Serious question from someone who knows nothing...lol

[yagotme]

14. For "civil unrest", you should be prepared for a lethal scenario.

If you're using non-lethal, and they're not, you lose the tactical advantage. Shotguns can be loaded with lethal and non-lethal projectiles. A couple of rubber bullets, backed by buckshot for the remainder, would be a "common" defense loadout. A riot type pump shotgun, with full magazine capacity (not plugged for hunting) can be had for a few hundred dollars, used, depending on your area. Check local laws, also. Some types of non-lethal weapons are not allowed in certain areas of the country. If you decide to go with the shotgun, have some dummy rounds made up, and practice loading/unloading. The more competent you are, the safer you are.