text: In reply to message77163: In the situation where you must go down stairs, you would not use a rifle. I would go smaller. A pistol would better within the choke points of your house. Each tool has a purpose. Otherwise, you have the high ground and home field advantage. Take advantage of that. Make some noise and make the intruder come to you. Then use your rifle and let them all fall in & around the stairwell. You'll see their feet before they see you...unless they decide to belly crawl over to the stairs, which they will not.