I have legally carried for 40 years. I still do. Having said that a long gun is a pain to use for home defense even if it's the best option. I found it a waste of time to put it in the safe when I go out of the house or have the grand children over. It's a constant take it out and put it in chore. I use a hand gun with small easy access safe I have. Close quarters in a typical house it will work.
On a side note going to public ranges shows me the general public are terrible shots and use poor safety practices. Muzzle direction discipline is disturbing as well as trigger safety is scary. For those new to firearms pretend a laser is coming out of the barrel. Train yourself to realize where that barrel is pointing. Never at yourself or someone else. Keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire it. Lastly this rule will increase your safety. Treat a gun whether loaded or unloaded as a loaded firearm. Then you will never have to say I thought it was unloaded.
