OK, I'll admit it: this thread is making me reconsider my option of loaded chamber. Even though there are never any kids in that room,
(just ain't gonna happen), it may be overkill given the other weaponry nearby.
However, at the risk of opening an old debate
,
I'm just not convinced that "racking" is going to make Mr. BG runaway.
Suppose Mr. BG is also armed. If you rack it, he'd know where you are (at least your general location).
Suppose his .357 mag will shoot through your drywall, etc.
I dunno. I just don't want to advertise where I'm at
in the building (part of the element of surprise),
and would prefer to have the option of not even letting them know
I'm armed unless I choose to tell them so.
In my case, if I'm awakened to nose in my space (and I will be awakened - it's set up in a way as to be virtually impossible to come in without making noise), then I'm going to have weapon in one hand and phone in the other calling 911.
If the intruders get stupid enough to try to break into the safe room before the cops arrive, they'll hear me shouting "Get on the floor NOW!" and see that 12 pointed in their direction from safe cover as they come through the door, so they're going to understand the "armed" part pretty quickly.
If they were trying to break down the door and I wanted to just say no, I'd be more likely to warn them verbally rather than just rack the shotgun.
Just thinking out loud here. YMMV.