They don't make a much better, and more dependable defensive, OR offensive shotgun than a Mossberg 500 Persuader. Fact whether anyone likes it or not. I don't own one, and prefer an 870 Remington that I do the work on, and I also used and have used a slicked up 1100 Remington with mag extension, and rifle sights, for a first entry gun.
Cabin, as far as the pumping of the action striking fear in the hearts of criminals? Don't count on it, I met several that it didn't faze.
Rifles for the home. AR15, 357mag lever, 3030 lever, AK. Take your pick. For the home and yard area though. The shotgun. Hand me an 870 loaded properly and send me in a building, I'll go, and have gone MANY TIMES with the full expectation of winning. Same with a Mossberg 500, and liked better the thumb safety rather than the one pm my Rems.
I taught it, and lived it, and although that Mossberg 500 kicks a little more because of the aluminum receiver, I never EVER, saw one fail, and I shot'em on the combat training courses for almost 20 years, and watched others that prefered'em over my Remingtons.
My own opinions, based on my ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, and others actual experience. Not training, not pretending, and not surmising. Actually using both shotgun brands in fight situations. No one has to agree with me, it is not required.
By the way. That M1 carbine. You shoot somebody with that and it might just make'em madder.