I'm back from my holiday traveling and thought I would share a Christmas story.
Christmas day my wife and I headed up to my parents. As usual I carried my .45 and a flashlight. We had a delightful day and after a long dinner drove home. It was about 11:00 when we pulled onto our street and noticed a strange car parked in the driveway. I drove by without stopping and looked around. All the lights in the house where off and the doors/windows where shut.
We came back around and and assumed it was a neighbors friend since they where having a party. My wife asked both neighbors if they had someone who might have parked there but no luck.
My wife sat in the drive seat while I went to search the house. In the end there was no one in the house and it ended up being another neighbor who's friend couldn't park on the street.
As it was the first time I had to draw my weapon a couple things seemed to ring true.
When you don't expect something is when it will happen. My wife who has a CCW didn't have a gun because it was Christmas and we where just going to my parents. She also has extensive firearm training and it would have been nice to have her clear it with me.
Bigger is better. I had an officer size 1911 in .45 but wanted a long gun. I can't imagine trying to sweep the house with a .25 mouse gun.
Have an extra gun. I've wanted to keep a gun in the truck but never got around to locking one up. It would have really helped.
There is no substitute for training. I've spent several years training and done several house clearings with force on force. I knew how to clear the house correctly.
Bring a dog. I had my dog with me and he definitely knew something was up. He had no problem leading the way and acting as a first line alarm.
A lot of people here know everything I've already said but it's just a reminder; don't let your guard down, always be prepared, and never give up.
Christmas day my wife and I headed up to my parents. As usual I carried my .45 and a flashlight. We had a delightful day and after a long dinner drove home. It was about 11:00 when we pulled onto our street and noticed a strange car parked in the driveway. I drove by without stopping and looked around. All the lights in the house where off and the doors/windows where shut.
We came back around and and assumed it was a neighbors friend since they where having a party. My wife asked both neighbors if they had someone who might have parked there but no luck.
My wife sat in the drive seat while I went to search the house. In the end there was no one in the house and it ended up being another neighbor who's friend couldn't park on the street.
As it was the first time I had to draw my weapon a couple things seemed to ring true.
When you don't expect something is when it will happen. My wife who has a CCW didn't have a gun because it was Christmas and we where just going to my parents. She also has extensive firearm training and it would have been nice to have her clear it with me.
Bigger is better. I had an officer size 1911 in .45 but wanted a long gun. I can't imagine trying to sweep the house with a .25 mouse gun.
Have an extra gun. I've wanted to keep a gun in the truck but never got around to locking one up. It would have really helped.
There is no substitute for training. I've spent several years training and done several house clearings with force on force. I knew how to clear the house correctly.
Bring a dog. I had my dog with me and he definitely knew something was up. He had no problem leading the way and acting as a first line alarm.
A lot of people here know everything I've already said but it's just a reminder; don't let your guard down, always be prepared, and never give up.