Shotgun or handgun.

What is the ideal weapon for home defense?

What is your designated home defense firearm?

Carbine.  I go back and forth between an M1 carbine and a Winchester model 94 in .357 magnum. 

Ideal weapon is both.  Right now my HD is a handgun, because my shotguns are on the mainland, but that'll change soon enough.  The reason I say both is that shotguns are a two-handed affair, which is fine if you're all bunkered down in the back bedroom waiting for Mr. Bad Guy to come to you, but not so good if you're going to have to go down the hallway, across the living room, downstairs, scoop up a squirmy toddler, and retrace your steps. 

Shotgun is good for barricade, handgun better for moving around the house to take care of other stuff.

Ideal weapon is both.  Right now my HD is a handgun, because my shotguns are on the mainland, but that'll change soon enough.  The reason I say both is that shotguns are a two-handed affair, which is fine if you're all bunkered down in the back bedroom waiting for Mr. Bad Guy to come to you, but not so good if you're going to have to go down the hallway, across the living room, downstairs, scoop up a squirmy toddler, and retrace your steps. 

Shotgun is good for barricade, handgun better for moving around the house to take care of other stuff.

Agreed. I think I feel the need for a shotgun coming.....

Agreed. I think I feel the need for a shotgun coming.....

I'm really lusting after the KelTec KSG, but for now the old Mossy 835 will have to do.  Going to bring that one back from vacay this spring.

Handgun maybe a "Tacticool" shotgun later.

I'm really lusting after the KelTec KSG, but for now the old Mossy 835 will have to do.  Going to bring that one back from vacay this spring.

those 870's everyone is showing off look pretty kewl!!!

those 870's everyone is showing off look pretty kewl!!!

True, but I like the fact that the KSG is shorter than an outstretched arm.  Looks pretty maneuverable, but the reliability and method of reloading might be deal-breakers.  Don't know until I try it, though!   

If I have time, both. But if not I'll grab my shotty.

glock!

True, but I like the fact that the KSG is shorter than an outstretched arm.  Looks pretty maneuverable, but the reliability and method of reloading might be deal-breakers.  Don't know until I try it, though!   

I guess if you are talking about having to try out a few shotguns before we decide I guess you could twist my arm into it! 

The problem I have is not I am not much of a shotgun person. I have a lot confidence in my abilities with my .357 Magnum and I have very little experience with a shotgun. In an emergency if I had both to choose from I would probably take the .357 Magnum nine out of ten times. Maybe even if the shotgun was the better choice under the circumstances. Instinct and old habits die hard.

I strongly believe in most HD situations, the shotgun is the better choice.

My first, most accessible weapon, however, is a pistol.

The main reason is accessibility.

I can get into the handgun safe in 2 seconds.

Now if someone gives me warning that they're going to break in, rob and hurt my family... I promise, I'll be waiting with a loaded 12 gauge.

My go to has always been the shotgun.  My Mossy 500 with the home defense barrel was always ready.  Part of it to me is the intimidation factor and that iconic sound  of a pump action shotty.  I wish I had access to some less than lethal rounds like those heavy rubber slugs though.  Wall penetration is and always will be a concern of mine.  This in turn started me thinking that maybe I should look into a .410 shotgun now that there are so many various types of self defense ammo with the niche market created by revolvers like the Taurus Judge.  Then I would have something light, manuverable in a home, manageble recoil if I had a child or other family memeber, and still have some decent umph.

I know pistol/shotgun is touted as the ideal combo, but for me:

1st: J frame
2nd: AR and M&P9

Once I get my MI AK forend, the AR will be replaced by a sidefolder AK. 

I figure if I need more than the 5 in the J frame, I want more than single digit capacity of a shotty on tap.  God forbid I ever need more than my "J", but if I do I'm bringing it!
The M&P is there as a backup pistol.

Right now handgun is what's available so that's what I will use.  A defensive shotgun is in the plans, probably a 20g so everyone can shoot it.

Glock .40

Carbine.  I go back and forth between an M1 carbine and a Winchester model 94 in .357 magnum. 

I go with a combo as well, Remington 870 (see show off 870 thread) for me and Sig P226 9mm for the little lady

Depends where I am and which tool I am closest to.  I have a loaded 9mm Sig in a pistol safe in my home office inches from desk.  And, I have a loaded 870 in my gun safe in my bedroom closet along with a loaded S&W 357 magnum.  Have to agree with kala201, nothing like the sound of the action of a pump action shotgun for deterrence.

Our bedroom is our safe room for us to hunker down & wait for LE.  And, the intruder has hot lead waiting for them if they decide to bust through the solid core door.

Next to my bed I used to have my 1911 Condition 1 and under my bed was my Mossberg 500 tube full, cruiser ready (clear it, selector on fire, drop hammer, then load tube). I liked that setup.