keep a handgun near to get you to a safe place in your house where you keep the shotty would be my advice
I vote shotgun, with a round in the chamber. I would not count on the sound of a slide being racked to affect a dope-head breaking into my house. The only thing you can count on to intimidate any intruder is a nice hole all the way through his chest that is big enough for you to read the clock on the wall through.
However, I agree with the poster that said that a pistol on the hip is better than a shotgun on the other side of the house when an intruder suddenly appears in the hallway blocking your access to said shotgun.
I go for handgun. only because I have it near me all night (except my wife ) ..
How so? Ever checked your pattern at 3 yards? It's what, 3 inches?
I wouldn't say easier to get a hit, but I would say a helluva more effective it. It's like being hit with 9 .32 bullets at once. That's why I'd go with a shotgun if we had one.
Right now, the choice is Baby Eagle .40 w/ cheap Federal JHPs or XD .45 w/ Winchester Ranger Ts. They are both on the nightstand.