I'd rather disarm an untrained person that has a rifle or shotgun, for sure, especially a shotgun since it will most likely be a pump. If we get that round out of the chamber, it's going to go south real quick for him. Here's something though that can help you with retaining your rifle or shotgun. Let's say you do everything wrong and lead with your muzzle. The muzzle will be pointing slightly down. When they grab it, and 90% will this way, they'll push down and towards you, maybe to the side. If you fire, you'll most likely hit the leg and I assure you'll they'll let go. If the muzzle is pointing at the dirt, drop to your knees and fire. This will bring the muzzle up as you bring the stock down, easily taking out their knees. Most likely though, it'll never get to this point.
A good sling makes all the difference here as well. I like running single point because it's effortless to transition to support side should to take a corner on your left. A 2 point works very well too and maybe even better for retention, you just have to practice loosening it and transitioning shoulders. This is very easy to do, it's even easier if your rear attachment point is not the right side of the butt stock and your front attachment point is on the left side towards the rear of the rail. When I run two point, it's usually with my single point, so all I do is detach the clip from the D ring on the sling and attach it to the RSA on my top rail. The rear attachment point for me is the ASAP plate.
I don't disagree with your decision at all. I just know all too well what a handgun will do and what a rifle will do. If I have a couple meth addicts busting through my house, the last thing I want to do is fight with a handgun. 2 rounds from a 5.56 (or shotgun) will destroy them at those distances with m855, let alone TAP in 60 or 75 grain. A shot two inches from the spine will most likely destroy the spine. A 9mm or 45 two inches from the spine will just punch through. Now, there are plenty of guys that have survived a couple rounds of 5.56 and stayed vertical, but the chances are much less than continuing to fight after a couple rounds of 9mm. Also, like I mentioned before, there was a group running around kicking in doors with vests on. Even with fmj in .223, you'll punch right through it. You may lose the fragmentation, but it's better than not penetrating at all. A shotgun with buckshot will also, most likely, not penetrate a vest, though it'll probably crack some ribs and not the heck out of them.
Don't rule it out. With the right training, you may find it's just right for you. If not, at least you got some more training on the platform. Remember too, I always have a handgun on me.. So, being able to grab my rifle is in the best of situations. Most likely if I have to fight, it'll be with my handgun. When I had to use a gun in defense, I had absolutely NO TIME to get my rifle.
With the right training, anything is possible. I look at what others are doing in the industry. I've seen enough people that I highly respect say they choose an AR for home defense. That's good enough for me. I wouldn't if I was the only one doing it. Now, I'm not going to grab my 700 in 308 to clear my home, but you better believe I would if I had no other options. I can't stress enough to go out and get some training. Even if it's not on the AR and just handgun. Get the best you can and practice for 15 minutes a day. Muscle memory is so very important and many overlook it. Also, get some low light training. i thought I knew what i was doing before with a good Surefire. Turns out I was COMPLETELY wrong. Very quick flashes while moving and it's best to shoot with the light off - get that. That was a shock to me at first, but it's what many teach if in the right situation.
not only will all the training give you a major advantage, it's enjoyable as well. Marines are clearing houses everyday with their 20" A2's with fixed stocks and plates. Not ideal, but it can be done. Not that it relates to us, just saying'!
Gotta have that handgun on the belt too, don't forget. Also, I've found that calling a time out works in many cases :wink: - If that doesn't work, I toss some red Phos!