I considered going that route too. Two things made me decide otherwise: The conversion kit is pretty expensive, so I could just get a whole 'nother pistol in 22LR for just a few bucks more and not have to fiddle with converting it over at the range if I want to shoot the 45 round as well; The 45 I've settled on is not a 5" barrel, it's a 4.2" (Commander length), so I COULD carry it if I want to, especially in colder weather with more clothes on. I mean, you CAN carry a 5" 45, but at 5'8" (and shrinking), it's a little large/heavy for me to tote in my wasitband.
Sig makes a nice 1911 22LR and for 45 the Sig 1911 C-3 is a nice piece for CC.
As are the Glock 30SF, Springfield XD45 Compact and Taurus PT145 Pro
And I may end up with a 20ga. tactical pump shotgun as well (Mossberg). I've got an old 12ga Double Barrel, but it's so heavy, it's impractical for use.
I think the 20 is an excellent choice.
I have a youth model “Escort” 20g auto. The 12.5” LoP makes for an easy to maneuver weapon. The barrel is 20” but with the short LoP it is very manageable. Holds 4+1 of 3” and I am probably going to get the mag extension to add two more.
Not a tac gun by any means, but I preferred an auto for the house and besides, in Jersey, pistol grip autos are on the chit list.
nothing will get someone's attention like hearing you rack a load in a pump shotgun...unmistakable sound.
I agree a shotgun is great, at home. Not to carry. BUT if you ever really need one, and hopefully you never will, but if you do, no time exists to be scaring someone with the sound of "racking" a shotgun, only sound should be safety going off so that already full chamber of "00" is ready to go.
I was just getting ready to add –only sound should be the safety, right before the big bang theory. Racking the shot gun will only give away position. And doing the movie style one hand rack will ruin the gun if you do it enough.