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Self defense: How prepared are you?

What would you do?

  • Draw or grab a firearm that is immediately next to you

    Votes: 23 32.4%

  • Grab a clubbing weapon that is immediately next to you (ex. Golf club, baseball bat, etc)

    Votes: 6 8.5%

  • Grab a stabbing weapon that is immediately next to you (ex. Kitchen knife, pocket knife, etc)

    Votes: 4 5.6%

  • Run to another room to grab a locked up or hidden firearm and confront the home invaders

    Votes: 11 15.5%

  • Run to another room to grab a stabbing or clubbing weapon and confront the home invaders

    Votes: 3 4.2%

  • Run to another room and attempt to hide while dialing 911

    Votes: 2 2.8%

  • Run out the backdoor of the house and attempt to escape

    Votes: 4 5.6%

  • Freeze like a deer in the headlights

    Votes: 2 2.8%

  • Rush the bad guys barehanded

    Votes: 4 5.6%

  • Other (explain)

    Votes: 12 16.9%
  • Total voters
    71
Gargantuan said:
You have a ****ing arsenal TD... jesus christ.. and to top it off a Katana.
Click to expand...

three Katanas

Howard clark-the most acclaimed smith in the USA though its one of his trad blades-not a L6

Mike Bell cable forged-Mike apprenticed in Japan, I bought this from his apprentice (Mike pays his apprentices with one of his blades, the apprentice than polishes and finishes the blade and sells it for several grand)

A "last legend" competition Katana. One of the better hand forged Chinese made-sadly no longer in business. These win lots of cutting contests

I have lots of neat stuff-Bulgarian, Soviet Polish, Hungarian and Chinese AK pattern jobs, most leading brands of ARs (Colt, Armalite, SW, Bushmaster, DPMS, Rock River) and some of the rarer stuff like a Beretta AR 70, a HK SL-8 with a Kahles Night scope on it (lit reticle) an original Steyr AUG and A RR LAR-8 (like an AR-10 in 762 Nato-we were getting 2 inch groups at 200 Meters with FBI HRT loads (168 grain sierra match king bullets).

My favorite is probably one of the several MI carbines I got through the Dept of Civilian Marksmanship. I like the Garands as well-I keep one in the bed room because its really hard for a kid to load the 8 round clip but i can do it in about a second a 30.06 is a bit overkill but you can disable a car at 400 Meters with one
 
Gargantuan said:
I did read the scenario, I was just branching out to different situations. You were not really clear in your posts. One thing to consider is the number of subjects that enter your home too. If there are 3 or 4 guys that bust through my door, I am going to fire right away. If it is one or two guys, I really just cannot see myself putting a bullet in each of their heads. I guess I'm a pacifist compared to some of you..
Click to expand...

How can I not be more clear and realistic in my response? Scenario was pretty clear. Door kicked in and two males come in. Me...Im pretty realistic. Im not fumbling in my pocket for a knife and Im not rushing for a convenient firearm. In my home (If I had the opportunity to reach it safely) I have a few CS teargas dispensers but I dont keep sidearms tucked under the sofa cushion. I am grabbing anything I can throw and Im targeting clown # 1 and going after tender and exposed body parts. What part of that is unclear?
 
Goshin said:
Anybody that kicks in your door needs to be killed. **** em.

Also RM did not say "if they step on your property". He said "if they step on your property without permission and with intent to do harm". World of difference. If they break in with weapons in hand, that's proof off intent-to-do-harm in most states. Hardly any reasonable state will hold you accountable for lighting up someone that kicks in your door.
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time of day is important too-if someone sneaks into your home at 2 PM chances are they are there to commit burglary and if you happen to be home sick or having a quickie with the hot french maid, chances are its harder to prove homicidal intent on the part of the thief

if someone breaks into a home at night the clear intent (and the holding of almost every court) is robbery or worse. someone comes into a home by breaking and entering at night, I say keep shooting until they no longer are a threat (ie they no longer are moving)
 
theangryamerican said:
Read before answering:

This is a “what would you do?” scenario. You’re going about your business in your home. The time is late afternoon or early evening. Suddenly you hear the sound of your front door splintering in. You turn to see two black males, one wearing a white tank top and the other a blue polo shirt, entering your residence through the broken door.

