A CCTV system with a motion sensor function.
Shacknasty Shagrat
Has No Life - Lives on TB
My first line of defense is my neighbors. If they start shooting, I will be backing them up as a form of local self defense.
And so will my other neighbors. It is our wives, children, houses that are at stake. Love 'em, fight for 'em or lose 'em.
SS
And so will my other neighbors. It is our wives, children, houses that are at stake. Love 'em, fight for 'em or lose 'em.
SS
Some can send a message to a smart phone so you don't have to physically monitor the system. Really depends on how "physically" deep your outer perimeter actually is.
Mr. Peabody
Veteran Member
I have motion sensors at front and back doors (Dakota Alert). When they go off I know something is there. A stray cat has set them off. I also have Foscam cameras in domes front and back. I can see everything and pan around with IR capability too.
My go to weapon indoors was a .45 with a light on the rail and in most cases they still are. They are my CCWs and I carry every day. But if I have time or warning, like a commotion outside, I will get the AR15. The training I obtained in a carbine class was a game changer demonstrating the sheer fire power and accuracy under stress using a carbine. A large part of the class was indoor clearing. If I was trapped in my room it is my Mossberg 930 w/light with lots of #1 buckshot simply bc it is there. When cornered, the 930 has a measure of tilting the outcome in my favor.
My go to weapon indoors was a .45 with a light on the rail and in most cases they still are. They are my CCWs and I carry every day. But if I have time or warning, like a commotion outside, I will get the AR15. The training I obtained in a carbine class was a game changer demonstrating the sheer fire power and accuracy under stress using a carbine. A large part of the class was indoor clearing. If I was trapped in my room it is my Mossberg 930 w/light with lots of #1 buckshot simply bc it is there. When cornered, the 930 has a measure of tilting the outcome in my favor.
BetterLateThanNever
Veteran Member
If you are home a 12 ga. is the #1 go to weapon for home defense.
I found out the hard way this past April that if you are not home and have a couple of dogs and no security alarm, you don't have much of a defense.
I now have a security alarm and 2 dogs if I'm not at home and if I am home I have a security alarm, 2 dogs, a 12 ga. and a few other firearms on hand.
I found out the hard way this past April that if you are not home and have a couple of dogs and no security alarm, you don't have much of a defense.
I now have a security alarm and 2 dogs if I'm not at home and if I am home I have a security alarm, 2 dogs, a 12 ga. and a few other firearms on hand.
Mr. Peabody
Veteran Member
Defending a house from the inside against multiple threats is not a good position to be in. The armed threat can shoot through most house walls. Defending from cover outside (defilade) is your best defense. Two persons positioned correctly can annihilate a threat efficiently. But you must have time and warning and planning and have practiced. A four man team with pre-planned positions (rural or semi-rural properties) can probably/possibly hold off a 360 perimeter. Again, planning, communications and position building is required.
I actually consider a shotgun to be the worst home defense firearm, at least if talking INDOOR defense. Far better to have a pistol with frangible ammo. The shotty is fine for out in the yard, but not inside the house.
timbo
Deceased
Not completely true on no aiming. Every weapon, well I guess a cannon with nails for ammo don't count, but you do have to aim.Especially at short distances.
Sitting here thinking of my career and the huge number of times I checked a building (silent alarm or phone call) both home and commercial, I had my pistol and flashlight in my hands.
The only time I took the shotgun with me was man w/a gun call or some violent crime call.
But that was everyone else's building or home.
Mine? I feel very confident in my handling of a shotgun for defense purposes in my home.
As an officer, I was on the offense and did a lot of sneaking around trying not to make noise.
At home, I believe I would stand my ground and wait for them to come to me.
Oh BTW, all those times using pistol and flashlight? I rarely used the light. There always seem to be more than enough ambient light to see what was going on.
Now you may do it different, but think about this: Every time you use a light to 'blind' the bad guy, it also screws up your night vision.
Sitting here thinking of my career and the huge number of times I checked a building (silent alarm or phone call) both home and commercial, I had my pistol and flashlight in my hands.
