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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

theangryamerican

Can't stop the signal...
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Location
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Political Leaning
Independent
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.
 
I snatch up the nearest throwable object, Nolan Ryan that bitch at the biggest guys head and charge him striking his throat, groin, or knees...whichever is most exposed. After that...who knows...it largely depends on if I picked the right person, if the offensive charge was effective, if I have any other weapons at my disposal, if I have sufficiently disabled the first guy to use him against the second guy. Odds are, Im probably looking at a beatdown. With a little luck there is enough of a ruckus they decide it isnt worth sticking around for and they haul ass.
 
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.

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. ;)
 
Shoot to kill because I don't want a low life to do this to someone not ready and able to take them or him out.

I learned early on to shoot to kill the first time every time.

I thank God it has never come up since I started carrying a weapon and or keeping one at hand.
 
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Question: Why are they black males?
 
Oh, that and bein' a pistol-packin' mama, which might be kinda' fun. ;)

My wife happens to think it's pretty fun. :) I just have to get her to stop taking my favorite guns! :mrgreen:
 
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 :)
 
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. ;)

I agree...but thats why these types of exercises are a good idea and thats why running these types of scenarios and practicing is also a good idea. My wife and I used to spend date nights 'sweeping' our home when we had children. Once the kids all moved out and it was just the two of us we changed tactics...call 911, arm, and barricade.

As sick as it is, i used to drill my kids on these types of scenarios almost daily. As a result they never walk next to walls that open up to alleys, nonchallantly make constant 360 degree scans while they walk, paractice acquiring teargas in seconds...identifying potential weapons (sitting in church...keys...cellphone...hymn books...scriptures...shoes...how SAD is that, right?). Paranoid doesnt mean they ARENT out to get you, and second nature=prepared.
 
Question: Why are they black males?

They are black because their parents were black? Its basic genetic stuff man...come on. OH...would you feel more comfortable with the scenario if it were more politically correct? OK...two rich white bankers kick in your door. One is wearing a silk Armani, the other a strong Dior number with a red power tie...
 
Knife. Always have one. I traveled alone for years, and I'm small and female. Not having SOMETHING is stupid. I choose a knife because it's legal pretty much everywhere, but I'd like to have a firearm for at home someday.

I have had to defend myself with a weapon before. I have never had to actually use it on someone - usually if you look calm enough that's enough to scare someone off. But I am trained to, and I sure as hell would if I had to.
 
Hard to say.

Is it just me at home or is my wife there too? How close am I to and exit? How close am I to her? How close is she to the exit? Do I see any weapons on the individuals? Have I heard about a string of robberies lately? If I have, where the men reported to be armed. Where am I in the house?

Scenarios like these on a board such as this are problematic because there are dozens of factors that are just missing. If I'm going to grab a weapon it'd depend on where I was in the house. I don't keep a gun hidden in every room, nor do I walk around my house with one at all times, so if I'm in my bedroom I may grab a gun where as in the kitchen perhaps something sharp where as in the living room something blunt. Or hell, if I'm near the door when they kick it in I may not have the chance to grab anything and have to use my hands.

Depending how close I am to a police station or how often I know a cop comes around the neighborhood, I may attempt to escape and value my potential life over my possession while hoping a cop can get there in time, making sure to take down their liscense number if they flee in a vehicle before cops arrive. However if my wife is home that may change this. Is she upstairs in a place that she's unable to escape? Then yeah, I'm definitely fighting. Is she out back on the porch and can get away quick? Then I may go with her.

Do I know these guys are armed with guns? Then I'm likely to grab a firearm if its close and get out of there, or just get out of there, rather than risking our lives...again, unless she's at a place she can't get out.
 
I agree...but thats why these types of exercises are a good idea and thats why running these types of scenarios and practicing is also a good idea. My wife and I used to spend date nights 'sweeping' our home when we had children. Once the kids all moved out and it was just the two of us we changed tactics...call 911, arm, and barricade.

As sick as it is, i used to drill my kids on these types of scenarios almost daily. As a result they never walk next to walls that open up to alleys, nonchallantly make constant 360 degree scans while they walk, paractice acquiring teargas in seconds...identifying potential weapons (sitting in church...keys...cellphone...hymn books...scriptures...shoes...how SAD is that, right?). Paranoid doesnt mean they ARENT out to get you, and second nature=prepared.

Exactly! You don't have to be a hardened combat veteran to give yourself a fighting chance, you just have to have a plan in place. Having already played out a scenario in your head may not give you all the answers, but it'll at least keep you from freezing up.
 
As sick as it is, i used to drill my kids on these types of scenarios almost daily. As a result they never walk next to walls that open up to alleys, nonchallantly make constant 360 degree scans while they walk, paractice acquiring teargas in seconds...identifying potential weapons (sitting in church...keys...cellphone...hymn books...scriptures...shoes...how SAD is that, right?). Paranoid doesnt mean they ARENT out to get you, and second nature=prepared.

Awareness is far and away the #1 self defense tool.

The best form of self defense is never putting yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself.
 
Awareness is far and away the #1 self defense tool.

The best form of self defense is never putting yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself.