Do you:

1.) Draw or grab a firearm that is immediately next to you
2.) Grab a clubbing weapon that is immediately next to you (ex. Golf club, baseball bat, etc)
3.) Grab a stabbing weapon that is immediately next to you (ex. Kitchen knife, pocket knife, etc)
4.) Run to another room to grab a locked up or hidden firearm and confront the home invaders
5.) Run to another room to grab a stabbing or clubbing weapon and confront the home invaders
6.) Run to another room and attempt to hide while dialing 911
7.) Run out the backdoor of the house and attempt to escape
8.) Freeze like a deer in the headlights
9.) Rush the bad guys barehanded
10.) Other (explain)

I’m just a little curious to see how people would react in a situation where they presume themselves to be safe, yet are confronted by a sudden threat. It’s easy to say, “It’ll never happen to me” but what do we do if it does? The above situation is actually a direct description of a string of home invasions that have been occurring in my neck of the woods.

It always helps to have a plan in place, so vote and then explain, please. Keep in mind, this is strictly YOUR reaction, not what you expect a family member or a pet to do, but what YOU will do.
Click to expand...

I'm not that worried about it. I have three large well trained dogs, and have lived 52 years without anything of the kind ever coming up.

And I don't really look like a victim.

But, there are always several people, mostly large males in my home (not to mention the dogs). Anyone coming in better come in well prepared. As one neighbor once said, someone would ahve to be a fool to break into your place.
 
TurtleDude said:
three Katanas

Howard clark-the most acclaimed smith in the USA though its one of his trad blades-not a L6

Mike Bell cable forged-Mike apprenticed in Japan, I bought this from his apprentice (Mike pays his apprentices with one of his blades, the apprentice than polishes and finishes the blade and sells it for several grand)

A "last legend" competition Katana. One of the better hand forged Chinese made-sadly no longer in business. These win lots of cutting contests

I have lots of neat stuff-Bulgarian, Soviet Polish, Hungarian and Chinese AK pattern jobs, most leading brands of ARs (Colt, Armalite, SW, Bushmaster, DPMS, Rock River) and some of the rarer stuff like a Beretta AR 70, a HK SL-8 with a Kahles Night scope on it (lit reticle) an original Steyr AUG and A RR LAR-8 (like an AR-10 in 762 Nato-we were getting 2 inch groups at 200 Meters with FBI HRT loads (168 grain sierra match king bullets).

My favorite is probably one of the several MI carbines I got through the Dept of Civilian Marksmanship. I like the Garands as well-I keep one in the bed room because its really hard for a kid to load the 8 round clip but i can do it in about a second a 30.06 is a bit overkill but you can disable a car at 400 Meters with one
Click to expand...

Throwing Torpedo by Cold Steel; ever seen one of these bad boys?

csstoreonline_2161_8859963


It's basically a 2 lb steel rod with laser sharp points on each end.

My friend had one; we were throwing it into trees in RMNP and burying em about 1/3 of the way into them. This thing is crazy. It's almost impossible to miss with the ends, but if you do, it's so hard and heavy it will shatter bones on contact.

May I suggest adding this to your Burt Gummer-esqe arsenal?
 
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sawyerloggingon said:
This topic has me thinking, I have 23 guns and all of them are in the same room and unloaded. I should load a few up and scatter them around in strategic locations. Ya never know.
Click to expand...

You will be growing a shell and walking on all fours in no time!!! ;)
 
TurtleDude said:
three Katanas

Howard clark-the most acclaimed smith in the USA though its one of his trad blades-not a L6

Mike Bell cable forged-Mike apprenticed in Japan, I bought this from his apprentice (Mike pays his apprentices with one of his blades, the apprentice than polishes and finishes the blade and sells it for several grand)

A "last legend" competition Katana. One of the better hand forged Chinese made-sadly no longer in business. These win lots of cutting contests

I have lots of neat stuff-Bulgarian, Soviet Polish, Hungarian and Chinese AK pattern jobs, most leading brands of ARs (Colt, Armalite, SW, Bushmaster, DPMS, Rock River) and some of the rarer stuff like a Beretta AR 70, a HK SL-8 with a Kahles Night scope on it (lit reticle) an original Steyr AUG and A RR LAR-8 (like an AR-10 in 762 Nato-we were getting 2 inch groups at 200 Meters with FBI HRT loads (168 grain sierra match king bullets).

