Personally I go for the larger bores myself. I use a 40 Glock as a carry and a Springfield XD 45 for home defense. Everyone has their personal choice I just like the idea of making a bigger hole. Not to step on anyone's choice but the shotgun is really not a great home defense weapon. Granted it will stop anything but in close quarters it is hard to work with.

As for more rounds in the 9, how many do you need? Don't misunderstand I'm not knocking you but there is more than enough in my 40 or 45 for any home invasion. It only takes one or two to take out an intruder and even if you miss a couple of times there's still plenty left.

As someone else mentioned it's all about shot placement anyway with either weapon. Even the 38 Special will drop a man pretty quick.

Just my 2 cents worth.