The only time I took the shotgun with me was man w/a gun call or some violent crime call.
But that was everyone else's building or home.
Mine? I feel very confident in my handling of a shotgun for defense purposes in my home.
As an officer, I was on the offense and did a lot of sneaking around trying not to make noise.
At home, I believe I would stand my ground and wait for them to come to me.
Oh BTW, all those times using pistol and flashlight? I rarely used the light. There always seem to be more than enough ambient light to see what was going on.
Now you may do it different, but think about this: Every time you use a light to 'blind' the bad guy, it also screws up your night vision.
Warthog
Black Out
Good article in the new issue of SWAT Magazine on this. It states the AR-15 short carbine is no different than using a pistol.
D
Dazed
Guest
Your choice of home defense weapons is not what I would choose, but to each his own.
But I would suggest Motion Detector lighs at each corner of the house.
And I like these motion sensor alarms link
Personally, I'd use a pistol once someone was INSIDE my home. Shotgun is too long, same for a carbine. Now if they are outside the home (And not attacking you), you can't use deadly force anyway, so .....
But I would suggest Motion Detector lighs at each corner of the house.
And I like these motion sensor alarms link
Personally, I'd use a pistol once someone was INSIDE my home. Shotgun is too long, same for a carbine. Now if they are outside the home (And not attacking you), you can't use deadly force anyway, so .....
I guess I should clarify as far as the shotgun is concerned. My overall plan is to defend from a protected position within my home, not to actively seek out and engage the enemy. Enter into the wrong room and I will use my advantage. This gives me an advantage against a few attackers, not hordes. Flee and evade is my plan there!
TS
TS
timbo
Deceased
Right thinking there.
Why are you moving around the house? Every time you move, you could make noise. Also you leave yourself unprotected going all over the house.
Plus, if you use a flashlight, that is a dead giveaway where you are.
Also as you are not under obligation to do so, it still would be a good idea to call 911. Yeah it may be awhile (or not) but I think it would look better if you did have to use deadly force.
Mr. Peabody
Veteran Member
MOUT training has proven that it's easier for a trainee to effectively engage targets with the carbine vs the pistol. It is also a fact that it takes more training to become proficient in house/building clearing with a carbine than it does with a pistol. Using a pistol in an isocelese stance, which is the modern and natural stressed stance for pistol combat, actually places the muzzle further forward 4-6" than that of the 16" AR platform. Length becomes a favorable factor for the carbine if employed correctly. One would then say that a pistol could then be held closer to the body, true, but only a small fraction of highly trained LE such as the Marshall Service have ever shot from this position. Most would have to extend their arms again and get on target. The vast majority of the population extends their arms before firing a handgun no matter how they are holding it before they realize the immediate threat. On a personal note, my effective accuracy scores were 35% higher and 25% faster when using the carbine vs the handgun.
Foothiller
Veteran Member
And you get more chances to hit the bad guy(s): 30 rd vs 15.
Most people are more accurate with rifles than pistols. With adrenaline pumping you want the best odds of hitting the target where it counts.
I'd rather have 30 chances with enhanced accuracy than 15 with a 9mm. Not to mention the stopping power advantage of an intermediate rifle cartridge compared to most pistols.
But one does have to be cognizant of where downrange shots will go if they don't connect with the intended target.
Where I live, my front door faces the side of a big hill, and our bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house so if they come toward the front, then I can safely fire in their direction with no fear of penetrating anything but the bad guys.
I live in a rural area. What works for me might not work in a more densely populated area.
Use what works for you. I've read and heard many a self-defense expert say that hitting what you aim at is far more important that what you shoot it with, and this:
"I fear the man with one weapon that knows how to use it, more than the man with many who is proficient with none".
Become that man (or woman) who knows how to use it. Then visualize yourself in scenarios and what you would do down to the tiniest detail.
After a life of athletics I learned the benefits of visualizing successful outings (such as sinking the game winning free throw, or shutting down the other team's star player etc). In this case, the scenarios are different but the principle is the same.
