"Home Invasion?"

[HHank]

Hey class! The "bad guy's" are kicking our doors in and storming unsuspecting or sleeping homeowners all over America! I have several questions that I need answered by this "August" group.

(1) What immediate action do I take when I think our security perimeter has been breached?

(2) Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?

(3) Where should my wife be during this altercation?

(4) What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?

The other night one of my outside backyard motion detectors sent an alarm to our bedroom and I "got up" and "peered" out into the dark backyard with the aid of a flashlight. Fortunately, (for me) there was no one there. I then realized that I had probably just presented a large unmistakeable target to anyone seeking to do us harm. I thought I'd better find out the proper action to take for sure. Thanks

HHank, NRA Member

 

[LtShortcut]

If it's a person snooping around your property just call the cops.

If they break in your home it depends on you. Women tend to have trouble with semi-automatic pistols, so my wife has a taurus security model .38. I've told her to point it at the intruder and start pulling the trigger.

I suggest the same weapon for my non-expert male friends.

If you are an expert, you already know what to do.

 

[Pilot]

Your wife should be in you bedroom calling 911 from her cell phone. The bedroom door should be steel, reinforced and locked to protect both of you from an intruder if you need to retreat to safety.

For home defense a 12 gauge pump shotgun is probably the best choice backed up by a handgun.

 

[Eric F]

(1) What immediate action do I take when I think our security perimeter has been breached?

Blow the claymores? No really call 911 or look and be sure first.

(2) Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?

only if they have a gun. Flash lights work both ways illuminates the target and lets the target know where you are. But its hard to shoot what you cant see.

(3) Where should my wife be during this altercation?

on vacation.....ok really any where that isnt between you and the potential threat. Maybe on the floor next to the bed????

(4) What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?

A dog! I read some where that a barking medium to large dog will deter 99% of all berglers. Other than that its all a big arguement, I sugest a good auto loading pistol.

Jokes are in the red folks!
with that said I hope this should have been in red????

The bedroom door should be steel, reinforced and locked to protect both of you from an intruder if you need to retreat to safety.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?

Possibly, but the legal and moral consequences of shooting your teenage child sneaking in late or a drunk neighbor in your garage to me outweigh any loss of advantage.

You REALLY need to see who you are about to shoot.

There are practical steps that can be taken to minimize this, momentary on switches, moving after you turn the light off, etc.

There's no way I'd have a home defense weapon without a light.

What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?

Which church is right and which church is wrong?

The best weapon is the one you are most proficient with.

 

[Tommygunn]

Edit.

 

[threefeathers]

Please purchase Masood Ayoob's book, 'In the Gravest Extreme,' He has so much information on just this it is too long to put here.
But, this is what I do.
1. Dog, big shep-Lab mix.
2. Movement lights.
3. 38 Spec loaded in a quick open safe next to the bed.
4. Streamlight with 85 Lumens spread throughout the house.
5. Double Barrel Coach gun in 12 gauge hidden in the closet in a well designed false wall. (Not large, only room for this gun)

 

[loneviking]

(1) What immediate action do I take when I think our security perimeter has been breached?
a. Lock and load
b. Call 911

(2) Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?
a. Yes, that's why I don't use 'em.

(3) Where should my wife be during this altercation?
a. In the safest, 'last ditch' part of the house. An upstairs bathroom with a barricaded door is a good suggestion. A basement with an exit window and one door in that can be barricaded would be a second choice.

(4) What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?
a. Depends on your capabilities. If it's just you and your wife, and you can handle it, a 12 ga. with 00 buck backed up by a .357 will handle anything short of a zombie army.
A lighter option is a 20 gauge backed up by a .38/357 with a short 3 or 4 inch barrel firing low flash (Buffalo Bore) 38+P ammo. A very basic semi-auto like the CZ 75 or EAA Witness 45 with a minimum of safeties/bells and whistles to be confused about is also a good choice.

 

[dogmush]

The following are my opinions only. YMMV,

(1) What immediate action do I take when I think our security perimeter has been breached?

Dude, it's not a FOB. Unless you have triple strand concertina wire, someone just broke in your house. Call 911, and find out who/what is in your house.

(2) Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?

Yes, if they have a gun, and are looking to shoot. But you absolutly need a Positive Target ID before shooting, so unless you have remote lighting, take the risk.


(3) Where should my wife be during this altercation?

Depends on your wife. I'd like mine to be on the phone with the cops, talking them in. But some wifes would be better off taking on the threat while you talk, and some can reload under fire for you. Figure out her skillset, and use it.

(4) What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?

Whatever you have, that you're best with while groggy. Conventional wisdom is a 12 ga, many people use pistols. I'm coming around to the AR carbine school of thought because that's what I'm good with. Much like the CCW question, the answer depends on you. If you could aim and reload well I'd bet a 3" cannon loaded with grapeshot would be pretty effective.

