ever considered just to install beter locks and hinges on your doors and windows to keep the burgular out at the first place. And it will also work wenn your not home. I have to say that i noticed that the locks used in the us for plain family houses are very weak. And little other forms of burgular protection is installed to the house.

Here in holland you can get a police cetificate if you house is protected to a certain level. Like a triple closure frontdoor lock with a harden steel, non removable plate to protect the cilinder. With ofcourse "claws" on the hinged side of the door.
Windows are only openable from inside with a key. And stuff...

A weapon should only be used as a very last massure and not as the first and only defens of you house. I'm not saying that weapons are bad tools to defend your self, but don't forget all the other meassures you can take to prevent burgulars (or worse) in your house.