Hypothetical on a home invasion....

[JhankG]

Originally Posted by hotwheels80

They have rounds that are like a bird bomb or something like that. (its kinda like a warning shot) So you can cover your butt and say you gave him a warning first then shot. I don't think you need to tell them that the 2nd round(being your SD ammo) came right out after the first. So if some tries to take you to court.

But what if you only had time for one shot, and you really needed that one shot to count?

[anhiciano]

Originally Posted by JhankG

But what if you only had time for one shot, and you really needed that one shot to count?

well...shoot him first...and then fire one up to warn him...

[JAK]

Originally Posted by Protector

I also leave a light on in the kitchen, which in my house gives the BG a disadvantage.

I use a variation of the above. I have motion activated night lights mounted high in my hallways. High enough so my dogs won't activate them and not bright enough to blind anyone (that is what the Surefire on my nightstand is for.) Just bright enough to allow me to identify who or what is in my house, best of all the way my house is situated the BG will already be on tape and will have already activated the lights so they will not even know that I have seen them. Once they are identified as a BG, then I will look at the what I like to call Hostile Intent. If the BG has means to harm me or anyone else and shows the intent to use it, you had better believe that I will use my means of SD.

[RogueXD]

Originally Posted by JAK

I use a variation of the above. I have motion activated night lights mounted high in my hallways. High enough so my dogs won't activate them and not bright enough to blind anyone (that is what the Surefire on my nightstand is for.) Just bright enough to allow me to identify who or what is in my house, best of all the way my house is situated the BG will already be on tape and will have already activated the lights so they will not even know that I have seen them. Once they are identified as a BG, then I will look at the what I like to call Hostile Intent. If the BG has means to harm me or anyone else and shows the intent to use it, you had better believe that I will use my means of SD.

Sounds like you got things covered.. good job!

[Bone Puddle]

I've read a number of replies in which the response was - dont leave the bedroom. Do you guys have kids? I have a toddler and know for a fact my first reaction will be to get into her room and make sure she is ok.

Luckily Florida isn't so strict on home invasion self defense laws.

[Small Arms]

You can get relatively inexpensive motion detector units that will both turn on lights and set off a loud alarm.

No need for a monitored alarm system that costs big bucks in monitoring fees every month.

The following site should give you a good general idea of what's available:

Home Security Store - Wireless Security Systems - Security Cameras

[JAK]

Originally Posted by RogueXD

Sounds like you got things covered.. good job!

Thanks! I hope I never have to find out, but if I do I hope you are right!

[RogueXD]

Originally Posted by JAK

Thanks! I hope I never have to find out, but if I do I hope you are right!

Does your family have an action plan or drills??

[JAK]

Originally Posted by RogueXD

Does your family have an action plan or drills??

This is one area where I may be a little lacking. Reality is there are only two of us in the house (not counting pets), so if anything happens my wife will be in the closet with one or both of our cell phones which are always on our nightstands.

[shikkie]

WV has castle doctrine, and the only person that would come into my house legitimately will call out from the door so I know she's coming in.

I have night-lights all over, I hate pitch blackness for various reasons, and tritium sights on my XD40. I also have noisemakers on the lower level doors and windows. Top of the stairs leads to a tight hallway and I'd be waiting behind cover at the end w/ the phone connected to 911. The classes I've taken preach the safe room idea but I like my setup better for the layout of my house. I should also mention I live alone.