Had a scare today

[kungfuhippie]

Last night I cleaned my pistol, and put it in the cabinet-that was the mistake.

This morning I was in my room, had the front door open and the security screen door closed and locked. I heard the distinct sound of someone trying the knob, the door rattles. I go to the cabinet to get my pistol-like I've planned out-and remembered that I had unloaded the magazines and left it unloaded. :banghead: :banghead: So I go for my backup-the sks with sp ammo (it's backup since I don't want the visibility and overpenetration of the rifle unless necessary) So I go to the landing and peek down at the front door to see if the intruder is still there...
Damn cat I did a quick check of all the door, etc. and there were no signs of anything, not unfamiliar cars in the neighborhood and neighbors out in their yards. This occured at 10 am on a Sunday. I'm doubt that it was anything besides the neighbors cat

But this was a wake-up to me about having my pants down if something did happen.

 

[Ratzinger_p38]

I am still debating how I want to do the same thing. I am in a 'transitional' stage, staying with my parents until my rental agreement comes into effect, and my mother being a special needs teacher occasionally has her class in our home.

I dont own a gun safe, all ammunition is up in the shelf in my closet, and all firearms (see list below) are also in the closet.

The most 'modern' arm I own is my P38 (and it is 39 years older than I am) - I probably need something more modern and less valuable. At the moment, it is my best possible 'self defense' firearm . I have debated, perhaps keep it loaded in a locked drawer, with a key on my key ring (90% of the time my keyring is in my pocket). Unsure what the best plan is, I cant imagine what would happen if one of the kids got ahold of it - the typical Brady 'what if'.

I feel you on the 'scare' - I used to live in California and I had some scares of my own - such as a drunk climbing through my apartment window one night (roommate and I drug his ass out our front door). Right now we're in the middle of nowhere, and things like home invasions would not have to worry about neighbors or police in the area.

 

[jeepmor]

We have a cat named after such a scenario. She didn't get her name exactly that particular way, but it fits. DAMN CAT...DC for short, she's 17 now and doesn't bring grey jays into the house anymore.

Ratzinger - I think locking the gun up in a drawer is a sound idea. If you want another layer of protection, separate the magazine from the pistol and keep it out of reach of kids that don't know better. If they are big enough to climb to the top of a closet, they are old enough to know not to play with guns IMO. But that's a huge leap to expect of visitors children from non-gun owning families.

Each night, if warranted, you could mate the magazine to the gun, and leave the drawer unlocked if it's in easy reach from the bed. Or place it on your headboard while you sleep, under the pillow, or any other option that keeps it close at hand. However, in the boonies as you state you are, if you have a dog used to those surroundings, usually not even a cat can prowl around without some verbal cues from the dog. Regardless, if security from prowlers is a concern, keep it close at night. During the day, keep it away from the anklebiters.

 

[kungfuhippie]

I'm guessing when you say special needs children that could mean any age under 18. Keep them seperate like said by jeepmor. Unless you are holding the key having it loaded is a bad idea---imagine the media frenzi "Special needs child shot by militant assault weapon owner'd nazi gun, more at 10" At least here in PRK they media would say that.

I suggest getting a locking cabinet, mine was $100 at Walmart, it not a safe but it will keep curious hands out, you can lock up all the guns, but have them accessible.

 

[TallPine]

Keep your sidearm holstered on your hip and your other guns locked up.

 

[Headless]

Don't think that just because it was 10am on a Sunday that you shouldn't check out gut feelings. A good friend of mine was the victim of a home invasion at 10am on a Sunday morning.

 

[Geno]

I read somewhere around here that the most common home invasion time is 5:00ish through 7:00ish while people are eating supper.

Hmmm. I have my pistol harnessed to me 24/7!

 

[johndoe1027]

I have my pistol harnessed to me 24/7!

