Originally Posted by Pete

Get a shotty. Buckshot is more likely to do less damage after passing through a wall in case you miss or in some cases, stop in the wall completely. A slug projected by handgun will likely penetrate the walls with more force and poses a greater danger to other residents that may be different rooms. Also, the sound of a shotgun being racked should be enough to deter most intruders. However, if it turns out to be a druggy or mentally unstable person, you will have more than enough stopping power in a couple shells to put them on the ground.