Most people who would attempt to enter/intrude an occupied dwelling are opportunists. They might be poor, drug addicted, mentally unstable, who knows. Organized home invasion is a possible threat, but highly unlikely…
Intruders typically are someone who has been watching an area, and notice weaknesses in security, like open windows, unlocked cars, boxes that contained expensive items in your trash (flat screen TV boxes by your garbage says “rob me, I have nice stuff,”) single person dwellings, seniors, or something low risk/quick reward.
Other times, it’s a person you know. Not a close friend. Buy maybe a neighbor, friend of a friend, or someone who has already been in your dwelling when you were there. Maybe someone who was at a social gathering in your place, and saw some easy pickens…
Whatever the reason is, if you didn’t invite them in, they’re a threat. Being desperate opportunists, they could be a threat to steal, rob, rape, murder. Who knows.
Regardless. Most normal people are outmatched by someone who lives life, in rough circumstances. Even when the “goodguy” has a gun, they have to be able to grab it quickly, get it ready to shoot, and most importantly be ready to shoot.
If it happens. It won’t be like you expect. It’ll be sudden, without much warning and extremely dangerous.
Defensive weapons, are just that. Most people should not own a firearm, with the idea of killing an intruder. If you think there’s something going on, call the police, and stay in the most secure place in your home, or flee. The firearm should only be used as a last resort. When there are no other options.
You can’t have an offensive mindset, in a defensive scenario. The attacker always has the disadvantage. Surprise is an advantage. But. If you play the scenario out correctly, you’ll have the element of surprise by being in an ambush/defensive location. Back to a wall. Firearm ready, but no finger on the trigger. Firing on someone in the dark, isn’t a great idea. You might kill a family member, cop, or someone you didn’t want to hurt.
Keep in mind. If you’re in a confrontation and you pull your knife, you’re now in a knife fight. Ever been in a knife fight? Probably not. The intruder may have. And/or, they have a knife too. Same with guns. Pulling a weapon escalates a situation exponentially. Think.
Gun owners. Have a gun with a light attached? Maybe a laser, or glow in the dark sights? Cool. Now the intruder knows where YOU are. Keep a flashlight with your weapon if in a dwelling. You don’t want you’re only source of light to be attached to your gun. Why? Because you only want to point it at someone you’re comfortable firing on. If you’re in an intruder situation, the cops may already be around if you haven’t already called them. Do you want to be pointing your gun light, at a LEO? Not smart…
Interested in spraying a few rounds around after an intruder? Think about it. First rule of actual engagement should be “be aware of your target “and what’s beyond it.”
Better than an AK-47, is a person who has a good head on their shoulders. Keep your doors, and windows locked at ALL times. Don’t leave garage doors open for long periods of time. Porches and garages, are prime entry ways for intruders, and advertise your lifestyle. Own a dog. Even a small dog makes a great companion, and great alarm system. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to whomever is around you when coming or going home.
Don’t paint a target on your back.
And for fuck’s sake. If you have an AK-47, M-4, AR-15, or any semiautomatic rifle, don’t depend on that for protection. I understand owning something like that, but that’s for the apocalypse…
If you feel that you need a weapon to defend yourself, you can buy a steel baseball bat. Think that’s not enough? You’d be surprised…
If you feel you NEED a firearm for protection, get educated on firearms. Make a smart, well researched purchase. Know your weapon as well as possible. Firearms require maintenance, and understanding of basic functionality of each weapon you own. You need to run several hundreds rounds through them. You may realize that your gun, doesn’t cycle certain brands well, or may have issues like failure to fire, or failure to eject. Those are the two worst. If you own a semiautomatic, IT WILL FAIL if you put enough rounds through it. Know the weaknesses of your weapon, and how to safely deal with them. When you hear something go bump in the night, and your pistol fails to chamber those cool defense rounds you bought, that’s the wrong time to try to work on it.
Get a revolver, if you only want a handgun. If you want a one shot solution, get yourself a single shot, or pump action shotgun. You don’t NEED a $600 12 gauge Mossberg 500, with a collapsible stock, heat shield, and expensive self defense shells. You should be able to find an off brand shotty, and a box of 25 shells for under $400.
Don’t want the massive recoil, of a 12 gauge? Go with a 20, or a youth model chambered in 410.
As I’ve mentioned before the pumps are ideal. The sound of racking a pump alone, is enough to send most “badguys” running for their lives.
Whatever you do, make sure you are storing, and handling your firearms safely…
