I feel pretty safe with my shortened 12 ga pump loaded up with 00 Buck. 18 1/4" barrel, 29" overall. It's compact, packs a punch and it's reliable. recoil is a .... well, you all know where I'm going with that.
But I have no problem with really anything that could be used to defend yourself. My shotgun or .45 isn't around for some reason I'd feel pretty good with my trusty AK