Maybe the guy's jacket stops the pellets and he pulls a gun and shoots you before you stop shooting, evaluate, and re-engage. Handguns have the same penetration issues....
1. If you need to use a gun against someone, you need to use it NOW. 2. Using it NOW does not include the idea of loading less lethal rounds to start with, and if that doesn't work, go to something more potent. 3. Using a firearm NOW means it loaded with the ammunition required to make it 100% useful NOW.
I'll take that chance over the chance of accidentally shooting a hole through my wall into my neighbors house with his children.
There are different types of buckshot, all of which have less penetration than 00, and greater leathality than birdshot.
This is England. Keeping a gun by your bed is illegal and carries a lengthy spell behind bars. I keep a glass of water by my bed, and my wife at the other side.
Local story. 1 dead after attempted break-in on Near Northside The perps should have checked the bumper sticker before trying.