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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
I had not considered it either, but that's my first line of defense, two big lab/retriever mixes. They are sweethearts to the family, but they've sent more than one stranger hopping backward off my doorstep when they got a load what was barking and snapping behind the door. :D The female is particularly fierce and protective.

No one has mentioned a cellphone. While my dogs kept them busy, I'd be dialing 911 while I grabbed an Easton bat and my pepper spray.

My croc grabs people with his mouth. Thats just how he rolls without four fingers and a thumb. We lost a mailman because of him. We also got sued because he played tagyerit with the 12 year old cutting across the back acre. The 12 year old lost. He would definitely throw someone of their game, especially if they kicked in their door. Now...if they just opened it and said "awwwwcmereyou big good boy" they would be in serious danger of being loved to death.
 
I had not considered it either, but that's my first line of defense, two big lab/retriever mixes. They are sweethearts to the family, but they've sent more than one stranger hopping backward off my doorstep when they got a load what was barking and snapping behind the door. :D The female is particularly fierce and protective.

No one has mentioned a cellphone. While my dogs kept them busy, I'd be dialing 911 while I grabbed an Easton bat and my pepper spray.

Id be flinging the cell phone if I could reach it in time. Anything that you can fire overhanded is a weapon in that scenario.
 
This is a very interesting thread. I wanted to make two points;

Animals do not offer as much protection, as they do early warning. It’s not to say that are not capable protectors but do not have the false conception that an animal will save you from harm.

Second, when the SHTF most people freeze. Often time’s people are unable to even dial 911 as they shake so badly. I cannot stress how important emergency drills are. Practice dialing 911 when your phone is off. Have a plan in place and practice it every 6 months or so.
 
If they kick your door in on a home invasion while you are present I wouldnt be counting on the milk of human kindness to carry the day...just sayin...

Someone who kicks a door in to rob your home is probably going to be a little more violent than someone who gets in through an open window, I'll grant you that, but there really is no reason not to command the person to stop unless they come in pointing a weapon.

By the way, you have a pet croc? Where do you keep that thing? I had one when I was a kid.. we kept it in a little blow up pool but I left it out in the sun one day and it died. I cried for days I remember.
 
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Someone who kicks a door in to rob your home is probably going to be a little more violent than someone who gets in through an open window, I'll grant you that, but there really is no reason not to command the person to stop unless they come in pointing a weapon.

By the way, you have a pet croc? Where do you keep that thing? I had one when I was a kid.. we kept it in a little blow up pool but I left it out in the sun one day and it died. I cried for days I remember.

I have a dog that is all teeth. And no...Im not wasting a seconds breath issuing commands. I truly hope you dont think people that have committed to a home invasion are going to stop because you told them to in an authoritative voice. The only command I want to be issuing is "quit bleeding on my carpet, bitch!"
 
I have a dog that is all teeth. And no...Im not wasting a seconds breath issuing commands. I truly hope you dont think people that have committed to a home invasion are going to stop because you told them to in an authoritative voice. The only command I want to be issuing is "quit bleeding on my carpet, bitch!"

We'll have to respectfully disagree then. And they will stop if they are not armed and see that you have a weapon. If you really would shoot a burglar who climbs through your window to steal your wife's jewelry, then that's just crazy. Someone busting your door down, yeah, I can see that, but your every day B&E perp is not going to be a murderous animal on the run wanted in 48 states and Puerto Rico.. Many states require that you announce yourself as willing to use deadly force if they do not stop.
 
We'll have to respectfully disagree then. And they will stop if they are not armed and see that you have a weapon. If you really would shoot a burglar who climbs through your window to steal your wife's jewelry, then that's just crazy. Someone busting your door down, yeah, I can see that, but your every day B&E perp is not going to be a murderous animal on the run wanted in 48 states and Puerto Rico.. Many states require that you announce yourself as willing to use deadly force if they do not stop.

Maybe you need to re-read the 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."

Aint nothing about that that indicates thes folk are here to sell you magazine subscriptions. We can always consider another scenario...by all means...start another thread. But with THIS one? I'll stick my response.
 
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..
 
My croc grabs people with his mouth. Thats just how he rolls without four fingers and a thumb. We lost a mailman because of him. We also got sued because he played tagyerit with the 12 year old cutting across the back acre. The 12 year old lost. He would definitely throw someone of their game, especially if they kicked in their door. Now...if they just opened it and said "awwwwcmereyou big good boy" they would be in serious danger of being loved to death.

He sounds like a great pet and protector! I hope you won the suit, since the kid was trespassing. Isn't that funny? It's all in the attitude of the person.

My baby girl is a lover to just about anyone but the next door neighbor (or strangers at the door). She hated his last dog, a mean beast. I think she still associates him with that dog and if she gets out, will chase him down, causing him to freeze until I get there. Thankfully, she hasn't bitten him.
 
