Shotguns are the best choice for an "Only" Gun.

[popplecop]

Ireceived a Rem. 510 for my 8th birthday. Now some 65 years later it still is my prize .22 even though I probably have a dozen others.

[dovehunter]

Here's another vote for the shotgun as the only weapon for both self defense and game. Here in Virginia a lot of localities only allow shotguns for hunting, A 12 ga. pump, though maybe not ideal for all situations, can certainly handle anything in a pinch, particularly at close range.