2¢
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
not for the average gun owning homeowner ... can't even take the longevity of the gun ownership into consideration .... the average owner cooks off a few rounds when the gun is purchased ... no practice afterwards .... that's the sad set of affairs
shotgun is better .... a Biden Special for the mechanically challenged .... there's at least hope that toes will be saved
Again, I vehemently disagree. Far more likely that a novice would kill his family sleeping in the rooms near him from overpenetration.
Deselection (and thereby avoidance) is still your best bet - don't attract the attention of predators in the first place, and you won't have to fight them off. Make your home less attractive to thieves - think in layers of security, like an onion. Don't issue invitations by letting bushes and trees provide cover. Don't leave doors and windows open and unlocked. Install motion sensor lighting - you can even get units that are solar and/or battery powered that don't need wiring. And so on.
You don't have to live in Fort Knox - your house just has to look like more trouble to get to/get into than the houses close by. And DON"T ADVERTISE that you have stuff worth stealing, or money on hand, or access to valuables at work, or anything else that can get you targeted. CRIMINALS TALK TO EACH OTHER! Think OPSEC (operational security). Teach ALL your family members to be careful about disclosing information, ESPECIALLY kids. Recall the current thread about the 12YO girl who was kidnapped? She TOLD her kidnapper where she lived.
ADEE (avoid, de-escalate, disengage, escape, evade) is still the best bet - but if worst comes to worst, you MUST be prepared to fight and win.
But remember - CRIME IS A PROCESS, NOT JUST AN EVENT. Be AWARE of the process, so you can interrupt the process. PLEASE click on the link below and read this at the site, so you can follow the embedded links...
======================
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/five_stages.html
The Five Stages of Violent Crime:
Crime and violence are processes that take time to develop. The attack is not the first step, the preliminary triangle must be built. There are five distinct stages that are easily identified:
1) Intent
2) Interview
3) Positioning
4) Attack
5) Reaction
During the first three stages, you can prevent an attack without the use of violence. These are where the criminal (or violent person) decides whether or not he can get away with it. He may want to (Intent), but if he doesn't have the opportunity (Positioning) he cannot succeed. The Interview is his way to double check if you are safe for him to attack. If these conditions are not met, he will not attack!
What we are about to say is not hyperbole. Selecting a safe victim is a matter of life or death for the criminal. If he picks the wrong target, he's the one who is going to die. Therefore, he's going to make sure he can successfully use violence against you (Interview and Positioning) before he commits himself to act. Once he is sure of his ability to succeed -- and has put you in a position where he can quickly overwhelm you -- he will attack.
Below is a shorthand version of the five stages. Each is linked to a more in-depth look at the subject:
Intent
By intent, we don't mean that you are a psychic. You cannot read someone's mind. Although the word 'intent' has often been replaced in court with Jeopardy (acting in a way that is consistent with known pre-attack behaviors) we still use the term 'intent' for a simple reason. With this system, intent is not what is going on inside of the person's head.
It's the visible and discernable physiological manifestations that, a person ready to commit violence, will display. This isn't you being psychic. This is his body displaying these signs, no matter how hard he tries to hide it.
This is where the person crosses a normal mental boundary. From this point, the person is mentally and physically prepared to commit violence in order to get what he wants – whatever that may be. Being able to recognize when intent is present is one of the key components of your personal safety. yet, this isn't always easy as you might think. The criminal has often learned how to mask it behind words and feigned innocence. But once you know how to spot the physiological signs, it is easily recognizable. Learn more about intent.
Interview
With all violence, the assailant's safety is a critical factor in deciding whether or not to attack. While in interpersonal violence, the deciding factor may be anger, strong emotion or pride. However, with criminal violence it is more of a conscious decision. This leads us to the interview, where the criminal decides upon your suitability as a victim. There are several kinds of interviews common to criminal attacks
Positioning
This is the criminal putting himself in a place where he can successfully attack you. A criminal (or even a violent person) doesn't want to fight you; he wants to overwhelm you. To do this, he has to put himself in a position where he can do it quickly and effectively. An attempt to develop positioning is the final proof of ill intent. Someone trying to position himself to attack removes all doubt that the situation is innocent. Like the Interview, there are several kinds of Positioning.
