Best advice I've seen on the entire thread.
Most if not all home defense weapons are in the hands of people who aren't formally trained and who practice infrequently at best. Last thing you'll be able to do under duress and scared shitless is remember how to do things like release the action on a pump shotgun, release the slide safety on a pistol, etc. A "pick it up, point it and pull the trigger" is what will work best for most people. If it's not loaded and ready to fire, you may as well have a rock or a baseball bat.
Also, no better reference than Box of Truth to understand what you are shooting. Many myths laid to rest here from "point and spray" to using a .410 for defense.
Mr. niteowl77