What sounds scarier? Pumping a shotgun or AR charging handle?
Just kidding.
I think they could both be used to devastating effect on any intruder(s) who might come into your home wanting to do you harm. I really think it comes down to what you have trained with, and what you think you could grab and use at night after just being woken from a deep sleep and you are still groggy.
I'd say the AR might be better for clearing your house, and the shotgun is better for hiding behind the bed and pointing at the door while on the phone with 911. Hence, I keep my Mossberg 500 loaded and ready to go. The AR sits in its case in another corner of the room, not loaded but magazines nearby.
Just kidding.
I think they could both be used to devastating effect on any intruder(s) who might come into your home wanting to do you harm. I really think it comes down to what you have trained with, and what you think you could grab and use at night after just being woken from a deep sleep and you are still groggy.
I'd say the AR might be better for clearing your house, and the shotgun is better for hiding behind the bed and pointing at the door while on the phone with 911. Hence, I keep my Mossberg 500 loaded and ready to go. The AR sits in its case in another corner of the room, not loaded but magazines nearby.