Interestingly and related though here is a segment from a blog post I am working on called the $1000 arsenal:
Every household should have three firearms at MINIMUM. A shotgun, pistol, and a rifle. This is NOT optional. Order is optional, but start with the Shotgun.
Shotgun
The shotgun is the first purchase any household should make. For utility purposes nothing beats a good 12-gauge shotgun. It can be used to hunt birds, small game, deer, fish (yea don't ask). It can be used as a club, a walking stick (not recommended), a snorkle (don't ask). Finally in a pinch if you really gotta do it, it can be used for home defense. Don't even need to fire a shotgun for home defense as sometimes all it takes is the shnick-schnak sound to scare would be house burglars away.
Etc etc
My husband and I have been discussing getting our first firearm, and have decided to invest in a shotgun. He’s a former Marine, but I have never used a gun. Should I take a class first then buy, or buy and learn how to use the gun we buy? This is a major step, as I have refused to have a gun in the house for 35 years of marriage.