My prespective on a Shockwave.
Background: I bought a 12 gauge Shockwave when they first came out. To date I've put several hundred rounds through it ranging from birdshot to 3" Black Magic slugs. It's purpose is two fold. First, a work gun. We have black bears, cougars, coyotes and an array of small creatures. The shockwave rides on the tractor and goes into the woods when we're outside working. The second use is home and property defense. In my opinion, the shockwave is an excellent home defense weapon especially if you're clearing buildings or rooms. Its overall length is roughly the same as a person using a pistol to clear rooms (with their arms normally extended). Mine is equipped with a Streamlight TLR-1 HL, an Velcro shell holder, wrapped the birds head with grip tape, and I've reversed the forearm strap.
Myths
You can't aim a Shockwave - absolutely untrue. I use high carry in a threat situation with bead focused on the intended target or threat area. Simply raise the birdshead to align the target and take the aimed shoot. You can certainly "shoot from the hip" but it takes practice to profect a consistent aim/impact point. Many people initially find themselves shooting high and to the left but after a couple of hundred shots you're dead on.
The recoil is really harsh and can knock your teeth out. In fact, the birds head grip allows the recoil to travel down the forearm vice a shotgun with a pistol grip which focuses the recoil on your wrist. This recoil path also helps to minimize muzzle rise. Some folks are recoil sensitive but if you've use to 12 gauge shotguns or heavy rifles the recoil is certainly manageable. I'm an old guy and still shoot heavy slugs from an aimed position. Practice.
What ammunition you use is certainly situationally dependent. That said, certainly wouldn't recommend birdshot for home defense. Buckshot is probably the best choice for home defense and folks will debate whether 00 or #4 is best all day. Think the most important thing to remember is the spread. Buckshot spread is typically one inch per yard from the muzzle so in your house with an aimed shot over a 5 to 7 yard distance your not getting a lot of expansion. One thing I'd be careful of is using the newer "flite control" ammo for home defense. It's great for hunting birds or animals at distance but you really need some expansion in confined spaces.
Good luck on your search. I suspect this will improve in a couple of months.
Regards
Thanks for the info! Welcome Aboard!