Well, actually I knew a Chief Criminal Investigator that used a satin nickel Combat Commander more for a bludgeon than shooting. I've also seen a couple of Smiths that were used like wise and kept right on tickin. I once chased a dope dealer up the steps of an old apartment building, and beating me to the door he locked it behind him. Unfortunately for him, the door was of the old beveled glass-wood frame variety. In the heat of the moment, and a measurable amount of anger, I used a new Model 19 Smith to beat a rather large hole in the glass that I stepped thru. Had some gouges in the finish, but once again shot as good as ever. The stupid part was I had a Kel-Light flash light in my left hand, but alas the Smith was in my right hand, and I am right handed. The upside is, I got the guy, and the dope.
So the moral of my experience is: I don't recommend it, but it does happen. As for pistol whippin an intruder, I think not. I think an intruder deserves a coroner.