Yea, it 'sprays', but so does Buck shot. Bird shot, as the name suggests, is for birds. Buck shot, as the name suggests, can be used for deer if you so choose, and is designed for much larger animals, or in this case, people.
Buck shot is going to kick more, so you'd have to adjust. But, IMO, if your life is on the line, you really won't care about the recoil, and probably won't even notice it in the heat of things.
Just my opinion.
And as has been said before; go to the range. I'm sure Scott or Dragknee would be more than willing to take you along.