Attack
The attack is the when the criminal/violent person commits himself to using force -- or the threat of force -- to get what he wants. Like the other stages there are important distinctions to be made about the kind of attack you will face.
Reaction
Reaction is how the criminal feels about what he has done. However, this is made more complicated by the fact that your reaction is an important contributing factor.
AOI (Short-hand version)
What follows is a parallel system to the Five Stages of Violent Crime. AOI stands for Ability, Opportunity and Intent. Although not as complete as the Five Stages, it will give you a quick-rule-of-thumb set of standards to determine whether or not you are in danger. While the Five Stages is more complete, for people who are not particularly interested in self-defense, AOI is a nice set of fast and easy guidelines. We present both models for you to select which works best for you.
There is a concept called the triangle among firefighters. Along each side is an element that a fire needs in order to burn. If you take away one of these elements, the triangle collapses and the fire goes out. Crime is the same: In order for it to occur, there must be three basic elements
This is easily remembered as A.O.I. (Ability, Opportunity and Intent). Take away any one of these elements and the triangle collapses. In other words, the crime does not have what it needs to occur.
Ability: Does the person have the ability to attack you? Could this person successfully assault you, whether through physical prowess, a weapon or numerical superiority? Many women underestimate male upper-body strength and how vulnerable they are to being physically overwhelmed.
Opportunity: Does this person have the opportunity to attack you? Are you alone with him or even in an area beyond immediate help? Could anyone come to your assistance within twenty seconds or less? As many victims have found, you can be robbed in plain view or raped with people in the next room.
Intent: Is he in a mental place where using violence to get what he wants makes sense to him?
Of the three, intent is the most nebulous, yet it is vital for determining who is a threat. It is the literally the difference between going off with someone to talk and being raped. Skip over to Intent page and to the profile of a rapist. Acquainting yourself with the criminal mindset is also highly recommended.
The fastest way to figure out if you are in potential danger is to look for these three elements. If you see one, look for the others. If you see two out of three stop whatever else you are doing and pay close attention for a moment. If you see him trying to develop the third, withdraw from the situation to a safer area. This is easier than using physical violence. As you will soon see, opportunity often means staying in an area where someone could effectively use physical violence against you. If you do not see these elements then odds are you are safe. There is no triangle.
If you wish to adhere to a more legally sanctioned idea, you can exchange the I of Intent for a K of Known (for known dangerous behavior = jeopardy). This turns it into the acronym A-OK. Which might be easier for someone to remember.
Conclusion
Knowing the five stages is a standardized guide by which you can assess the potential threat of a situation. These five stages are inherent within crime and violence. What is important to realize is that the first three stages might not occur in that particular order. A violent and selfish person may suddenly find himself with the perfect opportunity/ability to commit a rape, and suddenly the intent appears. There was no conscious initial decision, but the circumstances developed. Due to an intrinsic flaw in his personality, he can decide to act in a violent manner. This is why you always need to check for ability, opportunity and intent (AOI).
As stated the Pyramid of Personal Safety was developed to counter the Five Stages. As the criminal must develop these stages in order to successfully attack you, the pyramid undermines his attempts. By foiling him instead attempting to contest him, you can avoid using violence in all but the most extreme circumstances.
Two major problems exist regarding self-defense. The first is knowing when to use it. How do we know when is the right time? How can we be sure we are not overreacting or starting at shadows? We should all have reservations about using force. Much of this confusion is alleviated by having a proven and external set of standards to compare a situation against. If you don't see the triangle, it is not the time to use violence.
The other problem with self-defense is the legal ramifications. In many states, you risk being prosecuted for "attempted self-defense," both on a criminal and civil front. What was an obvious threat at the time can be later undermined in court by an attorney. When the DA asks how you knew you were in immediate danger you had better have a better answer than "he looked at me mean."
