From B yond:
My argument is geared towards non-professionals investigating strange sounds that may, but probably will not, lead to a confrontation. I don't think any non-professional should willingly walk into a fight with either type of weapon (under most circumstances), and professionals probably shouldn't do it without backup.
Think about that again. If you have gone looking with a gun and it turns out that there is in fact an armed intruder in the house, you
have willingly walked into a fight...
From Deanimator:
How do you know IF there's anything to "clear"? You have to get up and look, DON'T you?
I don't think so. I can listen, and if the sound was no more threatening than a rumble in the ice-maker or a book or broom falling, and if it does not recur, I think I can go to bed without worry. If it does recur, and I can identify it as an unlatched screen door blowing in the wind, I can get up without measurable risk. But if I do get up and look, I had doggone well better hope there
isn't an armed criminal in the house. So if what I hear sounds like someone moving around and handling things, and if it continues, I will arm myself, call, and stay put.
The alternative is to lock yourself in your bedroom and call the police EVERY time you hear an unidentified noise.
Again, I don't think so, see above.
But, your point is well taken. This discussion has come up numerous times, and some people have said that remote wireless cameras are available at very low cost. A couple of cameras strategically placed should tell you whether have a dangerous situation or can rest easy.
As my hearing goes, that idea is sounding very appealing to me.
Cowering in fear without even knowing IF there are bad guys is just as extreme.
I agree. However, when you grab your gun and go looking, you have put yourself at extreme risk.
Listen and make a judgment. And consider the idea of cameras.
Many people have suggested dogs. That may not work for everyone. We have a dog who barks at any sound she hears (someone walking a dog, neighbor coming home) but we haven't had any problems with intruders since we have had her.
Maybe the barking is a deterrent.
From mljdeckard:
I would never clear if I didn't have to, but if the intruder might be between me and my kids, I won't wait.
You cannot afford to wait. Your
first obligation is to get them to immediately to safety, with you, without letting anyone in the family be taken hostage or shot, itentionally or otherwise.