That's why I'm considering a headboard holster.
I have a large sectional couch that has a seat back that folds down into a table (where it stays) that makes a nice holster for dinner on the couch (in between the table on bottom cushion). I don't like carrying a "real" gun (read: 380 or better) all of the time so I'm starting to wonder about my preparedness (I do have my NAA 22mag all of the time). BTW, I have no kids in case you couldn't tell already.
I don't want to be "one of those people" that has a gun within reach no matter where in the home they may be. I know one of "those" people. He can reach a 357 from the toilet and a different 357 from the shower. He has even scattered a couple of full autos through the house. I would say he is the exception to the rule though since he's also on a lot of medication for things like PTSD and anxiety. Finances prevent this for me as well since my house is 3000 sq ft. I couldn't afford to arm my house like that if I only used Lorcin guns... Anyway.
I had a small scare yesterday as well and it made me think quite a bit about how far a gun might be and if it's loaded (I might start a thread about that just to see if it should have been a scare). My cats help me be prepared too! Almost every time I get caught with my pants down (not literally) it is just the cat making me think there's an intruder. He had me outside just last week circling the house with the flashlight and the 9mm. He had figured out how to unlock the screen and get out of an open window which sounded just like someone on the outside unlocking it trying to get in. ADRENALINE!!!!! He has learned that the door knob is the essential part of opening the door, so he is trying to figure out how we do it. That stinks too, sounds just like someone "trying" the knob. I'm sure glad he doesn't have opposable thumbs...

 

[trfcrugby]

I formed a ritual of opening my safe each night before bed, and putting my cell phone in it, leaving the door to the safe open. Then, each morning, when I retrieve my phone, I close and lock the safe. My safe is in my bedroom, though. But, this keeps me from forgetting to close my safe each day.

 

[johndoe1027]

that would work nicely unless you forget your cell like I did today. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: Good idea. All I have to do now is get a safe.

 

[Delaneyland]

A strategy for wifey and I..

After experiencing my first (and thank goodness) and only burglary, I decided to change my strategy a bit. My wife and I are both extremely proficient shooters and after much discussion, we decided to place loaded arms throughout our home and outbuildings. We are fortunate enough to live rurally without kids so I'm not at all concerned with "kid issues", certainly that would change our strategy. We have at least one firearm within ten feet of our doors, two on our second floor in the event of retreating there, one in each barn and one in the unattached garage. I have thought about this over and over, and have chosen "spots" that my wife and I are only aware of for storage and would be nearly impossible for someone to find without knowledge of arms locations.

 

[The Unknown User]

That sounds like a good idea. Were you home during the burglary? I hope not.

 

[kungfuhippie]

I can't keep sidearm at side 24/7...yet. When I'm home the cabinet is unlocked, or the key is in the lock minimum. I have it aranged to be able to access my defense sidearms first, and I keep some strippers of sks ammo and 8mm above it ready to go but out of sight. My error was not reloading the pistol after it's cleaning-the scary part is that it didn't cross my mind when I put it up that I had cleaned mags too and they were now empty :banghead: I'm working on refining my routine...

I've decided to get a shotgun as a backup to eliminate most fears of overpenetration, a 12ga pump should do fine

 

[funfaler]

http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=XK&category=0&prodID=XKPDS500

Stack-On has a drawer "safe" with electronic key pad. This offers a secure way to keep a hand gun rather quickly accessible, yet off limits to little ones or others.

We have a couple of these around the house. They will hold any handgun, upto 1911 or G21.

 

[Geno]

Delaneyland:

With all due respect, I ask why not simply carry your CCW 24/7? I have heard of several people who did as you propose. I would be concerned that some interloper might locate my hidden arms and use them against us.

Doc2005

 

[Gnarkill]

Always keep a loaded mag w/ a gun. ALWAYS: even at home, the range, the car, etc.

 

[kellyj00]

I'd say play defense in that situation. Wait for a while and see what happens.

You'll have plenty of time to shoot them when AFTER they break in, and you'll save yourself lots of legal trouble. not too mention, if you would've yelled at them for trying to pick your lock or soemthing, they would have fled and probably never have been caught.

 

[Delaneyland]

Hey Doc

I do carry, well, 16/7, I don't wear it in bed for obvious reasons (wifey doesnt' like the scratches the sights leave.. ) Our decision was made primarily because of our rural location. I'm a retired LEO and was in a shoot where about half the guys engaged ran dry and that was with 3 mags. I only carry one mag with me and when I'm outside feeding critters, mowing grass, etc. I like knowing I have a weapon nearby if needed. Another reason we've chose the strategy we have is if we have to retreat from out home (Keep in mind, MN is a different place..) I know I've got other means of defense outside if the need arises. Again, I certainly wouldn't encourage everyone to adopt the strategy we have, but for us I think it is the right decision.

 

[theP8riot]

Kungfu,

Dont feel bad. I once carried an unloaded gun all day. Now that will make you feel stupid and scared at the same time.

