Maybe a Mossberg 500 20 gauge for home defense. At very short ranges (like inside your home) it's very effective and the recoil and report are much less than 12 gauge firearms.

Whatever you pick, prepare to be stunned by the sound -- if not deafening, certainly disorienting unless you're familiar with it -- and the flash (in a darkened home it can be temporarily blinding and, like the report, disorienting).

If you've never fired a 12 gauge, test fire one at a range and compare the kick with a 20 gauge. Strong men have commented wonderingly about the power of the 12's recoil. Some police departments found that their officers had better accuracy and recovery with 20 gauge.

Also, at close range, indoors (less than 20-30 feet), the hitting power of a 20 gauge is formidable. One writer described it as "75 % of the (12 gauge) power for 50% of the recoil".

And one repeat item: firing any weapon indoors is a startling experience. It's hard and dangerous to replicate beforehand. Most ranges require ear protection. Outdoor ranges let the sound and flash dissipate dramatically compared to indoor firing. If you decide to experience firing indoors without hearing protection, you really do risk permanent ear damage. If you don't, you won't know what to expect physically when you have to shoot inside. Tough choices, in my opinion.

Firing a full load .357 magnum with a short barrel on an indoor range is surprisingly flashy and loud (even with ear plugs/muffs). I have a hard time imagining what it would be like for someone awakened in the night and firing at an intruder. My guess is that there would a good chance for the home defender to drop the gun after the first shot.

At least with a 20 gauge, you have to use both hands. And so many people have commented on the sound of the pump being clicked (you've heard it in a thousand videos and movies) as a pre-fire deterrent. I have no idea if it's true, but it sounds macho-y enough.