so for home defense
simple
extended magazine. (reloading a shotgun is by far the slowest operation)
a LIGHT. the best ones just function as the forearm and when you squeeze it it goes on. automatic.
short length of pull. (clearing corners, etc),
short barrel (18.5"),
wide open choke. (cylinder) (inside of the 20 to 30 feet in a house, it's not going to open up more than an inch or two.)
simple bead sight.
if it's a pump, add a shell carrier on it, if it's a semi-auto, don't(tends to jam up with the weight, esp on a benelli)
pumps run, like a revolver, you just keep pumping if it jams. semi-autos work with less manual of arms, in worse positions (try shooting a pump under your bed), but they jam. all semi-auto's jam at some point, usually the worst possible time.

test test test. go shoot some trap and some skeet, make sure it runs well and it fits you.
teach others in your household how it works. make them practice with it.

leave it easily accessible and loaded. (I like to leave mine, hammer down on a empty chamber, i.e. cruiser ready. one pump and away we go, but nobody can just pull a trigger accidentally).