[fireflash38]

Just so you know, shotguns are not the wildly inaccurate things as depicted in most TV shows and video games. Depending on the choke and ammo used, they can be accurate up to 50yds with Buckshot (depending on choke), and probably up to 100yds with slugs.

I would say the most damning thing about using them for the purposes you describe would be the awkwardness of carrying around a shotgun that is that accurate and hiding it.