 

[jrfoxx]

As said already, the flashlight has it's up and down side. Down being it shows where you are, up, being you can ID your target so you dont shoot someone you shouldnt. IMHO, the upside FAR outweighs the downside. Also, you can add more upside by using a VERY bright flashlight. You still ID the target, but the possible BG will be blinded for a bit, and thus would pretty much have to fire blindly, as all he can see at all is blinding light everywhere. I have a 125 lumins bulb in my Surefire, and at accross the room distance, its so bright, you see nothing but blinding white light, and get instant pain from it. It SHOULD by at least a few seconds to ID the target before he/she can do anything but close thier eyes, turn thier head, or see anything at all.

In a potential gunfight, that few seconds of advantage can very much make all the difference in the world (you can ID and fire if the BG obviously has a weapon, or use the time to retreat around a corner or something if needed), IMHO.But, nothing is foolproof, so you just have to weight all the options.

As for everything else, others have already covered it well, the most important being to have someone already on the phone with 911 before you do anything else (unless the BG had snuck into your room while you sleep or something, then obviously, things may change a bit on that one).

 

[Defensory]

IMHO, the best firearm/ammo for use against multiple invaders would be a high capacity semi-auto shotgun, loaded with #1 buckshot.

The Mossberg 930 SPX loaded with Federal #1 would be excellent choices. The SPX is very reasonably priced for a high cap semi-auto.

For those who can't afford expensive reinforced steel doors for their bedroom or saferoom, I would recommend a door wedge alarm. It's a wedge that goes under the door to prevent it from being pushed open, combined with a 120 DB alarm to alert you if an undetected intruder attempts to push your door open. They usually sell for no more than $15.

 

[Carlos Cabeza]

If the door is violently kicked in, shoot the POS ! Some states allow protection of property but you are probably SOL. Buy a cheapie, Double tap COM, put in hand of BG, just like in the movies.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Buy a cheapie, Double tap COM, put in hand of BG, just like in the movies.

End up being prom queen in prison, just like in the movies.

 

[Mr Kablammo]

Please excuse the OT post but I have to let jrfoxx know that his sig line is the best that I have seen in a while. Thanx.

 

[Eric F]

Buy a cheapie, Double tap COM, put in hand of BG, just like in the movies.

WOW what great advice, This is why I hate the internet...........

 

[jad0110]

(1) What immediate action do I take when I think our security perimeter has been breached?

If in bed for the night, I access my S&W 686+ loaded with 38+P 158 grain LSWCHPs, kept in a GunVault by my bed (I've got a 2 yr old). Now, if I'm not in bed I nearly always have my S&W 642, SA M1911 (or both) on me.

If I have time and it is safe, I'll retrieve my Mossberg 590A loaded with 2 3/4" 00 buck. I'll also get my M1911, the gun my wife is most proficient with.

(2) Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?

There is enough ambient light from the street lights outside that a flashlight is unncessary in my environment. YMMV.

(3) Where should my wife be during this altercation?

In the bedroom dialing 911 with a 1911 45 ACP at her side.

(4) What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?

The one you have at hand! If I can't get to the shotgun, then I'll carry on with my 686. But I'd prefer the shotgun, or my AR once it is proven reliable.

In the end, a clear mind and a strong will to prevail will be your best assets.

 

[Carlos Cabeza]

Ok guys, I'll keep it totally SERIOUS from now on, just like they do in the MOVIES ! jeez.............The rest of the post is still valid, no. I gotta remember this internet stuff. Can't hear my tone of voice, can't see facial expression etc. etc. Heck, most idiots can READ.

 

[Jst1mr]

The flashlight argument rages...I prefer a non-weapon mounted light that you can use to identify a threat....you can hold it offset to yourself, with a weapon (handgun) in the strong hand for identification. Saves identifying your family member (or drunk neighbor) by having them stare into the bore of your weapon (which, I know, should be safed and finger off trigger at this point). Plus one on the brightness - as many lumens as you can afford!

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

there are companys that sell remote controlled spot lights both hardwired and radio controlled. they work great to avoid giving away your location as well as allowing you to light them froman angle that might allow you to expose an otherwise blind spot

 

[Defensory]

Posted by jst1mr:
The flashlight argument rages

Only amongst some "rank and file" shooters.

Virtually all of the high-level instructors like Mas Ayoob and Clint Smith have NO problem with lights mounted on their weapons. Ayoob has lights mounted on both his main carry piece and his "night stand" gun.

Both men incorporate weapon-mounted lights in their training. Smith obviously has no problem with them:

 

[Jeff White]

Hey class! The "bad guy's" are kicking our doors in and storming unsuspecting or sleeping homeowners all over America!

Really?? Where is this happening at? Tell you what, you come up with 10 stories of a home invasion where the victims weren't involved in the drug trade or other criminal enterprise, the victim didn't have some type or prior relationship with the criminal, or the victim didn't keep large amounts of cash or other highly valuable things in the home, that happened in the last 30 days, ad I'll believe that this is a threat that everyone needs to lose sleep at night worrying about. Surely if it's such a problem you can find 10 cases in the last 30 days from across this great land we live in where the victims were just randomly selected for a home invasion......

