Sorry, Kremit. Scattergun with shot, not slugs is THE best home protection one can get in a firearm, bar none. I don't car how cool you stay and how well your aim is, there's just too many benefits that a wider spray of projectiles will give you.
I'll be honest and say that I don't practice what I preach in this; my handguns are FAR more accessible than my scattergun is (I'll definitely concede the mobility and speed of a handgun over a shotgun), but if I was ever put in a situation where I knew someone was coming in and had a chance to grab the shotgun, I'd be running for the gun safe to get it.
Finally, when deer start shooting back, I'll give a hunter kudos on their abilities under fire and pressure. Unless deer have evolved since the last time I took a buck, I don't think they are too capable in the small arms department.