If you end up in court to defend your defending yourself, either system will help you clarify and rationally explain why you thought your actions were warranted.
You don't have to live in Fort Knox - your house just has to look like more trouble to get to/get into than the houses close by. And DON"T ADVERTISE that you have stuff worth stealing, or money on hand, or access to valuables at work, or anything else that can get you targeted. CRIMINALS TALK TO EACH OTHER! Think OPSEC (operational security). Teach ALL your family members to be careful about disclosing information, ESPECIALLY kids. Recall the current thread about the 12YO girl who was kidnapped? She TOLD her kidnapper where she lived.
ADEE (avoid, de-escalate, disengage, escape, evade) is still the best bet - but if worst comes to worst, you MUST be prepared to fight and win.
But remember - CRIME IS A PROCESS, NOT JUST AN EVENT. Be AWARE of the process, so you can interrupt the process. PLEASE click on the link below and read this at the site, so you can follow the embedded links...
======================
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/five_stages.html
The Five Stages of Violent Crime:
Crime and violence are processes that take time to develop. The attack is not the first step, the preliminary triangle must be built. There are five distinct stages that are easily identified:
1) Intent
2) Interview
3) Positioning
4) Attack
5) Reaction
During the first three stages, you can prevent an attack without the use of violence. These are where the criminal (or violent person) decides whether or not he can get away with it. He may want to (Intent), but if he doesn't have the opportunity (Positioning) he cannot succeed. The Interview is his way to double check if you are safe for him to attack. If these conditions are not met, he will not attack!
What we are about to say is not hyperbole. Selecting a safe victim is a matter of life or death for the criminal. If he picks the wrong target, he's the one who is going to die. Therefore, he's going to make sure he can successfully use violence against you (Interview and Positioning) before he commits himself to act. Once he is sure of his ability to succeed -- and has put you in a position where he can quickly overwhelm you -- he will attack.
Below is a shorthand version of the five stages. Each is linked to a more in-depth look at the subject:
Intent
By intent, we don't mean that you are a psychic. You cannot read someone's mind. Although the word 'intent' has often been replaced in court with Jeopardy (acting in a way that is consistent with known pre-attack behaviors) we still use the term 'intent' for a simple reason. With this system, intent is not what is going on inside of the person's head.
It's the visible and discernable physiological manifestations that, a person ready to commit violence, will display. This isn't you being psychic. This is his body displaying these signs, no matter how hard he tries to hide it.
This is where the person crosses a normal mental boundary. From this point, the person is mentally and physically prepared to commit violence in order to get what he wants – whatever that may be. Being able to recognize when intent is present is one of the key components of your personal safety. yet, this isn't always easy as you might think. The criminal has often learned how to mask it behind words and feigned innocence. But once you know how to spot the physiological signs, it is easily recognizable. Learn more about intent.
Interview
With all violence, the assailant's safety is a critical factor in deciding whether or not to attack. While in interpersonal violence, the deciding factor may be anger, strong emotion or pride. However, with criminal violence it is more of a conscious decision. This leads us to the interview, where the criminal decides upon your suitability as a victim. There are several kinds of interviews common to criminal attacks
Positioning
This is the criminal putting himself in a place where he can successfully attack you. A criminal (or even a violent person) doesn't want to fight you; he wants to overwhelm you. To do this, he has to put himself in a position where he can do it quickly and effectively. An attempt to develop positioning is the final proof of ill intent. Someone trying to position himself to attack removes all doubt that the situation is innocent. Like the Interview, there are several kinds of Positioning.
Attack
The attack is the when the criminal/violent person commits himself to using force -- or the threat of force -- to get what he wants. Like the other stages there are important distinctions to be made about the kind of attack you will face.
Reaction
Reaction is how the criminal feels about what he has done. However, this is made more complicated by the fact that your reaction is an important contributing factor.
