I liked the article, but it is very difficult to offer useful advice on this subject in a generic sense. Determining the right type of home defense weapon for your situation will depend on a variety of factors that extend past whether you live in an "urban" or "rural" environment. Over-penetration is a much greater concern for people with family members who may be in other rooms than it is for single people or empty-nesters. One person may be able to hunker down in their bedroom while covering the doorway with their firearm and waiting for police to arrive, but the first concern of many parents will be getting to their children and making sure that they are safe. A shotgun may be great for homes with an open layout, but may be problematic in homes with narrow hallways or stairwells. A long-gun may also be easier for an attacker to wrestle away from a homeowner in a cramped space. In my opinion, you would be best served by using a firearm that you can shoot accurately, which allows you to move freely through your home if necessary, and that you have the best chance of retaining in a potential struggle. Choosing a home defense weapon is a very important decision that requires a through analysis of your individual situation.