I’ve thought about something similar – having a sound bite “Get out NOW!” play from a different location in the house. That gives a warning to a loser who thought the house was empty, but doesn’t give away your true position. If the intruder doesn’t automatically leave you are able to put your defense plan into motion.

I gather neither choice is absolute. We must train for the possibility of an intrusion and “what if” scenarious. Data from this artcile and valuable comments from readers with creds will make the difference between victim and Victor.
My comment to TAC re: property is not worth killing someone over is true. What is also true is the perpetrator decided you or your property IS worth his life when he decided to enter where I / we live. I don’t know his reason. You came to my house. I didn’t come to yours. You entering my home puts me in immediate fear of death or great bodily harm. I’m a bit grouchy when awakenedd in the early AM. I’m not a tough guy. I don’t want to fight and I don’t want to hurt anyone. More importantly, I don’t want to be hurt. It is also my responsibility to make sure you don’t hurt anyone else in my home. However my conversation should be with the cops and a lawyer, not the home invader.
I agree with Mr. Cruz.

I think the sound of racking a slide might give some criminals pause. My shotgun is also a bird hunting gun and has a 3 shot capacity. By not having one in the chamber I am down to two shots. I suppose i could remove the plug for two more shots and then remember to put it back when hunting waterfowl but I prefer to start with 3 shot capacity. Also with all the reading and vidoes I have viewed on self defense with a firearm I would like to be able to tell a jury I called out “Stop-I have a gun and will shoot”. If I ever did have to defend myself. this includes when you are out on the street with CCW. Also brings potential witnesses into your defense from the operator to bystanders out on the street if you have to use CCW. I would only yell this out from a place of concealment/cover while I had my gun up and ready to shoot. Give yourself the tactical advantage even in court. Chest beating and saying “I shoot first-talk later” doesn’t help you with police or court. I don’t believe in warning shots but I do believe in warning if you are backed into a corner and threatened.