If it's strictly for home defense I would opt for a cyl. bore pistol grip shotgun using lighter loads...IMO, 00 buck would be a decent choice. The lighter load would give you better control, less recoil, and hopefully less wall penetration. Racking a round does sound menacing and could be enough of a deterrent but my biggest fear in a home defense scenario is only getting one shot in the dark of the night and then being blinded by the muzzle flash and not getting a follow-up; a round from a shotgun vs. a revolver or pistol would, I think, give you a better first shot success.
My reasoning for the pistol grip would be to keep the fire arm closer to your person without the barrel hanging out there too far giving the assailant a chance to make a grab for it. In an ensuing struggle, that could really turn the tables on you.
just my .02