Ak 47 (semi auto) or a semi auto shotgun for home defence?

The AK pattern rifle in 7.62x39mm would still have a tremendous chance of overpenetration as the 123gr 7.62x39mm round carries more momentum. It's actually still used my units of the Russian military that conduct urban operations both for its better ballistics in subsonic suppressed varieties and for its weight allowing for better barrier penetration in urban environments with standard supersonic ball ammo.

As to the AK looking intimidating, you'd be surprised what a criminal will ignore and not be intimidated by. Don't rely on the gun's looks to save the day. Honestly of the two, a 12ga with #4 low recoil LE buck would be my choice.

Saiga 12 should have you covered. 12ga power for stopping intruders at close range, and fast(ish) mag reloads to make up for limited capacity.

I use a handgun. Here is why. A rifle or shot gun gives way too much for the other guy to grab. When going thru a door way you have to put the barrel thru first and he can grab it. Once he has it, he can direct it away from himself and it is useless to me as a weapon. I prefer a handgun. If you feel you need some short of shotgun, get a Taurus Judge and load it with 410 rounds. There are some specifically designed for defense.

no get a full auto one to be sure

I'd have to go with a shotgun. If you have multiple targets threatening your home, then a rifle, an AK in 7.62 X 39, is a better option. If its only 1 or 2 knuckleheads trying to invade your castle, a shotgun loaded with BB in steel shot (that's about 90 .177 caliber pellets) delivers a wound cavity at most defense ranges (10 feet, give or take) that you can shove a Pepsi can into. Since we don't shoot to kill, but rather we shoot to live, I prefer a round with a high level of crushing power. My personal home protection gun is a Benelli M-4 with a 7 round tube. If I need more than 8 rounds, I keep a box of shotshells nearby.

So, the answer is---'it depends'.

I love the AK, i have an Egyptian model that works flawlessly. But for internal defense i prefer a 12 gauge pump shotgun. 00Buck loads. Preference is just me.

Imagine if a bunch of guys rab into your home that your family lived which gun would you grab? Ak47 or the shotgun?

Ak47 is best because if its multiple people that are shoting at you, you will have more shots to defend yourself with plus a shotgun is no match for a michine gun or hand gun .you don't want to be out gunned . if me and you hhad a shoot out right now what would you perfer if you could only grab one gun the ak47 or shot gun. Lol im grabing the Ak47 thats just me .

You do not needs weapons for protection. They do not protect you at all. They are very dangerous, and there are so many incidents involving dangerous weapons. Your best way for home defense is a security system.

If those are the only two you have available, an AK is more handy and has more rounds available so that's what I'd go with. Give a choice though, I'd prefer a handgun.

Over penetration is still an issue if you have neighbors, if not the AK would be my choice.