Originally Posted by soundmotor

Before I would recommend any firearm, I would ask if you've fixed the issues on your home that the intruder was able to bypass in order to get in the first time? Better & more lights, improved locks & doors and so forth. Secondly, have you considered any non-lethal alternatives such as pepper foam spray or even a Taser if allowed in your area?

You should absolutely track down the book "In Gravest Extreme" by Massad Ayoob. It will give you a better understanding of now being judged to a higher standard if you are wielding a firearm defensively. A firearm is only good if you are willing to use it and there are other things you can do first in order not to have to use it. At the end of the day, you don't want to have taken a life if you can avoid it by any other means.