This seems to be the conventional wisdom. I think it kind of depends on the situation though. The best weapon is the one you can actually deploy effectively in an emergency. A pistol in my shoe by the bed versus a shotgun in the closet.
If you ever find yourself in a "shoot out", and are not a policeman, you need to be using your ammo in order to manufacture an escape - period.
I just ran through a scenario in my home using an air pistol modeled after a Colt. It was not loaded. 1. I have to stay low and in cover as much as possible. There are multiple levels. 2. I have to learn to shoot from cover with my left handed as well 3. I am sure I would be spending very little time in a range stance. 4. There would spots in my house I just could not risk shooting.
I live in a very good neighborhood. What has that got to do with anything? You think robbers and burglars target houses only in the hood?