To be honest, since there are two of them and I already have a descent description of what they look like I would probably call the police and try to get out of their way until the cops came. Probobly grab something to hit them with if they come after me, and I always carry a 3-4 inch pocket knife, and go into a room and dial 911 w/ my cell. My gun is in my room, so I would not be close enough to it in the kitchen, and I am not going to take on two people with just a knife or fists. I would think about setting my dog on them though.
 
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sounds similar to this ---

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges. You are carrying a Glock .40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?

Sarah Brady type Answer:

Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!
Does the man look poor or oppressed?
Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away?
What does my wife think?
What about the kids?
Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?
What does the law say about this situation?
Does the Glock have an appropriate safety built into it?
Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?
Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?
Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?
If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?
Should I call 9-1-1?
Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.
This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.

Good Answer:

BANG!

Best Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click...
(sounds of reloading).

Wife: "Sweetheart, he looks like he's still moving, what do you kids think?"

Son: "Mom's right Dad, I saw it, too."

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.

Daughter: "Nice group, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips?"

Sorry AA had to do it, couldn't resist. I did check the top answer for me though.
 
I live in an apartment with only one way in and out, so leaving would not be an option for me, otherwise that would most likely be my go-to response if I was alone in the home.

Since that isn't an option, my next best bet would be to grab my cell phone and run back to the bedroom, lock the door and get my gun out of the safe, hopefully before they realize where I went and break in the door. If they're still not in the room yet, I'd call 911 and put them on speaker and hope the cops get there.

I wouldn't confront them, since I'd much rather let them have my possessions than confront them when doing so could end up with them dead or me dead or badly hurt.
 
I was a distinguished expert with firearms...I havent seen a martial arts or a boxer or anyone else whoop a handgun yet....Ill keep my pistol :)

what sort of distinguished expert-

NRA, US shooting team, USMS.

depends where I am. If I am upstairs in my office I get the Beretta 92 out of the desk and shoot them as they come up the stairs or in the back as the pass under the landing

If its my bedroom I get the mossberg shotgun and start some serious killing

If its in my son's room I grab the Korean hand forged L6 Bainite "turtle Jingum" I bought him when he earned his Tae kwan do black belt (its similar to a katana) In another part of the house is my Michael Bell cable Katana and my Howard Clark hand forged one
a slash for either will invariably cause catastrophic disruption of bodily functions

If I am down in our recreational building I have an electronic safe that has a varied assortment of weapons including a 20 round saiga shotgun which I keep loaded along with a soviet AK 74 also loaded. depends on which one I get to first
 
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.


Well, as it happens I just got in, took my gun off and put it on the desk beside me, so I'm ready to rock. :lol:

Which is pretty typical for me... unusual that I'm not within arm's reach of a firearm. Or two.
 
That's not really true. Not all crooks are all hardened cold blood killers who are prepared to kill an entire family just to rob a stereo and a computer.

It's should be common knowledge that stepping one toenail onto someone's property (without their permission and with the intent to do harm) subjects that person to the full wrath of the property owner. I could care less if the guy in my house, taking my old ass TV is a desperate, pathetic junkie who doesn't wouldn't hurt a fly. He's getting a full shell of lead shot in the throat and face.
 
Well, as it happens I just got in, took my gun off and put it on the desk beside me, so I'm ready to rock. :lol:

Which is pretty typical for me... unusual that I'm not within arm's reach of a firearm. Or two.

I sometimes am-but I always have a spyderco knife in my pocket no matter where I am other than an airplane or in federal court
 
what sort of distinguished expert-

NRA, US shooting team, USMS.

depends where I am. If I am upstairs in my office I get the Beretta 92 out of the desk and shoot them as they come up the stairs or in the back as the pass under the landing

If its my bedroom I get the mossberg shotgun and start some serious killing

If its in my son's room I grab the Korean hand forged L6 Bainite "turtle Jingum" I bought him when he earned his Tae kwan do black belt (its similar to a katana) In another part of the house is my Michael Bell cable Katana and my Howard Clark hand forged one
a slash for either will invariably cause catastrophic disruption of bodily functions

If I am down in our recreational building I have an electronic safe that has a varied assortment of weapons including a 20 round saiga shotgun which I keep loaded along with a soviet AK 74 also loaded. depends on which one I get to first

You have a ****ing arsenal TD... jesus christ.. and to top it off a Katana.
 
my house has no doors, only walls that i walk through.

they wouldn't stand a chance.
 
It's should be common knowledge that stepping one toenail onto someone's property (without their permission and with the intent to do harm) subjects that person to the full wrath of the property owner. I could care less if the guy in my house, taking my old ass TV is a desperate, pathetic junkie who doesn't wouldn't hurt a fly. He's getting a full shell of lead shot in the throat and face.

