Seeking Advice and Suggestions for Home Defense

[tech3149]

76. Seriously, you don't say what kind of area you live in but it's bad enough you have to worry

I think you should worry more about how connected you are to your community. I've lived in the NE all my life. Quite a few of those years were in areas that were considered "crime ridden", others fairly affluent that were prime targets for the less well off looking for an easier income. I never felt the need or had the use for lethal weapons to defend myself.
Now I'm back home with my 91 y/o mother. I've got two long guns. A 22 and an 8mm. I put a rifle rack above my bed and keep a few rounds in the same room with the rest in a locked ammo box.
Even on the odd chance that there would be a problem, those few rounds should be all I need. If not, either one could bust a skull when up close and personal.
Being more rural I don't think you'll ever need your guns for anything other than varmints and predators. In that case keep them close to the door(unloaded).