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Thanks everybody for the recommendations and opinions. And by the way, I have a Howa 1500 in .308 with a 3x9 scope and 20" barrel which would fulfil the scout rifle function, except that it doesn't have a detachable magazine. However, Howa has a kit to fix that.

I may forego a lever- or pump-action chambered for a pistol cartridge as a short-range defensive rifle, and go with my Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge. I'm going to get an 18 1/2" barrel for it and an extended magazine. With the mag loaded with alternate slug and #3 buckshot rounds it ought to do the job out to 50 yards or so. Beyond that, my Howa will take care of problems (from a bench it will put three rounds into 3/4" if I do my part). And if the trouble is "up close and personal," I have several handguns that will do the job.

Again, thanks

Crash

I find pump-actions easier to operate than lever-actions. I know that that is a personal preference, but is there any reason a lever-action rifle would be preferable to a pump-action? The reason I'm asking is that I'm trying to decide what kind of long gun to buy if the day ever comes that we can no longer buy semi-autos.

All thoughts appreciated,

Crash