trust me, the best weapon to have is a dog. ive been in full swat gear carrying an m-16 and the rioters didnt budge. nothing worked until we sent a group of dogs out and then the thugs ran away.
doesnt even have to be a k-9. anything but a gay ankle biter. they are more alert and they will wake up after the slightest sound. which will alert you.
you dont need much more then 1 or 2 shots. a 12 gauge will do just fine. when someone breaks into your house, they are not a trained US soldier. its some nthug who will run away and cry after one shot at them.