Home defense ?

[Badlander]

There is always A thread on here about guns for home defense. We hear recomendations from Double barrel shotguns to Full auto Aks.
I own handguns from .22 to .45, and rifles from .22 to .45 including ARs and FALS along with several 12ga shotguns.
My most likley home defense senario is someone going after the wifes exotic birds in the avaries outside. (she raises them)
of course I have the same Home invasion worries anyone else has.
The 12ga benelli M1 goes outside with me when I have to investigate noises outside.(usualy A coon or stray dog) I always have A handgun on me. I keep A Marlin 30-30 available for the rare chance I may need A long shot for something.
What I want to hear is your idea of home defense, today, things that could hapen right now. and how you are prepared for it.
I think that would be of more help to beginers than preparing for the end of the world.

 

[MedWheeler]

There are three most-common types of unlawful home breaches. The first involves defense only of the resident comes home during it, and that's the unoccupied-residence burglary. The second is the "cat-burglary", the one in which an intruder gains entry while the occupants are asleep, with no intention or desire to wake them. The third is the "takeover" home invasion, the least-common of the three.
There are countless threads with good information from people here on what their plans are to handle all three. You'll likely enjoy just perusing these boards, particularly this one (S&T) and putting together your own ideas. There are so many factors that need to be weighed, such as training, how many other people whose safety for which you are responsible, the layout of the property, etc.

I've actually noticed that the frequency of roving-zombie and TEOTWAWKI threads has greatly diminished.

 

[45Fan]

Shotguns are a good general purpose, all-around home defense weapon. Handguns are convenient, but not quite as desirable in most situations. Rifles are usually not a great first choice, depending on your environment, as they tend to carry a bit further and penetrate more barriers than the other two options.

 

[bikerdoc]

The 12ga benelli M1 goes outside with me when I have to investigate noises outside.

Just a thought from my playbook.

Without good outside lighting I recommend not going out and backlighting youself in a doorway.

 

[rondog]

Just my opinion, but I'd consider this to be perfect!

 

[moonpie]

a text book zombie invasion is unlikely in my case. i'm more concerned with trouble spilling over from a neighbor or following a friend to my door. since these are rarely life or death situations my priority is to create a buffer until tempers cool or a third party(their friend. family or police) takes them away.i consider myself very lucky to never have used a weapon in fear or anger.

 

[PoserHoser]

Just my opinion, but I'd consider this to be perfect!

agreed!!!

 

[Shadow 7D]

COPS
really the FIRST defense is not getting involved in others business, and keeping their business out of your home (hardening your home to prevent burglary)

its the LAST defense that involved a gun.

 

[Badlander]

bikerdoc Quote:
The 12ga benelli M1 goes outside with me when I have to investigate noises outside.

Just a thought from my playbook.

Without good outside lighting I recommend not going out and backlighting youself in a doorway.






I have good outside lighting and the dog goes out first.

 

[Chindo18Z]

Although home invasions are a statistical rarity for the average American, they do happen. I am aware of several that affected Ward & June Cleaver middle class families in places I have lived. Some of these incidents were simple cases of mistaken identity or address where the criminals mistakenly thought they were targeting a place containing something they desired.

In short...unlikely...but in the realm of possibility...just like house fires or auto accidents.

My take on the important defensive planning considerations include the following:

1. Maintain situational awareness for your location and community; be aware of local crime trends, suspicious person, and things that signal "out of the ordinary"

2. Have a reliable firearm and ammunition for the same (including a reload)

3. Keep your firearm readily accessible (ideally a handgun on your person)

4. Have a long gun...any long gun

5. Have a reliable and powerful flashlight

6. Have a dog that will yap or bark for early warning

7. Harden your entry doors

6. Have at least a basic plan that includes:

a. Loved ones knowing broadly what to do and what not to do
b. Group duress code (internal) & a means to warn or signal neighbors
c. Redundant means of contacting the police, fire department, and EMS
d. Rally or Strong Point (a place to gather for safety, both on and off site)
e. Basic first aid training and personal trauma kit (dressing/tourniquet/cravat)
f. Emplaced physical security (locks, lights, alarm, fences, video surveillance, landscaping barriers)
g. Have an incident aftermath interview plan and an on-call lawyer
h. Have a family plan for red-lines to use force, flee, or refuse to submit in the event an invasion turns into a hostage taking (with threat of imminent execution)
i. Have a plan for events in and around vehicles

7. Rehearse possible scenarios (at least a discussion and a walk-through)

8. Training (firearms, first aid, use of lights, use of communications)

9. Have a wearable personal emergency kit (vest, gun belt, jacket, waist pack, day pack, something...); this kit holds a firearm, ammo, I.D., a flashlight, small first aid kit, a spare set of house & car keys, a cell phone, perhaps OC spray, etc.

10. Stay in shape for a physical confrontation and practice basic combatives

11. Have a pair of shoes that offer good traction and are quick to slip on for when you are unexpectedly awakened (Teva sandals, slip on walkers, etc.)

12. Analyze your home from the point of view of an intruder; war-game the vulnerabilities; have a trusted someone else do the same for a second opinion; identify things that provide cover/concealment or both (inside and out)

My .02

 

[Frank Ettin]

Chindo18Z nailed it.

What gun or guns you choose is a lot less important than being able to use it effectively and being generally squared away.

 

[mgkdrgn]

My most likley home defense senario is someone going after the wifes exotic birds in the avaries outside.

Unfortunately, that is not a "home defense scenario", but rather a "property defense scenario."

I believe that only in Texas is the use of deadly force legally justified to defend against loss of property.

 

[Shadow 7D]

depends on the level of charge theft of livestock (animals) in the state, many have a defense clause to stop 'forcible felonies' and while you MAY not be justified shooting the person, you are justified in holding them at gun point. (yours WILL vary...)

 

[1911Jeeper]

Just my opinion, but I'd consider this to be perfect!

As long as you live on some acreage and have no family. Over penetration is never a good plan.

Follow Chindo18z's lead, harden the fortress and anyone outside you should let the cops deal with.

 

[jeepguy]

yeah chindo nailed it & well thought out.

 

[blarby]

Chindo did indeed nail that one.

In regards to your shotgun, I might suggest using some #4 shot at 3-10 yard moving targets at a local range if you are able.

If unable on moving targets- stationary from doorway positions can be quite helpful from this singular aspect of your long list of training needs.

Prone on back to firing position on stationary targets is extremely helpful mentally, to me at least. ( #3 of the occurrence types above is by far my largest concern)

If it is to you ( #3), something else that to me is mentally very helpful is reinforced interior bedroom doors. 3-5 seconds can make a distinct tactical advantage, IMHO.

 

[Jeff F]

My first line of home defense is a big a$$ dog that owns the yard (1+ acre) when he's outside and no one is getting in when he's inside. We have sidearms that the wife and I are proficient with but the go to HD arms are shotguns.