Here are the "bullet points" (haha - i'm hilarious) of my situation: - my primary concern is home defense, but I want to actually USE any  firearm I purchase.  Range shooting needs to be possible and affordable  (i know the last range I was at didn't allow rifles or shotguns...) Shotgun, find a new range. - my wife doesn't like firearms. I have to choose ONE (for now).  She  particularly dislikes the size and "image" of shotguns, or this would be  an easy decision. Tough Sh*t...bad guys dislike shotguns too. - I am CHEAP.  $200 is my absolute max budget.  Cheaper would be better. - cost and availability of ammo matter a lot. Shotgun meets all those requirements - "stopping power" isn't a huge concern for me. Missing an intruder and shooting through my neighbor's wall IS a concern... Shotgun gives you both stopping and less likelihood of shooting up the the neighbors house. With the added advantage (with buckshot) that you don't NEED to be an accomplished marksman.  Practice is always recommended.