idahoemt
Member
LOL! My wife loves to tell me about the dachshund she had when she was young. Not only did the thing bark like a German Shepherd, the thing had no problem attacking strangers.
Somebody's got our backs
- Thread starter idahoemt
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LOL! My wife loves to tell me about the dachshund she had when she was young. Not only did the thing bark like a German Shepherd, the thing had no problem attacking strangers.
Yeah, "Dovey Monster" sounds fierce. The other night I heard her 'pop' to her feet (she's too round to stand up from laying down so she jumps to her feet like a sausage doing a floor exercise) and there's the scrabbling noise as she heads towards the kitchen window. Woke me up. Then I hear 'the growl' and know it's time to look down the stairs. As soon as I poke my head around the door and look down the stairs she looks at me and wags her tail and heads straight for the kitchen door. This is "sumpin woke me and I thought it needed kill'n,but it's not a big deal now". Since I was expecting my idiot son 4 hours earlier I figure he's finally gotten in and has headed to the garage apartment in the detached garage so I holster and pad down the stairs for some lemonade and let Dovey out. Low woof, big circle between the house and garage and she's back to be let in. Just enough time to pour the lemonade. In comes the dog. Down goes the lemonade while she sits on her hind end and begs for whatever it is the 2-legged "dog slave" is taste-testing for her. Off to pee before heading back to bed. By the time my head hits the pillow I hear the "whuff" of a rotund little critter flopping onto the floor at the foot of the stairs and I know if the ancient little thing croaked laying there she'd still protect us by being a trip hazard for anyone that tried to mount the stair.
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Jamie C.
Member
Idahoemt... you've gotten good advice on the firearms/tactics, so I'll not waste my effort typing anything else on that subject.
Regarding dogs, however, I'll add this: Take you and the family to the local animal shelter, and pick out a friendly, sub-one year old mixed breed with big feet and an alert, active manner.
Then raise him or her the same as you're raising your kids. ( Meaning "properly". )
That, and following the advice you've already gotten on the weapons will serve you quite well.
Here at my house, we have 5 "pound puppies", ranging from 3 years old down to 8 or 9 months, and in size from 120 pounds down to about 50.
All are good watch dogs, and a couple of 'em are good guard dogs. ( The 75 pound German Shepherd/Rotty mix is the best in this department. She's the family "cop", making sure everybody else behaves. )
Anyway, find yourself a good dog and make it part of the family. You'll be very glad you did.
J.C.
Regarding dogs, however, I'll add this: Take you and the family to the local animal shelter, and pick out a friendly, sub-one year old mixed breed with big feet and an alert, active manner.
Then raise him or her the same as you're raising your kids. ( Meaning "properly". )
That, and following the advice you've already gotten on the weapons will serve you quite well.
Here at my house, we have 5 "pound puppies", ranging from 3 years old down to 8 or 9 months, and in size from 120 pounds down to about 50.
All are good watch dogs, and a couple of 'em are good guard dogs. ( The 75 pound German Shepherd/Rotty mix is the best in this department. She's the family "cop", making sure everybody else behaves. )
Anyway, find yourself a good dog and make it part of the family. You'll be very glad you did.
J.C.
Dirty Bob
Member
A cell is independent of your house current and, along with a corded phone, can be a lifesaver. I have a Virgin Mobile phone that I've had for a coupla' years. It costs me $20 every 3 months. I use it very little, so that the high cost per minute isn't an issue for me. I don't set foot outside the house without my cell phone.
There are several pay-as-you-go plans to choose from, and the cost/month can be kept low that way.
Other folks have given you good advice already. If you plan to fort up and let them come to you in an emergency (good idea!), I'd get a shotgun first. Inexpensive, reliable pumps are out there at a cheap price. I wish that double-barrel, outside-hammer models were low in price, because they're simple, and they can store in a small space when you're not home.
I think you're on the right track regarding handguns: 9mm semiauto(s) or .38/.357 revolver(s). Your wife might like the Ruger SP101 with .38s: it's a good compromise in weight, recoil and overall size.
Good luck, and welcome to THR,
Dirty Bob
Idaho...real quick thoughts. My understanding that any cellphone with a charge, even on that is not under a service plan can still dial 911 for emergency. If you cut off your cell service to pay bills but you still have the cell phone, hold on to it.