My favorite is probably one of the several MI carbines I got through the Dept of Civilian Marksmanship. I like the Garands as well-I keep one in the bed room because its really hard for a kid to load the 8 round clip but i can do it in about a second a 30.06 is a bit overkill but you can disable a car at 400 Meters with one
Click to expand...

My father has a new unopened, never fired garand in his attic. I really want to give it a go someday, never really got around to it... disabling cars is a lot tougher than people think. People like to see on TV when they fire a bullet at the windshield, the driver is dead.. unfortunately not in real life though.. it can take like 6-8 rounds just to pierce the glass if you are just using a handgun.
 
TurtleDude said:
time of day is important too-if someone sneaks into your home at 2 PM chances are they are there to commit burglary and if you happen to be home sick or having a quickie with the hot french maid, chances are its harder to prove homicidal intent on the part of the thief

if someone breaks into a home at night the clear intent (and the holding of almost every court) is robbery or worse. someone comes into a home by breaking and entering at night, I say keep shooting until they no longer are a threat (ie they no longer are moving)
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I am a heavy sleeper, but when I live in an apt. I always request at least the second floor. I did that once and my neighborhood had some small robberies but my place was left alone. I think it's because I was on the second floor and facing a busy street, also well lift at night. If my house was hit, I would have been shocked.
 
Gargantuan said:
My father has a new unopened, never fired garand in his attic. I really want to give it a go someday, never really got around to it... disabling cars is a lot tougher than people think. People like to see on TV when they fire a bullet at the windshield, the driver is dead.. unfortunately not in real life though.. it can take like 6-8 rounds just to pierce the glass if you are just using a handgun.
Click to expand...
true, that is why I have practiced shooting through windshields. we did that at TDI Ohio

put a target in the front seat. 3006 AP (M2 Ball) works well-so does Israeli TZZ Black Tip 762 NATO. the best 556 was the heavy stuff shot out of a 1X7 colt barrel the M193 ball (55 grain) shot out of the old 1X12 barrels often deflected.

12 G slugs work pretty well as long as the angle isn't bad

50 Caliber BMG out of a barrett. BRUTAL
 
MaggieD said:
I'd freeze like a deer in the headlights. Then, I'd offer to help them load their car with valuables I'd be stacking up by the front door.

I could be wrong, but I think that, generally, unless someone is trained, accustomed to combat situations, engaged in street fighting or otherwise somewhat "used to" violence, most people would not react violently and effectively until it was too late to do so. In her own home, a woman's best defense is a 100# dog with good hearing. Oh, that and bein' a pistol-packin' mama, which might be kinda' fun. ;)
Click to expand...
Having resolve to win is key, harnessing the killer instinct does take training, everything you can grab is a weapon, you are on familiar territory the attacker is not. Rules of engagement is key:

US Marine Corps Rules
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not
start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is
cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend.
(Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber,
stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.
 
Gargantuan said:
My father has a new unopened, never fired garand in his attic. I really want to give it a go someday, never really got around to it... disabling cars is a lot tougher than people think. People like to see on TV when they fire a bullet at the windshield, the driver is dead.. unfortunately not in real life though.. it can take like 6-8 rounds just to pierce the glass if you are just using a handgun.
Click to expand...

That rifle is probably worth at least 1200-the CMP jobs with new Krieger barrels and new Boyt stocks are 900. The Fulton Armory rebuilds are 1200-1500. Yours is worth alot. shooting it probably won't hurt the value too much if its still 100% blue and original GI (most military rifles were shot before they were issued)
 
deltabtry said:
Having resolve to win is key, harnessing the killer instinct does take training, everything you can grab is a weapon, you are on familiar territory the attacker is not. Rules of engagement is key:

US Marine Corps Rules
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not
start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is
cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend.
(Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber,
stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.
Click to expand...


one problem in that logic. the single most effective handgun load (anything heavier does not increase stopping power but decreases hit potential) is a 357 magnum. that is why lots of people who do entry team work are carrying 8 shot Smith and Wesson 357 (and i have one with a flashlight for some situations) the 357 SIG is as an effective a caliber for a semi auto as a 45 and the guns are smaller and hold more rounds

Evan Marshall's studies prove that claim about the 357 as does Massad Ayoob's
 
TurtleDude said:
That rifle is probably worth at least 1200-the CMP jobs with new Krieger barrels and new Boyt stocks are 900. The Fulton Armory rebuilds are 1200-1500. Yours is worth alot. shooting it probably won't hurt the value too much if its still 100% blue and original GI (most military rifles were shot before they were issued)
Click to expand...