AOI (Short-hand version)
What follows is a parallel system to the Five Stages of Violent Crime. AOI stands for Ability, Opportunity and Intent. Although not as complete as the Five Stages, it will give you a quick-rule-of-thumb set of standards to determine whether or not you are in danger. While the Five Stages is more complete, for people who are not particularly interested in self-defense, AOI is a nice set of fast and easy guidelines. We present both models for you to select which works best for you.
There is a concept called the triangle among firefighters. Along each side is an element that a fire needs in order to burn. If you take away one of these elements, the triangle collapses and the fire goes out. Crime is the same: In order for it to occur, there must be three basic elements
This is easily remembered as A.O.I. (Ability, Opportunity and Intent). Take away any one of these elements and the triangle collapses. In other words, the crime does not have what it needs to occur.
Ability: Does the person have the ability to attack you? Could this person successfully assault you, whether through physical prowess, a weapon or numerical superiority? Many women underestimate male upper-body strength and how vulnerable they are to being physically overwhelmed.
Opportunity: Does this person have the opportunity to attack you? Are you alone with him or even in an area beyond immediate help? Could anyone come to your assistance within twenty seconds or less? As many victims have found, you can be robbed in plain view or raped with people in the next room.
Intent: Is he in a mental place where using violence to get what he wants makes sense to him?
Of the three, intent is the most nebulous, yet it is vital for determining who is a threat. It is the literally the difference between going off with someone to talk and being raped. Skip over to Intent page and to the profile of a rapist. Acquainting yourself with the criminal mindset is also highly recommended.
The fastest way to figure out if you are in potential danger is to look for these three elements. If you see one, look for the others. If you see two out of three stop whatever else you are doing and pay close attention for a moment. If you see him trying to develop the third, withdraw from the situation to a safer area. This is easier than using physical violence. As you will soon see, opportunity often means staying in an area where someone could effectively use physical violence against you. If you do not see these elements then odds are you are safe. There is no triangle.
If you wish to adhere to a more legally sanctioned idea, you can exchange the I of Intent for a K of Known (for known dangerous behavior = jeopardy). This turns it into the acronym A-OK. Which might be easier for someone to remember.
Conclusion
Knowing the five stages is a standardized guide by which you can assess the potential threat of a situation. These five stages are inherent within crime and violence. What is important to realize is that the first three stages might not occur in that particular order. A violent and selfish person may suddenly find himself with the perfect opportunity/ability to commit a rape, and suddenly the intent appears. There was no conscious initial decision, but the circumstances developed. Due to an intrinsic flaw in his personality, he can decide to act in a violent manner. This is why you always need to check for ability, opportunity and intent (AOI).
As stated the Pyramid of Personal Safety was developed to counter the Five Stages. As the criminal must develop these stages in order to successfully attack you, the pyramid undermines his attempts. By foiling him instead attempting to contest him, you can avoid using violence in all but the most extreme circumstances.
Two major problems exist regarding self-defense. The first is knowing when to use it. How do we know when is the right time? How can we be sure we are not overreacting or starting at shadows? We should all have reservations about using force. Much of this confusion is alleviated by having a proven and external set of standards to compare a situation against. If you don't see the triangle, it is not the time to use violence.
The other problem with self-defense is the legal ramifications. In many states, you risk being prosecuted for "attempted self-defense," both on a criminal and civil front. What was an obvious threat at the time can be later undermined in court by an attorney. When the DA asks how you knew you were in immediate danger you had better have a better answer than "he looked at me mean."
If you end up in court to defend your defending yourself, either system will help you clarify and rationally explain why you thought your actions were warranted.
BetterLateThanNever
Veteran Member
If I am in my home and know of a potential threat I would more than
likely have a shottie and also a hand gun at my side. When home and
awake I carry a side arm.
I am looking at acquiring a youth 20 ga which would be less cumbersome
inside a house.
Last edited:
Papacub
Veteran Member
You know, as I was sitting here reading this thread, I thought to myself, "Opinions are like A$$holes......everyone has one!" Use an AR, use a pistol or use a shotgun! It doesn't matter what you use as long as it's something you are comfortable using, and something you've thought about and practiced with. Me, I'll use my 45 sitting next to my bed, why? Because it's what I'm used to and shoot well, don't have to worry about where the bullet will go if I miss. Use what you feel works for you.
