Need opinions on Home Invasion defense...

[Ryder]

Lat night home invasion plan

Having a plan is a really good thing. I've got one. It's a bit different than others I read here, so I'll share it for your consideration.

I don't have much faith in shotguns. Not that they're totally worthless, I'd say they are at least as good as some non-magnum pistols ballistically speaking but I've been hit with shot from a 12 gauge and all I can say is that any bullet you can hear approaching does not fill me with confidence. Up close or using slugs I don't doubt they are very effective EXCEPT against a vest. Why take that gamble? I won't and I'd prefer to keep my distance as much as possible when it comes to a home invasion. The seriousness of the situation doesn't allow itself to half measures IMO.

My situation doesn't see family walking around my home these days and my bedroom is in the upstairs of an old farmhouse. If I am awaken by a break in downstairs my plan is to not let them up the stairs. Since I am aiming downwards I don't see much problem with going for the gusto. In other words I use a semiauto rifle with semi-infinite capacity magazines.

I'd be curious to see just how many bad guys a rifle bullet will go through if I get them lined up just right. J/K... I'd don't think the party would last very long. More like I probably wouldn't have to shoot anyone at all. You know how people talk about the slide on a pump shotgun being the most recognized sound on the planet? Wellllllllllll, I think the second most recognized sound might just well be a semi-auto bolt slamming a cartridge into the chamber of a rifle. *Ka-Chink!*

 

[Spieler]

My situation is similar to what Ryder described.

I have a two story home with all bedrooms on the upper level, and three kids in those rooms. My plan entails not allowing anyone up that staircase and I will not be descending those steps to chase anyone either! The only way I am going down the steps is to go to the aid of a family member; my homeowner's insurance can replace anything else.

I have outdoor lighting, an alarm system, a dog that sleeps at the top of the steps and bedside access to a phone and my shotgun and my wife has a Glock on her side. Our priorities are to secure the kids, call 911 and take up a solid defensive position.

 

[Mark Tyson]

MaterDei

That is definitely NOT your typical home invasion. This is one instance where a standard capacity magazine in an autooading rifle would have been useful. A semi-auto shotgun would also be handy.

But you have to be able to get to it.

This means you need to keep solid wood or metal doors dead-bolted when you're in the house to delay their entry. Your long arm has to be readily accessible, too.

Even with multiple attackers, once the shooting starts, crooks usually want to get the hell out of there, unless they have a personal vendetta against you or something.

What scum. These animals should be shot.

 

[abaddon]

I don't like the idea of locking your bedroom door if you have kids. I don't have kids yet mind you, but what if your daughter comes running to your room to escape the attacker and it's locked?

Jeff

 

[Balog]

10-Ring wrote:

If my family has to sit around watching TV in their own living room armed, I'd think that would be a clue to move to a better neighborhood!

When I read this I was strongly reminded of someone who told me it was ridiculous think that they might need a gun when "walking around in my own neighborhood." Unless you are sitting in a locked bank vault, you never know when you might need to defend yourself. "It can't happen to me" or "It can't happen here" are pure blissninnyisms that are never acceptable.
Most home invasions take place in "better neighborhoods." Oddly enough, thieves have caught on to the fact that poor people in "bad neighborhoods" don't have much worth stealing. Just like the old bank robber who was asked why he robbed banks instead of something easier. He said something along the lines of "Because that's where the money is." Also, houses in upscale neighborhoods are generally wood framed with no bars over the windows, sliding glass doors in the back, weak doors and frames, less chance of vicious dogs, perceived less chance of armed occupants, and a very good chance that the occupants are in condition white. Lets face it, a lot of people move to "nice" neighborhoods to be safe. They make the mistake of thinking location = safety.

MaterDei :

I am truly saddened by this. I offer you my heartfelt sympathy. That said(and please don't take offence) there was something that could have been done. Not after they kicked in the door, but before that. A security door securely mounted in a metal frame would have prevented their gaining entry. The best they could have done was try to get in through the windows. Bars or plexiglass panes could have stopped this. Again, this is in no way criticism. I don't know the situation you were in. My situation doesn't let me take these precautions either, so I'm just as vulnerable. Thank you for sharing what must be a painful experience.
Edit:Formatting
Edit 2: Spelling

 

[MaterDei]

Balog,

No offense taken. You are right, that was something that would have helped delay their entry. Like you, I was renting and I don't think that would have been an option even if I had volunteered to foot the bill. Apartment/Town Home owners typically like all their units to be identical so that they are cheaper to maintain.

Not moving there in the first place would have been the smart thing to do. Oh well, you live, you learn.

MaterDei

 

[Bob F.]

Spieler: Might think about beefing up the floor around the top of the stairs where you'll likely take up your defensive position. BG might get PO'd and pop rounds up through the floor! Otherwise, sounds good to me.

I live in a rural area but near an Interstate; probably a little too lax but do keep handgun handy. Really feel as comfortable with my Glock 19 in the bedroom with spare mag as with a shotgun. Gotta admit though, the sound of a cornshucker should give any reasonable man pause. Catch there is reasonable.

 

[XLMiguel]

Regarding windows - There's several brands of ballistic films that can be applied to windows. Some are pretty impressive, offering protection against small arms fire up to .44 mag & 12 ga. buckshot, that would preclude someone tossing a chair or other heavy object thru to gain access (also good in teh hurricane zone). Like metal doors/frames, proper installtion is a must, but certainly less obvious than metal bars. I have a couple of links to mfr.s< i just can't seem to find them at themoment.

 

[Penforhire]

MaterDei, sorry to hear the tale. And I think I agree with you that it was better you were not armed in this instance, with only one caveat. I agree because it sounds so unlikely you would have had a good outcome with so many intruders, simultaneous entry, and your family around you. And this crew obviously did not intend you all lethal harm.

My concern is what if they decided to execute you and your family? In hindsight, of the survivors, would it have been better to be armed and take action? With all the stories we hear I can't assume we would all survive a home invasion.

I am glad it worked out as well as it did for you, not a pleasant experience but alive to tell the tale.

 

[TheeBadOne]

Most of the real home invasions (criminals) start with a knock at the door. When you answer it they push their way in with guns in your face. When answering the door late at night, don't open it. Speak through it, well to the side of it. No answer? Call 911.

Garage safety has already been covered, as well as keeping your doors/windows locked. Add in the strong bedroom/saferoom door mentioned and a dog, plus your sidearm/flashlight/cell phone and you're setting pretty good. Good exterior lighting is very helpful.

 

[Bob F.]

Another though on defending the top of the stairs--how about a couple bright flood lights mounted up high on each side of the stairwell with an easy to reach switch?