Jeff

 

[Eric F]

Jeff The only reason I do this is because I can do it with 1 news story, here you go
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=07936591-a245-4cef-9a0a-dc7341128590&rss=785

A woman from Westland is facing felony charges for a home invasion spree that involved at least ten homes.

Sorry had to do it.

 

[Jeff White]

Hmmm Michigan law must be somewhat different in how they define a home invasion. That would probably be burglary here. In Illinois Home Invasion is defined this way:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilc...SeqEnd=27200000&ActName=Criminal+Code+of+1961.

(720 ILCS 5/12‑11) (from Ch. 38, par. 12‑11)
Sec. 12‑11. Home Invasion.
(a) A person who is not a peace officer acting in the line of duty commits home invasion when without authority he or she knowingly enters the dwelling place of another when he or she knows or has reason to know that one or more persons is present or he or she knowingly enters the dwelling place of another and remains in such dwelling place until he or she knows or has reason to know that one or more persons is present and
(1) While armed with a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm, uses force or threatens the imminent use of force upon any person or persons within such dwelling place whether or not injury occurs, or
(2) Intentionally causes any injury, except as provided in subsection (a)(5), to any person or persons within such dwelling place, or
(3) While armed with a firearm uses force or threatens the imminent use of force upon any person or persons within such dwelling place whether or not injury occurs, or
(4) Uses force or threatens the imminent use of force upon any person or persons within such dwelling place whether or not injury occurs and during the commission of the offense personally discharges a firearm, or
(5) Personally discharges a firearm that proximately causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person within such dwelling place, or
(6) Commits, against any person or persons within that dwelling place, a violation of Section 12‑13, 12‑14, 12‑14.1, 12‑15, or 12‑16 of the Criminal Code of 1961.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of home invasion that the accused who knowingly enters the dwelling place of another and remains in such dwelling place until he or she knows or has reason to know that one or more persons is present either immediately leaves such premises or surrenders to the person or persons lawfully present therein without either attempting to cause or causing serious bodily injury to any person present therein.
(c) Sentence. Home invasion in violation of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(6) is a Class X felony. A violation of subsection (a)(3) is a Class X felony for which 15 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court. A violation of subsection (a)(4) is a Class X felony for which 20 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court. A violation of subsection (a)(5) is a Class X felony for which 25 years or up to a term of natural life shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
(d) For purposes of this Section, "dwelling place of another" includes a dwelling place where the defendant maintains a tenancy interest but from which the defendant has been barred by a divorce decree, judgment of dissolution of marriage, order of protection, or other court order.
(Source: P.A. 90‑787, eff. 8‑14‑98; 91‑404, eff. 1‑1‑00; 91‑928, ef

I might be wrong, but I think the Illinois definition is closer to what the OP was referring to considering the discussion of the ensuing gunfight.

But good find though

Jeff

 

[Cosmoline]

(1) What immediate action do I take when I think our security perimeter has been breached?

Get to concealment, cover and arms.

(2) Don't flashlights just identify your position to the invader(s) and even give them a good target to shoot at?

This is a concern for military and paramilitary police forces who are doing the invading. Unlike the military and police, as a homeowner you are under an absolute legal and moral obligation to identify your target. This is difficult enough when all heck brakes loose and family members may be mis-identified. Unless you can see in the dark, you need a light! I have had the "pleasure" of responding to potential threats in the dark, and the idea of trying to do so without a tactical light on my person or the weapon is SHEER MADNESS. If you kill the wrong person because you were too stubborn to get illumination, you will bear the responsibility for this disaster. The idea that lights are a target gets bandied about, but I can't imagine how these people are expecting to see in the dark. Nor do I know of any instance where a homeowner was killed because the wall-climbing ninjas spotted his tactical light and somehow managed to aim for it and fire before getting killed.

(3) Where should my wife be during this altercation?

You should be together to minimize the chance of shooting each other.

(4) What type of weapon is best suited for defense against a Home Invasion?

The biggest, meanest weapon you have at hand and can bring to bear quickly.

 

[Cosmoline]

Really?? Where is this happening at?

If you live in a nice suburban neighborhood you may not be privy to the realities others have faced. Suffice it to say, there are tens of thousands of prosecutions for home invasion (or the equivalent) every year. That's just the ones they catch. If you want to peruse some of the stories, type the term into google news. It currently catches 2,699 current news stories reporting both current prosecutions and recent attacks. If you want to believe this only happens to "druggies," you are free to do so. Nobody is suggesting anyone lose sleep any night over it.

There are some muy malo people out there. Real evil. As a lawyer I know this all too well. Indeed it was my Crim Law class that changed my mind about firearm ownership. There I read accounts, in the cold prose of appellate cases, of acts so savage and inhuman they make the most outrageous hollywood "torture porn" movie look like a G-rated film. Believe me, there are people walking around out there who have done things most of us can scarcely imagine, and who want to do them again. There are also people who may have started out good, but who turned away from that path to pursue a lust for drugs or money. Though they don't come with the intent to kill per se, they will certainly not hesitate to kill to keep you quiet and get what they want. You trust to their tender mercies at your peril.

My advice is be prepared.