My wife and i debate this. We own a shotgun but she wants an AR. Im not against ARs at all but think the shotgun is preferred for home defense. I figure its more firepower, louder (nice cause even loading it can deter intruders much less it going off is like a cannon), it carries 5 rounds 1 in the chamber which i think is plenty, less accurate but i debate that. Because of buckshot it hits the target plus everything around, one doesn't have to aim exact with a single bullet. She argues its lighter (probably so, but can't be by much), more accurate, more rounds. Basically more efficient if trained to use it. I can see that, but i think it's negligible. Our shotgun is plenty for defending our home. As stated earlier, just loading it can deter anyone, and then put one in the ceiling or floor and surely no one is going to keep trying to come in. Also I'd think it to be much more effective in attack or defense if needed. It's a frickin cannon. Where am i wrong here? Y is the AR so popular for home defense but I'd think the shotgun much better? Thoughts?