 

[johndoe1027]

Almost as bad as unholstering your 1911 after a day of carrying it to find the safety off on a 4 lb trigger.
Or almost as bad as dry firing your gun in the house with a mag inserted (actually did this one). :banghead:
I say carry all the time unless you absolutely can't. I don't say everyone has to have 3 spare mags but at least have enough ammo to get you back to the 12 ga, AR, AK, or something that uses a belt to hold the ammo. Because if 12 or so handgun rounds didn't cut it, you're in deep doo doo anyway you look at it. I always try to have at least a dozen rounds of some sort on me. I think someone said that 80% of shots fired in SD scenarios are misses? Yeah Yeah 85% of stats are made up on the spot too.

 

[Gooseberi]

I was the victim of a home invasion a yr ago last Christmas, it was 7:30 am christmas eve morning, and I certainly wasn't expecting it. It was a young girl 11, with a box cutter. She attacked me and I have the scars to remember her by. It was the beginning of my awareness I needed to protect myself with more than a hammer by my bed and a can of pepper spray. I now have a ready gun and have no problem with the idea of being prepared. I will not be unprepared again.

 

[kungfuhippie]

gooseberi
What are you talking about????

 

[Headless]

Don't feed the trolls, hippie

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Whoa, guys . . .

Gooseberi is for real.

She's a friend of Nelson133.

Here is the beginning of that story.

Here is where Gooseberi gets her gun.

There's a real story there.

I invite you to read it.


(Oh, and five lashes with a wet noodle for not checking her posts before raising your eyebrows.)

 

[kungfuhippie]

I am new here and I will post more about me at a later time, for now I wanted to respond to Nelson133 Post:
I understand the views of many of you. Basically you are of *like mind* here when it comes to guns and protection. I value your likemindness and even bask in the warmth of it. But saying this, I also understand those around me who fear guns and do not comprehend the need for them. After all we have TV, movies and anti-gun groups flaunting the dangers and negativity of them. All the while street punks continue to revel in our collective fear.
My friend Nelson133, didn’t share with you that this was a second invasion into my home. The first happen a year ago Christmas, by a young girl who came armed with a box cutter. I was attacked and suffered several wounds. That experience frightened me and has imprinted me greatly. It no doubt sat into motion my desire to learn to protect myself.
A well-meaning friend *gave* me a gun after that. With this gun came 6 bullets and nothing else. No instructions, guidelines, suggestions, nor clearly any sense of responsibility regarding passing a potion ally dangerous weapon to an emotionally battered woman. First thing I did was to hide the dam gun, (whoa) put the six bullets in a box in a dresser drawer in another room (wow! Now I was safe huhJLOL) Far from it. When I finally realized I needed to at least know how to load the dang thing, I found out the gun wasn’t a safe weapon. The chamber for the bullets did not click into place , (I am sure all of you know the technical terms for this...all I knew at the time was this didn’t seem right. I was more afraid of hurting myself with this weapon than I was being hurt by anyone else).It was only after talking to a co-workers husband who was a police officer did I realize what a mess I was in. I didn’t own the gun even though it was given to me. Nor did he have the right to give it to me since he didn’t legally own it either (was part of his fathers’ items when he died). The gun was old (which isn’t a bad thing), dirty, and not operating properly, yet it was in the hands of a woman unsure of what to do with it if faced with a situation I might need it for. I gave it back to the friend who gave it to me along with all the instructions and comments the police and I had to say. And decided I would keep a hammer by my bed and a can of bear maceJ
Then something nice happened…Nelson133. He took the time to talk to me about guns and safety. He never pushed but welcomed my many questions and desire to learn more. He took it upon himself to take me shooting, thus introducing me to many kinds of guns, under his watchful eyes; he helped me to get over my fear that just touching a gun could be dangerous. I have a healthy respect for guns and their power, but I have a bigger respect for myself and my willingness to be responsible for myself and perhaps those around me.
I don’t feel I have really lost friends, I simply feel I have friends who aren’t very well informed, nor have they ever been put in situations where they have to face uncertain outcomes. Nelson is right in saying I have had major reactions to this last home invasion, but it hasn’t been all negative. It has just underlined my awareness and made me more convinced I am doing the right things.
Thank you for your kind words and suggestions, any perhaps more for your support to a stranger.
Gooseberi

Well then, this shed more light on it. I was just trying to decifer gooseberi's last post. Wasn't questioning it's truth, just wanted to know more.