The reason why I got into some of these forums is because I was doing research on making a home defense plan. Just like me, I think you realized that with this incident what you did was not good and you needed some sort of plan. Getting a Firearm for you and your wife is a good start. Personally I like handguns over shotguns and rifles, but that is just me. I have a plan for a both a definate break in/BG in the house, and for a bump in the night could be something or could be nothing check. Check for weakspots around your home and fix them, stuff like dark areas or easy accesses into your home.
Good luck on that raffle
The reason why I got into some of these forums is because I was doing research on making a home defense plan. Just like me, I think you realized that with this incident what you did was not good and you needed some sort of plan. Getting a Firearm for you and your wife is a good start. Personally I like handguns over shotguns and rifles, but that is just me. I have a plan for a both a definate break in/BG in the house, and for a bump in the night could be something or could be nothing check. Check for weakspots around your home and fix them, stuff like dark areas or easy accesses into your home.
Good luck on that raffle
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
idahoemt,
A thought about securing your pistol when you get one at home. The absolute best security is in a holster on your person.
Many people who keep the pistol close at hand have found-to their cost-that the glove compartment or the nightstand drawer can not be reached during the attack.
I use to use a paddle holster for comfort while driving. I'd slip the holstered pistol off my waistband and put it under the seat. Never had a problem...until I reached for the pistol because I needed it. The my fingertips hit the backstrap and shoved it further under the seat. I threw the paddle holsters out the next day and bought holsters that stay on me. I know people who did the same sort of thing and paid with their lives.
Would you feel secure twenty feet from your pistol in the glove box of your car? A classmate's father couldn't make it that far when he was attacked by a teenager and his girlfriend...with a machete. If it's further away than arm's reach...it's too far.
A thought about securing your pistol when you get one at home. The absolute best security is in a holster on your person.
Many people who keep the pistol close at hand have found-to their cost-that the glove compartment or the nightstand drawer can not be reached during the attack.
I use to use a paddle holster for comfort while driving. I'd slip the holstered pistol off my waistband and put it under the seat. Never had a problem...until I reached for the pistol because I needed it. The my fingertips hit the backstrap and shoved it further under the seat. I threw the paddle holsters out the next day and bought holsters that stay on me. I know people who did the same sort of thing and paid with their lives.
Would you feel secure twenty feet from your pistol in the glove box of your car? A classmate's father couldn't make it that far when he was attacked by a teenager and his girlfriend...with a machete. If it's further away than arm's reach...it's too far.
Igloodude
Member
hso said:
Another quick point on that - even a $30 UPS from Best Buy or CompUSA will keep a cordless phone operational for at least a solid hour. A cell phone is definitely better, but if your house is in crappy area coverage for cell phones, having a house phone available during blackouts/emergencies is still better than nothing.
Bob F.
Member
My wife likes the Makarov grip, gun's 100% reliable, accurate and smallish-sights suck! She picked up a Khar CW-9 at the gun shop and immediately laid it away--like the grip!
By the way: good job, all in all. You live in Idaho and don't have a gun????????
Stay safe.
Bob
By the way: good job, all in all. You live in Idaho and don't have a gun????????
Stay safe.
Bob
geekWithA.45
Moderator Emeritus
Slight Sidebar:
----------------
The policy of hoarding information really has to stop. It's based on the "screaming mimi" principle that if the people knew what was up, they'd go into the screaming mimis and do all sorts of stupid stuff.
One of the real lessons of 9/11 is this:
When good information is shared far and wide, good people do good, sensible things with it.
----------------
The policy of hoarding information really has to stop. It's based on the "screaming mimi" principle that if the people knew what was up, they'd go into the screaming mimis and do all sorts of stupid stuff.
One of the real lessons of 9/11 is this:
When good information is shared far and wide, good people do good, sensible things with it.
bulltaco
Member
Just want to give my vote for the shotgun as your primary weapon for home defense. With a pistol or rifle you will need to be aware of the potential for over-penetration through the walls of your dwelling and what the potential is for "collateral damage" to your neighbors. There is ammo made for shooting inside a dwelling so do the research (as I'm sure you will do).
Get a dog. With your kids, that is an investment that will pay more dividends then you will ever know.