I agree...and here is the reality...MOST people arent packin heat watching TV...and you kind of have to play out the scenario as it goes. MOST bad guys are going to expect you to comply...thats why my first instinct is offensive as opposed to defensive. Now...reality has to kick in. If I get beat down Im offering those guys any and everything to save my wife, family or anyone that is in the home. if it is just me and I know it Im going out a window head first. First rule of survival is survive. Do whatever it takes. Id lie...connive...manipulate, do everything I could to make them feel like they were in complete control, all the while looking for ways to escape, offer sexual favors so they could show prove just hwo dominating and manly they were...whatever it takes. Opportunity presents itself, someone is loosing a nutsack...but worse case scenario I survive and i can buy LOTS and LOTS of mouthwash. Everyone is a bad ass til they get their ass knocked out.

No one REALLY knows how they respond until they have been placed in live fire situations. First time I was I was fine til after everything was over. Afterward...I almost puked my guts out from the adrenaline rush.
 
I'm definitely a "repel boarders" type. I'm assuming these guys aren't armed?

First off I have a great big teddy bear of a dog that squares off and barks loudly when frightened, and a somewhat less large but still big Catahoula puppy who rushes towards things with a crazy fur fauxhawk from her head to her tail. So in this situation I'm probably dealing with a broken door.:lol:

However, presuming no dogs at the time? From past experience I would probably be yelling and demanding to know what the **** is going on. I don't have any hand to hand skills, but years of working with my hands means if you let me get ahold of my hammer you're screwed. I don't currently own any guns, but wouldn't hesitate to shoot if I did.

I've TALKED my way out of some extremely hairy positions, but you can't just HAVE my money if you're a mugger. You better have a gun, and it better not be in your wasteband when you show it to me. Or I'm now trying to shoot you in the nuts with your own gun.

I was one of those "prey" children, and while I came up with a clever solution to that problem, I been beat before, so the threat of physical violence doesn't paralyse me.
 
I will have done none of the choices because this scenario would have never happened, since my dogs would have already finished off both of them, belched several times and would be busy on the first of several bowel movements all the while basking in the delicious meal they have just had.
 
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I will have done none of the choices because this scenario would have never happened, since my dogs would have already finished off both of them, belched several times and would be busy on the first of several bowel movements all the while basking in the delicious meal they have just had.

that's why I have two huskies on the front porch and a great pyrenees at the garage door. and an ankle biter inside. IF they somehow get passed the big dogs, the ankle biter will distract them long enough for me to grab one of the many firearms in my home.
 
Anecdotal tip: I've managed to get the upper hand in intense situations by attacking the BEHAVIOR of an assailant. The first time was ad-lib, but its worked more than once.

"What the **** is wrong with you?"

"Why would you even want to do this? You don't know me"

"People like you suck."

In the above, get pissed about the broken door. "Look what you did to my ****ing door! For the love of God, what the **** is wrong with you?"

For some reason, attacking them personally, like someone who knows them would, takes them "out of their game".

No guarantees, use at your own risk, etc.. But its worked for me more than once so it might be worth a shot.

Yelling some version of "Martha get the shotgun" over your shoulder, then turning back and smiling like its "free killing day" might be worth a shot too.:mrgreen:
 
I will have done none of the choices because this scenario would have never happened, since my dogs would have already finished off both of them, belched several times and would be busy on the first of several bowel movements all the while basking in the delicious meal they have just had.

There's an "other" option just for you. :2razz: So, in other words, you'd just remain a casual observer while your dogs fought with the intruders. ;)
 
I will have done none of the choices because this scenario would have never happened, since my dogs would have already finished off both of them, belched several times and would be busy on the first of several bowel movements all the while basking in the delicious meal they have just had.

Dogs: Smart weapons for the everyman!
 
that's why I have two huskies on the front porch and a great pyrenees at the garage door. and an ankle biter inside. IF they somehow get passed the big dogs, the ankle biter will distract them long enough for me to grab one of the many firearms in my home.

True, but the kinds of jackasses in the OP check for dogs when picking a victim, and pass the owners of dogs by. Even "yappers" are a deterrent as they jeopardize the element of surprise.
 
Read before answering:

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 always helps to have a plan in place, so vote and then explain, please. ...
I had a loaded pistol pointed at me when a caught someone damaging our property. He wasn’t prepared for my knowledge of people. I was talking to him to calm him down and make a mistake so I could get control of the situation, get his gun and kill him with it. But someone saw what was happening and called the police. They arrived in a coordinated way, perfectly, with guns drawn. He was busted. I testified at trial. He went to jail for a short time. I often have a knife that opens with one hand, swing blade, most of the time; mostly for fishing and convenience on projects; but I could use it for protection. I’m dangerous since I had so many fights as a kid, I was small and often alone doing stuff. So, how should I answer your poll? And why "black males", the one that pulled a gun on me was white?
 
There's an "other" option just for you. :2razz: So, in other words, you'd just remain a casual observer while your dogs fought with the intruders. ;)

That is what we're paying them for!:2razz:

Even though I suspect mine may be all talk.
 
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True, but the kinds of jackasses in the OP check for dogs when picking a victim, and pass the owners of dogs by. Even "yappers" are a deterrent as they jeopardize the element of surprise.

yet another reason to have a dog.
 
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