Chris, I figure if I ever find myself reaching for a short-barrel pump gun, I'm in a very bad situation. For sport, I like O/Us or trim English style side-by-sides with 28" tubes.

I'd agree on the shot size ... I've always thought single-0 or No. 1 buck would be a good defense load.

Re inexperience, no doubt. If I do buy a pump gun, I'll get it out to practice with ... hand-thrown clay birds (that little red thrower from MTM is inexpensive and works), hedgeballs, etc. would probably be my practice targets. Would also run some defense loads through it to get used to the feel.