When it comes to active home defense (which should be last on your list of priorities), the best advice is as stated above - USE WHAT YOU ARE BEST WITH. And if you think there's something better to be had, TRAIN and PRACTICE with that until you are fully proficient in its use.
Mindset - skillset - toolset ... in that order.
Mindset - skillset - toolset ... in that order.
A lot of the frangible ammo on the market will hold together through a standard rock and 2x interior wall especially at engagement distances under 5 yds. I would not put a lot of faith in it breaking apart at those distances. We have tested a number of different rounds on interior walls and almost everything would go through both sides even bird shot at close ranges.
I cant remember ever reading about overpenatration killing a family member in an HD situation. I am sure it has happened but I dont think it is very common.
For us the HD choice is a 20 ga with #4 buck backed up with our pistols. My wife can handle it well and we would basically camp out at the top of the stairs. All the bedrooms are on the second floor and anything fired up or down the stairs would miss any bedrooms. Anyone comes up the stairs they get shot. We do use a light because I feel that the need to positively ID the target is very important. I will call 911. I am not clearing my house.
NoDandy
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I like the shotgun as well. Also have a 1911 on my side. My strategy, and same instructed to family, is to stay in position, behind cover. Wait for bad guy (s) to come to you. When they are close, light em up !!
" What sort of other "early alarms" are worth considering? " Well, I like claymores, with high mounted trip wires, so the dogs walk underneath - LOL.
Medical Maven
Deceased
Part of my training with a pistol is to keep it positioned at the belly button level locked close to my body in a two-handed grip. (Each elbow presses hard to the side of my torso, giving great stability). I am able to fire accurately from that stance without extending my arms with the use of a Crimson Trace Laser Grip, (which is highly reliable). The laser does not activate until my grip hardens a millisecond before I swivel my torso to direct fire at the target. And the targeting is precise with the laser dot, enhancing the ability for shooting the head, neck, just above the sternum (just over the top of a vest), or into the arteries near the groin area. I have gotten so good with this technique that when I employ revolvers or pistols without laser grips in the same manner I can direct accurate fire close in (several yards) without extending my two-handed grip. I also use a laserlyte cartridge for training which instantaneously briefly shows the impact upon pressing the trigger. I also direct fire with the extended two-handed grip and with a single hand for more rapid "point shooting". Another advantage of shooting with the pistol or revolver locked in close to the torso that it better controls recoil from the larger caliber firearms, giving very tight groups. I adopted this tactic after watching a video by Tiger McGee (I think) in which he advocated having the pistol in this position before extending the arms so as to have better control of the pistol while moving about the house, etc. I took it one step further in which at times I would not extend my arms from that position.
The above would be for moving about the house or outdoors, (which would be done only in extremity). My preference would be to huddle behind "cover", (not concealment), with
a shotgun. Steel slugs and #1 buck would be used. The slugs would be used to thoroughly incapacitate someone with a vest, and #1 buck has been shown to be the best in incapacitating an aggressor, (if not impacting a vest). Pistols of whatever caliber will often not generate "one shot stops". Buckshot has consistently come out on top in this category.
Very well said.
Use what you know well and are comfortable with and you won't be putting unnecessary holes in your house.
As far as shooting any family members, it's just me and my wife and she is behind me.
Brings to mind an old quote from Babylon5.
"Only one human captain has ever survived battle with a Minbari Fleet. He is behind me. You are in front of me. If you value your lives, be somewhere else! "
Tristan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
My home defense weapons start at 40,000 BC (an obsidian Frisbee) go to modern with everything in between so I have my choice.
That's sure to leave a mark!
I assume it's fixed to a handle?
Medical Maven
Deceased
The "safe room" in which one hunkers down behind "cover" should have all of those options at hand. One could then immediately adapt given the developing situation.
NoDandy
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Good point !
While it is true that your attackers may be meagerly armed, better to hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.
