On any shotgun the pattern is tighter with larger shot size (smaller number). I don't think the buck sized shot pattern will be 2' atacross the room and down the hall, it might be with 5's or 4's (both of which will tear up an intruder at 30'), as for "Distance", Hunting people is frowned upon in most states, but those rifled barreled shot guns bring down alot of deer every year.