Somebody say Shotgun?
First, dont be fooled by this "Big Wide" pattern rumor. OO and even 6 shot group very tight at close range. Slugs are more accurate than you might think as long as they are rifled slugs.
I love shotguns, dont know why I just do.
As for me, I have a shotgun handy all the time. When I get up in the morning my 12 gauge goes in the back of the truck seat. When I get home, its beside the bed. At home the chambers stays HOT. This idea of racking it to scare bad people does not apply at my place. Violate my property and get shot! I have no desire to scare some ******* so they can pull some crap over on me.
Something I would suggest is trying different ammo. Go to your favorite place to shoot and set up some ply boards. Shoot at 7, 25, and 50 yards. Your going to learn a few things about grouping. Buckshot stays grouped very well at 25 yards with the right barrel.
Have fun and enjoy.
BOOM!