Thank you all very much for the great thoughts and ideas!<br><br>With great respect to Andy(and I mean that), we have decided on shotguns for the reasons expressed by people here and a few of our own. An important (but not controlling) reason is that the tactical team for one of my local departments is upgrading and is making a very good deal on two 870's. (I am going to join in). We are doing the 8 hour basic, then the tactical team is going to let us participate in their next "stop and shoot" course late this month. <br><br>There were so many great points made here that our decision was actually more difficult but MUCH more informed. Also gave me enough information to ask the tac guys less stupid questions. <br><br>Now that we made the decision, I am really anxious to learn about the different loads (it seems like there are a million of them) and what loads are best for what purposes. Tom talked about that a little--and I would like to learn a lot more. Any more information on that? <br><br>It turned out to be a wonderful idea to sit down and talk about whether you are actually going to be able to use the weapon to "STOP" (read "kill") if it comes to that. That led to a great and lengthy conversation that ended up covering a whole bunch of topics. You learn a lot about someone when you have that conversation(and remember, we have been together for years). I don't think there can be true certainty with that one either. As certain as one might feel, I would submit that only those of you who have been there and done that know for sure. <br><br>Raven is right -- if you fire a weapon in defense, you will be be subject to official legal scrutiny and if you hit someone, the complications increase astronomically. However, in my jurisdiction (and I bet most others), you will be treated fairly by law enforcement. As a prosecutor, I review those cases, and I have never been in a position where I had to file charges against someone defending home and family. I have, however, prosecuted reckless hunters, usually intoxicated, who injured innocent people. Any incident where a police officer fires their weapon in the line of duty must be reviewed by our office. If no injury results, it usually takes less than an hour to certify the incident as a clean shoot. If injury or death results, a much more formal investigation ensues but almost always is properly cleared.<br><br>Thanks again to you all for the great information and help.<br><br>Warmest,<br><br>Robb<br><br><br>