That's actually not true for many states. A lot of them (I actually believe it's a majority of them, even a lot of the southern states) require that the person actually enters your dwelling before you can use deadly force. If someone steps on your property and you just kill the person, you're probably going down hard.

Why? Why would you want to murder someone who isn't posing a threat to you? Some people in this thread are very out of line with their ideas of "self defense".
 
I would grab my firearm but before shooting I would demand an explanation. I'm not a firm believer in shoot first ask questions later. I would have to fight though because my son would be in the home and I would rather kamikaze myself in a gun fight than let him be hurt. However, if my son is in the room with me then it could be a much more complicated situation where he could be caught in the cross fire.

In any case... I think an opening dialogue would be smart before acting hastily, unless they are really coming at me.

True story... when my son was a newborn I had to get up 3-4 times a night. One night I awoke to a really loud pounding and even though it was completely illogical, my first reaction was to go to my son's room. He was fine, but outside his window you could see downstairs and there was a guy covered in blood with a knife in his hand, pounding the crap out of my front door. My partner was not home so I grabbed my gun and headed downstairs. He was pounding the door so hard that it was splintering and dust from the frame was coming off. So here I am in my underwear, it's 3am, I have the phone in one hand and my gun in the other, and I start talking to this crazy guy at the door. Keep in mind that this **** never happened in my area so I didn't really know what to do other than get ready to blow this guy's head off if he came in.

He said he needed help urgently. I asked him why he was still holding a knife. He said he needed it in case he was attacked. I explained that I had a gun and that if he broke my door down I would likely use it on him, and that I was now calling the police. He walked away in a hurry and I calmly went upstairs. Then I realized he had gone around to the back door in my BACK YARD and was pounding on that to get in. I called the police immediately and went to the back door. I asked him what the hell he was doing. He said the backyard was safer. I said, "Not for me it isn't!" I told him the cops were on the way and if he needed help that he should wait out front. Then he completely took off.

The police showed up and acted like I was crazy, but the evidence was everywhere. There were bloody fist prints on my door right under the knocker (creepy as hell) and the guys blood was all over my driveway and property. It's the scariest thing that ever happened to me.

I was so tense that I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. Figures that my son didn't wake up at all... he was off in dream land while I was having a heart attack!

Imagine if I had no gun and that creep got in. What would I do? Wait for the effing cops to arrive? No thanks.
 
Well, let's see... I don't have kids and I am not married. There is nothing in my house I willing to die for, so why go all territorial and try to defend my property with lethal force just because.. There is two of them, one of me.. they could have more guns than me. **** my property. I'd probably flee, because that would be a form of protecting myself.

may you never face this and if so be swift of feet!!!
 
That's actually not true for many states. A lot of them (I actually believe it's a majority of them, even a lot of the southern states) require that the person actually enters your dwelling before you can use deadly force. If someone steps on your property and you just kill the person, you're probably going down hard.

Why? Why would you want to murder someone who isn't posing a threat to you? Some people in this thread are very out of line with their ideas of "self defense".

That's what I meant; I realize now it may not have come across that away. Of course you can't just shoot someone just for accidentally stepping on your lawn, that's crazy.
 
He sounds like a great pet and protector! I hope you won the suit, since the kid was trespassing. Isn't that funny? It's all in the attitude of the person.

My baby girl is a lover to just about anyone but the next door neighbor (or strangers at the door). She hated his last dog, a mean beast. I think she still associates him with that dog and if she gets out, will chase him down, causing him to freeze until I get there. Thankfully, she hasn't bitten him.

Nope...lost the suit but was able to keep the dog. Pretty much standard rule regardless of trespassing in the yard. (I think that might not be the case with regard to burglars or those with criminal intent.
 
sounds similar to this ---

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges. You are carrying a Glock .40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?

Sarah Brady type Answer:

Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!
Does the man look poor or oppressed?
Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away?
What does my wife think?
What about the kids?
Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?
What does the law say about this situation?
Does the Glock have an appropriate safety built into it?
Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?
Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?
Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?
If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?
Should I call 9-1-1?
Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.
This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.

Good Answer:

BANG!

Best Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click...
(sounds of reloading).

Wife: "Sweetheart, he looks like he's still moving, what do you kids think?"

Son: "Mom's right Dad, I saw it, too."

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.

Daughter: "Nice group, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips?"

Sorry AA had to do it, couldn't resist. I did check the top answer for me though.

I just emailed The Emmy's and nominated your post for Best DP Screenplay. They should take my email seriously, because my mom once treated Bon Jovi for dehydration in the 80's.

wordpress_gossip_emmy_54940_emmys.jpg
 
That's actually not true for many states. A lot of them (I actually believe it's a majority of them, even a lot of the southern states) require that the person actually enters your dwelling before you can use deadly force. If someone steps on your property and you just kill the person, you're probably going down hard.

Why? Why would you want to murder someone who isn't posing a threat to you? Some people in this thread are very out of line with their ideas of "self defense".


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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