If this is strictly a house gun for the wife (or older kids), I would stay with the unplugged shotgun, preferably a semi-auto 20 guage.
The length of a shotgun will keep the intruder at bay and comes to a natural point, either from the shoulder or the hip, if a face-to-face encounter is actually made.
If you think about the scenarios where they may have to grab the gun and put it in action, there are a couple of other things you could do to address the situation.
Put a steel door on the closet in the master bedroom with a solid deadbolt and hinges on it (don't go cheap here, door to open outward). Drop a phone line in there and put a couple of tap lights or flashlights.
Have a meeting with the family and go over the "plan" if there is a bump in the night. Most important thing to remember: Life over property. You do not need to go looking for him (them). Have your wife and family secure themselves, make the call to law enforcement, and keep the shotgun on the door until 911 assures you that you house is cleared and the police are approaching your closet door.
I'm out of town bit and a firm, communicated plan helps you rest easier if you know your family is prepared.
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