I do plan to regularly dry practice with it, every day at first for a while and then a few times a week after that to maintain familiarity. I'm going to need to get some 12ga dummies. As for shooting, considering Federal 12ga target loads are cheaper than 5.56/.223 for me, I hope to be shooting it a lot. I also want to stock buckshot for practice too, and I want to take at least one class once I familiarize myself with the shotgun well.
You mentioned Flight Control having negated advantages when it comes to home defense distances. What non-Flight Control loading would be appropriate?
The VangComp I ordered is ready to take their micro dot mount. I would like to get an Aimpoint T1 or T2 for it at some point soon.