We have layered security.
We do have motion sensor lights on all 4 sides of our house and our front and back porch lights are also motion activated. They all sound a doorbell type chime inside the house when any light activates. It's almost impossible to approach close to our house without one of the lights coming on and sounding the chime. We really don't need a door bell
The main entrance door and small door from garage to house are steel with hinge, bolt and frame reinforcements designed to make them kick proof. The sliding glass doors to the back porch has security bars.
We also have a combination hard wired and wireless perimeter alarm system that covers all windows and doors including both garage doors and also includes a motion sensor in the back screen porch. That system will sound both an indoor and outdoor siren and will call my cell and my daughter and son's cells.
After that we have a 4 camera system I got from Costco that will sense motion in whatever parts of the picture I designate and record to a built in DVR. The IR cameras cover the front and back entrances to the house and the 2 main areas inside the house. While the perps may see and destroy the cameras, the base unit is hidden so the video can be preserved for evidence.. It also can send an alert to my phone when any camera detects motion. I can view what's happening at my house at any time or I can call up recorded motion on my cell at anytime.
We have both a Mossberg 500 short barrel and a 357 revolver next to our bed.
I used to worry a lot about someone somehow getting in my house while we were sleeping and being awakened by someone standing over my bed. I don't anymore.
We do have motion sensor lights on all 4 sides of our house and our front and back porch lights are also motion activated. They all sound a doorbell type chime inside the house when any light activates. It's almost impossible to approach close to our house without one of the lights coming on and sounding the chime. We really don't need a door bell
The main entrance door and small door from garage to house are steel with hinge, bolt and frame reinforcements designed to make them kick proof. The sliding glass doors to the back porch has security bars.
We also have a combination hard wired and wireless perimeter alarm system that covers all windows and doors including both garage doors and also includes a motion sensor in the back screen porch. That system will sound both an indoor and outdoor siren and will call my cell and my daughter and son's cells.
After that we have a 4 camera system I got from Costco that will sense motion in whatever parts of the picture I designate and record to a built in DVR. The IR cameras cover the front and back entrances to the house and the 2 main areas inside the house. While the perps may see and destroy the cameras, the base unit is hidden so the video can be preserved for evidence.. It also can send an alert to my phone when any camera detects motion. I can view what's happening at my house at any time or I can call up recorded motion on my cell at anytime.
We have both a Mossberg 500 short barrel and a 357 revolver next to our bed.
I used to worry a lot about someone somehow getting in my house while we were sleeping and being awakened by someone standing over my bed. I don't anymore.
NoDandy
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I would suggest a side saddle for your Mossberg, and a pouch with two speed loaders for your .357.
Sounds like you have a good set up, and good weapons!
Question about the motion sensor lights. Can you adjust how low they pick up? I would like to add those, but have 4 dogs, and would like them to be able to come & go without tripping the light.
Sounds like you have a good set up, and good weapons!
Question about the motion sensor lights. Can you adjust how low they pick up? I would like to add those, but have 4 dogs, and would like them to be able to come & go without tripping the light.
PyratePrincess
Deceased
Topic of conversation in MY house last night was dealing with "roving hell raisers". Those who might just wander down your road setting fire to whatever..home boy molotov's through the windows....
You can be well armed and snug in your hidey hole...but if your house gets torched that's not going to help you much.
You can be well armed and snug in your hidey hole...but if your house gets torched that's not going to help you much.
Mr. Peabody
Veteran Member
PyratePrincess, that's exactly why I said earlier "Defending a house from the inside against multiple threats is not a good position to be in."
I have 2 concealed/covered positions that cover 360 around my house. I also have 3 very well equipped friends to call, all on the same VHF freq. for comm.
I have 2 concealed/covered positions that cover 360 around my house. I also have 3 very well equipped friends to call, all on the same VHF freq. for comm.
NoDandy
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Very true. One needs to have obstacles on your driveway, such as gates, cables, chains, tire shredders, etc. Once the balloon goes up, you will need to stand guard in shifts.