Bump in the night loadout?

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My "bump in the night" loadout is a Glock and a flash light. I don't plan to use the light until "its" over. I guess that if 14 rounds makes you feel under gunned an extra mag would be easy enough to store near the Glock.

I've never been in this situation, but would think it would happen quickly with little time to gather a lot of gear. I also hope to not ever be there.

I guess it also depends on what size invasion you might be expecting. That thing a few years ago with the motorcycle gang attacking that family caused me to carry more magazines when traveling!
 
I have an AR500 plate carrier with a mounted CZ P-01 9mm with 2 extra mags mounted sideways for right hand draw and 2 pmags for my Noveke Diplomat Aimpoint T-1 and IR/white Streamlight illuminator mounted which is single point sling bungeed to it. Hung in a locked wall compartment 6 feet from the side of my bed opposite to the only door . the three digit button combo springs it and even from sleep takes about 30 second to be ready. I hung a soft 3a armor groin protector from the front bottom of plate carrier to be half way decent and not attract stray hits there ! :)
 
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lightman said:
My "bump in the night" loadout is a Glock and a flash light. I don't plan to use the light until "its" over. I guess that if 14 rounds makes you feel under gunned an extra mag would be easy enough to store near the Glock.

I've never been in this situation, but would think it would happen quickly with little time to gather a lot of gear. I also hope to not ever be there.

I guess it also depends on what size invasion you might be expecting. That thing a few years ago with the motorcycle gang attacking that family caused me to carry more magazines when traveling!
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To be honest, the thing that concerns me most is all the stuff coming up lately about folks not going down despite the extra holes. I've only got 10 rounds, and 10 rounds doesn't feel like a lot if it might take multiple good hits centre mass to stop a threat.
 
Do you really want to use pepper spray in your own home? Cleaning it up might be almost as painful as getting hit with it. I sure don't want to have to find out.
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I like the idea of pepper spray. If cleaning it up after subduing someone is the worst I have to deal with, I've done well.

My pop likes to tell this story from when he was a younger lad on his own, and had a fellow climb right into his apartment bedroom through the window next to his bed. Pop kept a .357 nearby, which he used to greet his late-night guest. Turns out it was a fool so drunk he couldn't tell it wasn't his own apartment he was climbing into, after he couldn't figure out why his keys weren't working.

I think about that story a lot. It's important to check your targets, it's important to escalate only as necessary.

If someone is in my house, I am hunkering down and waiting for the police to do this for me.
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Of course, if the situation allows. If I'm going for my gun, me or my other half is calling the cops. Best case scenario is they're nearby. But this forum's not about the best case, now, is it? :p
 
the load out I'm realistically looking at is pistol (loaded with a mag) + 2 spare mags + pepper spray + phone.
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So, this is the load out you want, and you're justifying it with two very different ends of the spectrum.
I like the idea of pepper spray. ... My pop likes to tell this story from when he ... had a fellow climb right into his apartment bedroom through the window next to his bed. ... it was a fool so drunk he couldn't tell it wasn't his own apartment ...
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Here are the problems with pepper spray in that scenario: First, you're going to get the pepper spray on yourself as well as the intruder. That's pretty much guaranteed in an enclosed space like rooms in a home. Second, if someone is that drunk (or under the influence of an even more powerful drug), there's a very good chance that they won't be affected by the pepper spray. Ditch the pepper spray. Upgrade your door and window locks so that a drunk or high person can't get inside your residence in the first place. These measures will also slow from entry or perhaps even deter someone with truly malicious intent and buy you time. Motion sensing exterior lights and a dog (if feasible) are additional things that send the message of "wrong place, move along" and they provide early alert if someone chooses not to move along. Our Strategies, Tactics, and Training forum has threads with far more extensive discussion on hardening your home and increasing the level of deterrence. Deterrence and hardening/physical security should be your first steps.
the thing that concerns me most is all the stuff coming up lately about folks not going down despite the extra holes. I've only got 10 rounds, and 10 rounds doesn't feel like a lot if it might take multiple good hits centre mass to stop a threat.
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Inside a home an attacker is almost certainly going to be too close to allow you to safely make a mag change. As much as I know you're better off investing in skill set and physical security, if you're worried about terminal ballistics this much a riot type shotgun or a MA compliant semi-auto carbine is going to give you far better terminal effects than pistol rounds. You can mount a light to either, and reloads for either can be attached the gun itself if you choose.

You also quickly dismissed a plate carrier or Rhodesian Rig / Chest Rig, but you were open to a backpack or satchel. Most people can throw a prefitted plate carrier or chest rig over their heads as fast as or faster than they can put on a backpack. Such a rig also gives you places to put your phone, reloads for the gun, and a holster if you stick with the handgun.

Last, you need a sling on the long gun or a holster on your person for the handgun so that you can safely put the gun down and out of your hands when the police arrive if you have to call them.
 
