Vice President Joe Biden had some advice Tuesday to Americans scared about a home attack: Buy a double-barrelled shotgun and shoot--to scare.

But in explaining how he told his wife Jill to use one, the gun would be useless in an aggressive attack. The reason: after firing two shots from the gun into the air to scare potential attackers, it would be empty. The AR-15 he argued against would still have at least two rounds and potentially dozens more after two were fired.

Addressing a question from "Kate" during an online Q&A with Parents Magazine, he said, "If you want to protect yourself get a double barrel shotgun, have the shells, a 12 gauge shotgun, and I promise you, as I told my wife, we live in an area that's secluded and somewhat wooded. Said, 'Jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here, walk out, put that double-barrelled shot gun and fire two blasts outside the house. I promise who's ever coming is not..."

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But if they did keep coming, his wife would be left with either an empty gun or fumbling for two more shells, exactly why multiple women's groups have been pushing President Obama's anti-gun hitman to stop pushing for an assault weapons ban.

Typically, homeowners buy pump shotguns that hold at least three shells and can hold more. Double-barrelled shotguns are usually far more expensive and are used in fancy bird hunts.

One other issue: Are the Bidens worried about a home invasion inside their gated and Secret Service protected Naval Observatory home?