I do keep handgun on my side of bed,my wife a 12ga. shorty. I think the shotgun is better because of the shot patern. If woke up middle of night lot easier to point shotgun then to try and aim a handgun:twocents:
dont use mek, osha has banned from a lot of work places, i would try goo be gone and joy dish soap. if you use chemicals i would use some lotion, you hands will be dry.