Get a dog. With your kids, that is an investment that will pay more dividends then you will ever know.
highdesert
Member
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2005
- Messages
- 63
idahoemt,
Looks like you're getting a lot of good advice from THR.
I would add that a good way to secure a shotgun is with a Mossberg Loc Box:
http://mossberg.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=97
It locks with a key. I keep the key in a quick-access handgun safe next to the bed. The key is stuck to the inside of the door with tape. You and your wife should practice opening any safe in the dark, by feel only. Over and over!
Regards,
highdesert
Looks like you're getting a lot of good advice from THR.
I would add that a good way to secure a shotgun is with a Mossberg Loc Box:
http://mossberg.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=97
It locks with a key. I keep the key in a quick-access handgun safe next to the bed. The key is stuck to the inside of the door with tape. You and your wife should practice opening any safe in the dark, by feel only. Over and over!
Regards,
highdesert
'Card
Member
Good man. Accepting the fact that you (and you alone) are responsible for protecting your family is the biggest (and usually the most difficult) step. Congrats on not being a sheep anymore.idahoemt said:
Second, take the oft-repeated THR advice and get yourself a shotgun first. A good used shotgun will probably be significantly cheaper than a pistol (and it sounds like money is kind of an issue) and is the best choice for protecting what has to be your first priority - your home and family.
A pistol and a CCW are great things to have, and you're right to want to pursue them, but most of the time violent encounters outside of the home are things you can run away from. When your home and family is at stake, you can't run - so consider HD first and foremost and go with the shotgun stored with a lock and out of the kid's reach until you can afford a more expensive (and better) alternative like a fast-access safe.
Last but not least, remember to teach your kids to shoot when you can. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but teaching them how to handle weapons safely, and teaching them that they are simply tools - not magic wonder death-wands - is the best thing you can do to keep them from doing something dangerous when adults aren't around.
idahoemt
Member
Update
Just a quick update, this house is now protected by a Ruger.
OK, he's not a snarling mass of BG chewin' fury, but he's fitting in well. Ruger is a 4 yr old Chocolate Lab/Chesapeake Bay Retriever that we found at the shelter. It was a choice between him and a 1 yr old Yellow Lab named Powder (cool names, huh?). While Powder won the hearts of the boys right away and my wife was leaning toward him, I liked the fact that Ruger was older(and at least knows simple commands) and seems to be more mellow(baby in the house). His owners apparently gave him up because of some problem with their landlord. He's been home for just a couple of hours now and seems to be happy and has already determined that he is my dog. While his breed(s) is not known for being aggressive, they do tend to be good guard dogs in the barking department and make good family dogs. Time will tell how he does.
Just a quick update, this house is now protected by a Ruger.
OK, he's not a snarling mass of BG chewin' fury, but he's fitting in well. Ruger is a 4 yr old Chocolate Lab/Chesapeake Bay Retriever that we found at the shelter. It was a choice between him and a 1 yr old Yellow Lab named Powder (cool names, huh?). While Powder won the hearts of the boys right away and my wife was leaning toward him, I liked the fact that Ruger was older(and at least knows simple commands) and seems to be more mellow(baby in the house). His owners apparently gave him up because of some problem with their landlord. He's been home for just a couple of hours now and seems to be happy and has already determined that he is my dog. While his breed(s) is not known for being aggressive, they do tend to be good guard dogs in the barking department and make good family dogs. Time will tell how he does.
'Card
Member
Good choice on the dog.
One tip there: Let your kids feed him.
The dog will automatically attach to you because it can tell you're the alpha male. Letting your kids be the "providers of the chow" will make it bond with them even more quickly than would otherwise be the case, and dogs that are attached to kids can get really protective really quickly.
One tip there: Let your kids feed him.
The dog will automatically attach to you because it can tell you're the alpha male. Letting your kids be the "providers of the chow" will make it bond with them even more quickly than would otherwise be the case, and dogs that are attached to kids can get really protective really quickly.
IMO, the Virgin Mobile prepaid cell phones are a good deal if you don't want to get into a contract. About $20-30 for the phone at WalMart and $20 every three months to keep the service active if you don't use up the minutes. They have a couple of other plans that come in handy if you're actually going to use more than $15-20 a month worth of airtime, too. I can't find a regular plan under $30/month, and that would be a really talkative month in my book, so for me, prepaid is the way to go.
