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The following assumes that we're talking about in-home defensive situations, not concealed carry outside of the home:

Pointing a shotgun at typical in-the-house engagement ranges 'in the general direction of the intruder' pretty well guarantees a miss. The shot pattern will have only expanded to a few inches in the house by the time it gets to the target. Other than that, shotguns are a pretty good choice. Whatever weapon is chosen, it should be practised until you *know* that you can efficiently handle it when you have been awakened from a dead sleep at 2:00 AM and you are shaking like a leaf. Simple and reliable is better.

I disagree that a different and smaller caliber should be selected for the lady of the house. If stopping power is a criteria for selecting the husband's defensive firearm, it should be for the wife's, as well. The situation doesn't change just because it's her that is doing the shooting. In handguns, get something simple to operate (middle of the night shaking like a leaf factor) and quite powerful, like a revolver in .357 Magnum. Go to the range with her, and start her out with .38 loads if necessary and work up to heavyweight .357 loads. I have taught several women to shoot and they are comfortable with the recoil- it really isn't that bad.

Another thing to be aware of, is the noise of a gunshot in a house. It will be much louder than expected. If you are lucky enough to live in a rural area where you can get away with it, you might consider finding some property in a safe area with a solid backstop for the fired rounds, and an available derelict building where you can pop a few rounds off to experience the noise and get used to it. No more than a few, it *will* damage your hearing.

nother thing to be aware of, is the noise of a gunshot in a house. It will be much louder than expected.

Some recent research has suggested that in a high-stress situation, perceptual narrowing usually occurs and the brain "shuts down" that kind of input. Many individuals in shootings report that they never even heard their own shots.

Never seen that particular elephant myself, so your mileage may vary. In any event, take it into account before risking your upper frequency hearing on that little experiment. (I wouldn't suggest it with a ported Magnum, certainly),

Go to the range with her, and start her out with .38 loads if necessary and work up to heavyweight .357 loads. I have taught several women to shoot and they are comfortable with the recoil- it really isn't that bad.

Huh? I would recommend that they stick with 38+P in a lightweight to medium frame.