There were like seven assailants, and the shot actually did hit one of them in the leg. This is what caused the others to retaliate. I don't think a shotgun would have helped. Unfortunately the incident was not a game of DOOM.

Bullshit. Shotguns are not designed to have a wide pattern close up. They're designed to have a wide pattern out at 40 yards or so.

Sawed off shotguns have a wider pattern closer, but it's wildly random and impossible to aim with any real effectiveness.

I have both. I shoot trap. My gun on my bedside is a p226 with a flashlight that has a strobe option.