I also am a fan of a nice 12 gauge and like to run #4 buck shot . We all have a brand of shot gun we like and some like auto loaders over pump guns . I really don't care what brand mine is just so that it is reliable but for myself I prefer a pump as the sound of chambering a round has a psychological effect on people . I like to pull the plug so I can have 5 rounds instead of 3 if I need more then 5 rounds then I will have my 40 S&W loaded with HST's , in hand by the time I run through them . I don't mind a good AR with a 16 " barrel but think you have to be very selective about the ammo you select for home defense so as not to do harm to those that you are wanting to protect by shooting through walls doors ect. .