I carry just like that , but when I ' m sleeping , the holster with the gun still in it I avoid removing it from the holster unless I ' m cleaning it or firing it at the range , or , god forbid , someone needs perforating gets locked up . I either get a larger pistol or my shotgun and make sure I have a flashlight handy for target ID . If someone breaks in , step one should be to call 911 to get cops on the way . After that , you ' re basically playing trench defense . Hunker down where you are after collecting your family in the most defensible room , this should be something you plan for like fire drills or when your in laws come over and keep the door covered , staying on the line with 911 . If the intruders approach the room where you are , give them a verbal warning and let them know you are armed and police are en route . Statistically I believe they are more likely to leave immediately , but if they decide to come after you anyway , that should be taken as a clear extreme threat which is all the justification you need to defend yourself . Safe storage for the weapon you use is pretty subjective . I prefer to have a round chambered for the sake of speed and silence I don ' t have to rack a slide and make all that noise but if you are that worried , keep your pistol in slide lock with a full mag inserted or near by , so all you have to do is insert the mag andor release the slide , or keep you shotgun cruiser ready which is a full tube with an empty chamber and slide action released . Alternatively , you could look into a lock box . It ' s a pretty secure way to store a locked and loaded pistol , spare mag , and light that is easy to hide and quick to access should you need to . They come with a cable for securing to a fixed object so someone doesn ' t just up and walk off with it . Bottom line , though , I understand that you are on the fence . If this is something you are considering seriously , you need to stop vacillating and make the commitment one way or the other . Once you own a firearm , you need to make sure that all precautions and good handling practices are followed mindfully . Most instances of accidental shootings are the result of negligence , complacency , and plain foolishness . Many instances of failed self defense are the result of the victim not being fully prepared mentally and emotionally for the event or not having their weapon in a state that they could use it effectively . And on top of all that , if you do decide to go that route , make sure you train and practice . It ' s not a magic talisman . Edit wow that turned into a wall of text fast .