On the subject of home defense, I think there's a lesson here. If keeping a loaded weapon within seconds of reach is not an option because of children, you can learn something from your ancestors. An edged weapon or club can be easily as lethal at home defense range as a .357... and unlike a .357 it's very difficult to club or chop someone to death by accident.
After pondering this problem for years living in Chicago, I decided to model myself after one of the most lethal close quarters fighters in human history.
Samurai swords and baseball bats are simply too long for fighting in the bedroom doorway. The Romans had it figured out.....At close range a short gladius type sword with a small shield is simply unbeatable..... just ask the hoards of club or long sword wielding barbarians that fell to them. A quick thrust or chop and it's all over. Even against a handgun in a bedroom I think I'd have a 50/50 chance..... the fact that I took a small 18" shield and lined the inside with 20 layers of kevlar probably puts me over 50/50. At close range it's a lethal and safe combination.
After pondering this problem for years living in Chicago, I decided to model myself after one of the most lethal close quarters fighters in human history.
Samurai swords and baseball bats are simply too long for fighting in the bedroom doorway. The Romans had it figured out.....At close range a short gladius type sword with a small shield is simply unbeatable..... just ask the hoards of club or long sword wielding barbarians that fell to them. A quick thrust or chop and it's all over. Even against a handgun in a bedroom I think I'd have a 50/50 chance..... the fact that I took a small 18" shield and lined the inside with 20 layers of kevlar probably puts me over 50/50. At close range it's a lethal and safe combination.