best defensive caliber and why?

[M.T. Pockets]

Well, I'm your shotgun guy. Probably because I don't own a handgun (yet). I'm also fortunate to live in a low crime area.

For me it's my old friend Browning BPS with a magazine full of #4 buckshot that I keep under the bed, chamber empty. The distinct sound of a round quickly going in the chamber should get anyone's attention. After that, I'd hate to be on the receiving end of those pellets at the close range inside of a house.

Some disadvantages of this set up that I can see are: 3 shot capacity, and the bulk of a long gun. I can only imagine the mess it would make to the drywall if you had to fire it inside.....