In this situation, I doubt seriously anybody would test his mettle enough for him to have to defend himself in court. Secondly, it doesnt' matter what factory modifications one has put a weapon through, the shot charge out the front is still going to be doing the same thing as a $1,500 forcing cone lengthened, polished bore, tuned choke, tritium beaded, ghost sighted, Vang Comp'd, Holo-Sighted, Comp Stocked, Laser rangefinding, bottle opening, gold pellet shooting, action tuned, hair triggered, oversize safetied, side saddled, tactical slinged, Remington 870 Police model! Even if it's carried by a fatigue wearing, face painted, ninja trained, Rambo watching, Navy Seal combat veteran!
I think that Joe Sixpack intended to scare looters off, not engage in personal combat with them. Cops try to do the same thing, otherwise they'd drive Ford pickups and dress in blue jeans and flannel shirts to try and blend in.