long as we are talking inside a house, maybe defending against a zombie attack the rifle would work LOL. A revolver would also help with the night time shooting longer barrel a little heavier helps steady things up a lot more accurate I know there not cool but they do get the job done with great efficiency and accuracy and loads of stopping power.