Well, the thing is it's not mine... he's a navy vet and a firearms expert (he has a ****load of pistol medals, I can find out where they came from when I'm up there this weekend for you) he fired without ear protection for years and he has heavy duty hearing aids and can barely hear anyone now from it.. I'm sure he wouldn't sell it though. I think he has a vietnam era M16A1 too, the early one that jammed in the sand and mud all the time.. probably may be worth something as a collector's item.

true, that is why I have practiced shooting through windshields. we did that at TDI Ohio

put a target in the front seat. 3006 AP (M2 Ball) works well-so does Israeli TZZ Black Tip 762 NATO. the best 556 was the heavy stuff shot out of a 1X7 colt barrel the M193 ball (55 grain) shot out of the old 1X12 barrels often deflected.

12 G slugs work pretty well as long as the angle isn't bad

50 Caliber BMG out of a barrett. BRUTAL
Click to expand...
Yeah, a 50 cal BMG is not going to have any problem getting through a windshield... haha. Thing is though, in a practical situation, that is, when you would actually have to take someone out through a windshield, you really are not going to have all those weapons at your disposal. I mean what cop carries something with with armor piercers chambered?? And policy with firing on moving vehicles is rough too.. many agencies tell their officers to not fire at all on a fleeing vehicle in any situation, no matter the case.. I have even heard of some forbidding the firing upon a vehicle that could pose a danger to someone/others. I guess the idea behind that is considering how many rounds it would take to put the driver out, and with many officers as you have mentioned not being expert shots who can factor in wind, etc, the rounds could go astray... and not even accounting for the fact that if you do end up hitting the driver, you dont know where that car is going to go.
 
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I sure hope he as a tax stamp for that M16. what made them jam was the army disregarding Gene Stoner's instructions for gun powder. the DoD bought cheaper stuff with the wrong power and it fouled up the direct impingement gas tube. that is why many claim the Piston driven AR's are more reliable though with proper ammo the normal M16 is fairly reliable
 
TurtleDude said:
one problem in that logic. the single most effective handgun load (anything heavier does not increase stopping power but decreases hit potential) is a 357 magnum. that is why lots of people who do entry team work are carrying 8 shot Smith and Wesson 357 (and i have one with a flashlight for some situations) the 357 SIG is as an effective a caliber for a semi auto as a 45 and the guns are smaller and hold more rounds

Evan Marshall's studies prove that claim about the 357 as does Massad Ayoob's
Click to expand...
Personally in regards CQB, 357 is good and better handling than a 40 cal on up, although I would prefer a shot gun with 12 gauge slugs or buck shot..
 
TurtleDude said:
I sure hope he as a tax stamp for that M16. what made them jam was the army disregarding Gene Stoner's instructions for gun powder. the DoD bought cheaper stuff with the wrong power and it fouled up the direct impingement gas tube. that is why many claim the Piston driven AR's are more reliable though with proper ammo the normal M16 is fairly reliable
Click to expand...

Never knew that... I just know all the stories he told me of soldiers ditching their M16s for AKs, etc. I will ask him about a tax stamp though, and find out about those marksmanship awards this weekend.
 
I usually have my butterfly knife within arms reach. I'd grab that, and then calmly explain why there are better people to try and rob.
 
atrasicarius said:
I usually have my butterfly knife within arms reach. I'd grab that, and then calmly explain why there are better people to try and rob.
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can you believe its a felony to have one of those knives in california when anyone with 5 minutes of training can open a spyderco faster than even top Filipino knife guys can open a balisong
 
TurtleDude said:
can you believe its a felony to have one of those knives in california when anyone with 5 minutes of training can open a spyderco faster than even top Filipino knife guys can open a balisong
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I think it's a old Turkish Proverb that states, that one should never draw his sword unless he intends on drawing blood.
 
deltabtry said:
I think it's a old Turkish Proverb that states, that one should never draw his sword unless he intends on drawing blood.
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in some societies if you drew a blade you then cut yourself before re-sheathing it

Gurkhas come to mind
 
Im a knife guy, i also have a real katana(sharpened and everything) in my room. I often use that to scout my home or apartment.
 
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