Sounds like what I really need to invest in is proper training.

Inside a home an attacker is almost certainly going to be too close to allow you to safely make a mag change.
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Mind==blown. These are the nuggets you search for.

if you're worried about terminal ballistics this much a riot type shotgun or a MA compliant semi-auto carbine is going to give you far better terminal effects
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I have a short 870P already, but it's difficult to get to and get ready quickly. I haven't found a solution to balance keeping it secure and accessible.

All this to check out a sound during the night?
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Of course not. Just the 'proverbial' noise in the night. My neighbors make a ton of noise. I'm not getting out of bed unless its something highly suspicious. Sleep is too precious and my doors lock well.
 
You also quickly dismissed a plate carrier
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I suppose I did, perhaps too hastily. But even if it might work, I do feel it'd be a bit much. I don't want to be 'that guy' - Lord Tacticool of the Seventy Tactical Pouches.

Perhaps this convo ought to migrate to tactics on another thread. It's sounding like an understanding of tactics and deterrence might serve me better than some new widget. *shock*
 
The ones that are putting this much into this rare scenario, have you had a roll cage, 5 pt harness, and carry helmets for all passengers in your daily driven vehicles? Bc a wreck is only about a million times more likely.
 
fallout mike said:
The ones that are putting this much into this rare scenario, have you had a roll cage, 5 pt harness, and carry helmets for all passengers in your daily driven vehicles? Bc a wreck is only about a million times more likely.
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Pfft. Don't drive. Actually, I don't even go outside, you kidding?

I just sit at home on my computer all day long in my wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling padded home, clutching my AR-15 as I wait for additional ammunition to be delivered to round out my my 996,000+ round stockpile, sweating through my RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS t-shirt as I quiver in fear at the thought of anyone trying to approach my Fortress of Paranoia.

Come on, man. These threads are only ever 50 percent actual prep, 50 percent whimsical interest, if even. If you think I stay up nights because I'm worried I don't have the right tactical man-purse for my extra mags and pepper spray, you're taking this all too seriously.

That said, sometimes some valuable information often comes up. Just take it all with a grain of salt.
 
I just don't put much thought into it. I keep whatever handgun out that I've been carrying that day beside my bed. I've checked out noises in the night with my handgun while in my drawers. Never felt under equipped.
 
A few month ago I bought some new gear to keep in the truck and had a bunch of old gear with no place to put it. I read this article and was inspired: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/05/21/tactical-order-of-dressing-an-illustrated-guide/
I strung it from an old belt on an old pair of jeans and hung it from a command hook in my closet. The belt has a FAK, a cheap fixed blade, an SAK, a cheap multitool that I had laying around, and an S-Biner with a penlight and 10 foot paracord daisy chain attached. The jeans pockets have a bandana, a washcloth, a notepad/ pen, and a lighter in them. There's room for a holster and some mag holders. Cost me exactly 0 dollars, and I'd wager most of us have old pair of pants/ an old belt/ surplus gear.
I have a good flashlight and weapon by my bed, if something went bump that required my immediate attention. If not, it takes me about 15 seconds to put on those jeans. Add another 30 seconds and I can have shoes and a shirt on. If I'm leaving my bedroom, I want to be fully clothed.
(Also, first post, used to post here under CZ22, recently got back in to shooting/ prepping/ RKBA, good to be back).
 
My "loadout" depends on what I'm responding too. I have a shotgun under the bed, 5+1 buckshot and 5 slugs on the stock, under mounted flashlight and honestly for most things I imagine that'd handle it. However, under the bed it takes longer to get to so I have a Glock with night sights on the bedstand in a holster that has a second magazine, with a spare flashlight setting by it.

If I get my choice I'll get out of bed while holding the Glock on the door, retrieve the shotgun, holster the Glock and tuck the holster in to my shorts (actual shorts, they will and have holstered a firearm without a belt) and investigate in that manner.

If I don't get to get out of bed I have the Glock with night sights and due to window placement and outside lights I have a well illuminated door way. Should that fail to stop them, I'm not going to reload the Glock, I will immediately transition to the other pistol or shotgun. I also have a back up pistol, and while it doesn't have night sights I am confident and proficient with my flashlight with that pistol.

But seriously speaking, I'm taking the shotgun every time if I think someone's in my house, and tuck the pistol in my waistband in case I need it.
 
Snowblind said:
Or this bit:
"the load out I'm realistically looking at is pistol (loaded with a mag) + 2 spare mags + pepper spray + phone"

To clarify, my issue seems to be the need for just one more hand. I'd like to be able to do the pistol, 1 or 2 spare mags, and pepper spray, but haven't found a doctor yet that could do a third hand for me.
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Seems like something along these lines might work for you. Just add a couple more pouches on the front for all your stuff you want with you.

FAS1-MAX%2BSmartCarry.jpg
 
I'll offer this insight.