As was mentioned, the phone doesn't need service to call 911, but it's nice to have other options, like calling the neighbors to warn them, or calling for help when the car breaks down. Also, I'm not sure even 911 can call back to the phone if it doesn't have service.
As was mentioned, the phone doesn't need service to call 911, but it's nice to have other options, like calling the neighbors to warn them, or calling for help when the car breaks down. Also, I'm not sure even 911 can call back to the phone if it doesn't have service.
idahoemt
Member
You're right. At least at our center, if we get a call from a "dead" cell phone the callback number gives us a 911 area code. We don't have a way of tracking them down. Makes for a lot of false calls.
Powderman
Member
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned another excellent choice for a HD firearm.
To be sure, the shotgun is a good choice; another is an AR15 carbine, loaded with proper ammunition. And by proper ammunition, I mean something line 40 to 55 grain soft point ammunition.
These have a tendency to NOT overpenetrate, and the wounds caused by this ammunition are all out of proportion to the size of the round.
You can have this kept ready, magazine in but chamber empty ("cruiser ready"), with a good sight like an EOTech ready on top. An added plus is that it is easy to use, especially for people of smaller stature that might have a hard time with a shotgun.
Also available are many AR15 pistols, legal to own without any additional licenses, with the full power and capability of the longer arm in a smaller lighter package. That muzzle blast can be rough, though!
To be sure, the shotgun is a good choice; another is an AR15 carbine, loaded with proper ammunition. And by proper ammunition, I mean something line 40 to 55 grain soft point ammunition.
These have a tendency to NOT overpenetrate, and the wounds caused by this ammunition are all out of proportion to the size of the round.
You can have this kept ready, magazine in but chamber empty ("cruiser ready"), with a good sight like an EOTech ready on top. An added plus is that it is easy to use, especially for people of smaller stature that might have a hard time with a shotgun.
Also available are many AR15 pistols, legal to own without any additional licenses, with the full power and capability of the longer arm in a smaller lighter package. That muzzle blast can be rough, though!
Dirty Bob
Member
General agreement on the .223 rifles and pistols. They can be impressive, and that vicious blast is fine; the homeowner can fort up in a bedroom, and at least those others in the room can don hearing protection. The blast in a small space would probably be more effective, in many cases, than even a minor wound, in convincing an intruder to seek a fast exit.
I think the one big negative of the AR-15 series is cost. I believe that the initial message did mention that this was an issue. I think -- in that case -- an inexpensive pump shotgun and some training and practice would a be better use of $$.
Regards,
Dirty Bob
I think the one big negative of the AR-15 series is cost. I believe that the initial message did mention that this was an issue. I think -- in that case -- an inexpensive pump shotgun and some training and practice would a be better use of $$.
Regards,
Dirty Bob
Superpsy
Member
HD gun
Like everyone has said...I echo the sentiment to get a shotgun. Personally, I'd go with the Rem. 870 pump. Very reliable. And please use buckshot, not birdshot. There's the possibility of underpenetration with birdshot, especially if BG is wearing thick clothing.
Like everyone has said...I echo the sentiment to get a shotgun. Personally, I'd go with the Rem. 870 pump. Very reliable. And please use buckshot, not birdshot. There's the possibility of underpenetration with birdshot, especially if BG is wearing thick clothing.
Deathrider1579
Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2006
- Messages
- 198
Just a thought and its a free thought so it might be worth what it cost.
If you decide to make the top of the stairs in your house your "make your stand" place in your home, it seems to me that you wouldn't have to worry about over penetration.
if your shooting down the stairs and the bullet goes through said goblin, it should simply impact with the floor and the foundation. Ergo a carbine might just be the ticket here.
Otherwise I say handgun, shotgun, rifle whatever just GET A GUN (you wont be sorry)
-DR
If you decide to make the top of the stairs in your house your "make your stand" place in your home, it seems to me that you wouldn't have to worry about over penetration.
if your shooting down the stairs and the bullet goes through said goblin, it should simply impact with the floor and the foundation. Ergo a carbine might just be the ticket here.
Otherwise I say handgun, shotgun, rifle whatever just GET A GUN (you wont be sorry)
-DR
- Status