What you really need to do is to understand the concepts. If you believe there's a violent intruder in your home, ARM YOURSELF, BARRICADE AND STAY PUT, CALL LEO.

Set your stuff in a layout, on a bench, in a drawer, on a plate carrier, whatever so it's all co-located and ready. For instance, in my home, I have my weapons, phone, and ear/eye pro, flashlight, and plate carrier all adjacent so I can literally slip on the carrier, pick up the rifle/handgun, and phone all within seconds.

If you are unsure of the noise (I've been in this situation before), then you can simply sit and listen until you think it's not an intruder, but instead maybe something fell over or other innocent noise. Then as you gather your readiness, you can go explore.

But understand, going searching for trouble in a dark house is an invitation for disaster. Don't agree? At night have a friend hide in the dark home and then go look for him. Whoever says bang first, wins.
 
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This has turned into an interesting thread! I see that different people have different situations and approaches. You might try making a trial run to fine tune your tactics.

In my case, I have a plan that I think will work for me. I don't plan to investigate any further than necessary. If other family members are staying here I will advance further than I will if its just the Wife and I. Think ambush, not attack. This is going to take more than a noise. Think door being broken down and alarm sounding!

My bedroom is painted in a light color, with dark curtains, dark furniture and darkly stained doors and trim. It would be very easy for me to stand in front of any of these and not be visible while waiting on someone to enter through the door and to be backlit from the thermostat that casts a low glow in the hallway. That person will be at a disadvantage.

Take a good look at your surroundings and find the advantages and disadvantages. Then adjust so that the odds are in your favor.


I just don't see needing a lot of gear while defending my home from the bedroom. If I were taking the game outside, I would have a different plan and probably more gear.

Good Luck in forming your plan.
 
You nailed it!

But understand, going searching for trouble in a dark house is an invitation for disaster. Don't agree? At night have a friend hide in the dark home and then go look for him. Whoever says bang first, wins.
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I think of this all the time... I often am tempted to buy a light for my pistol. Then I get to thinking, the bad guy will know EXACTLY where I am!
 
au_prospector said:
I think of this all the time... I often am tempted to buy a light for my pistol. Then I get to thinking, the bad guy will know EXACTLY where I am!
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Take a low-light class!

In my mind target ID is paramount in any kind of SD situation. In low/no-light, that means having a way to illuminate a potential target. How to illuminate, how long to illuminate, and movement afterwards, is where training comes in.

There's other pluses and minus's that come with a mounted VS handheld light, and a decent class can help sort through both. I've taken 3 low-light classes, and just finished the low-light phase for a class I'm taking now (4th). We also shoot low-light CoFs in shoots. Probably the best training I've ever done is low-light, either long-gun or pistol. It IS an eye opener!

Chuck
 
I often am tempted to buy a light for my pistol. Then I get to thinking, the bad guy will know EXACTLY where I am!
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Use strategically placed nightlights around your house so you don't need a flashlight to locate an intruder, and so you will have dark areas in which to stand while looking.

A handheld or weapon-mounted light screams "Here I am" and telegraphs your approach

For the OP, a simple Harbor Freight "tool pouch" on a belt would carry what you need, including a Vietnam Tomahawk ;)
 
This:
Sounds like what I really need to invest in is proper training.
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And, then:
It's sounding like an understanding of tactics and deterrence might serve me better than some new widget. *shock*
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Ta Da!
It took awhile, but you got there in the end.
You're not far from some really good training facitlites.
 
ive got long curtains on my bedroom window and hide the rifle behind them loaded and with one up the pipe. (no kids around) It has a flash light on it and a 20 round mag of nosler partitions which is enough to get me out of any problem. Closets by both the front and back door have a shotgun with buckshot and a light. Both the wifes and my bedstands have handguns in the top drawer for if we cant get out of bed. come and get it:neener:
 
I have no intention of "clearing my house" like some cop wannabe.
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I don't disagree but you are missing the fact that some of us have children on the other end of the house. I would much rather draw attention to myself
than allow it to travel to them.


Ultimately I believe there is no better substitute than a good dog if it is possible. Fact of the matter is, in absence of an alarm, my dog is alerted long before I'll even roll over in bed. First and foremost, I would find a way to alert yourself to an intruder to overcome the extreme disadvantage you would already be in by sleeping.
Dogs are fantastic. I have a German Shepard that is a true work dog. She is a huge baby but she takes her job very seriously. If she alerts me, I can be certain it is another person on the other end of the glass and I trust and believe her. She knows what I want to be alerted to and while our other dog may go off on any little noise or critter, she will not.
There are many options for some sort of alert system, but I feel that a minimally trained dog just cannot be matched. If she hears a bump in the night she investigates, and if it turns out to be nothing, I have lost no sleep from it.

I tend to agree that using a flash light may draw more attention to you location than you want, but I am also curious what thoughts are on a strobing light.
 
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