What a Wake-Up Call!

[iiibdsiil]

You can pick up a decent set of cameras/recorder for $300 from Costco. Wire it up and get a 25" tube TV off Craigslist for practically nothing. We just installed a set at a friends house and it was worth every penny to be able to see what is going on around the house.

 

[Tiomoid]

Smart move not to chase the perp out the door. My tactics involve turning the lights OFF and moving loved ones up the stairs. THEY (bad guys) have to move and make shadows, I can just sit in the dark and be hidden....

 

[kingpin008]

Thanks. I started to, because the first thing I thought was "get a description", but then I realized that it was so dark that I couldn't even make out the shape of the deck chairs we keep out there. That stopped me cold.

I did stand there in full view of the window for about thirty seconds though, trying to make out if anyone was still there. That could have been a problem, I suppose, had anyone actually been there and wanted to cause us harm.

 

[bigeye]

If and when the finances can work it out, look for this on the web.
SkyLink Security System Deluxe Kit SC-100
They are excellent systems. Wireless. Easy to install. YOU program them like you want them. Remote control key fob to arm, disarm, set off in emergency. The siren is one you never want to accidentally set off while in your lap. VERY loud. I have installed two of these for friends and they love them. They can even be armed when you are in the house at night roaming around. With a price of about $100. they are well worth the look. By the way, neither person that had them installed has ever had a false alarm.

 

[bigeye]

The cameras are an excellent idea. Make it obvious they are there and are real. Signs and fake cameras will not fool anyone that wants access to your property.

 

[rainbowbob]

I remember seeing that door swinging shut, and even though I wanted to rush forward and see who the hell was out there, my better judgement pointed out that I couldn't see an inch past that door, and I could have been walking into a very bad situation.

Tiomoid just beat me to it: Unless there is a VERY compelling reason to chase outside...DON'T. I also suggest motion lights outside - and dark inside. You see them - they don't see you. Stay where you are safest and can most easily (and, hopefully in your state, legally) defend with lethal force if necessary.

 

[jamesbeat]

I know what you mean by the stress response. I know you've read my post so you'll know that I have experienced it first hand, and I'm not afraid to say I was wobbling like a jelly (or jello or whatever you yanks call it )
One thing I found particularly annoying is the way it affected my voice. Trying to sound forceful and commanding during a confrontation is not easy when your throat is dry and your voice is wobbly. Shouting helps.

 

[FuzzyBunny]

+1 ON THE LIGHTS!

It is very comforting to light an area up like daytime when needed.

Also have a smaller light and be sure and turn it on every night. A 100 watt light is not expensive to run every night. The oldest bad guy trick is to unscrew the light. Most owners will think its burnt out and not replace it right away. They will watch and judge your actions so turn it on before dark while you have enough light to replace the bulb if it really is burnt out. You can order rough service bulbs off the net cheap and they seem to last alot longer.

I have the ability to turn on 12 150 watt spotlights I placed up out of reach when I rewired the house. I took special attention to not leave a hiding spot uncovered. It is a luxury I gave myself 20 years ago and love it!

 

[RoostRider]

You got a lot of good input already on helping to prevent a future problem like this.... so I will address the less addressed issue at hand....

Lastly, the advice part. For those of you who have been through this before, what can I (and my fiancee) do to reduce the stress response?

Not much really.... it will subside on it's own given time, and your ability to reason out how you can help prevent it from happening again (your doing that right now, and on the right track....

If you find your wife or you are having a really hard time with it, don't be afraid to talk to people about it and how you feel.... a professional if necessary.... don't dismiss this as being unmanly... and maybe it's best for her and not right for you, but she might need you to be in on it to feel right about it (women don't like feeling weak either)

Having had violent confrontation with a burglar in my house I can tell you that the psychology of it will stick with you for a while.

You will reassess the way you do things and second guess your every move (I also failed to procure a firearm when I 'suspected' something odd, waiting until after a confrontation with the burglar to realize that this was no 'false alarm' this time).

This is not all bad.... no one was hurt... you learned some lessons (like don't go investigating oddities without being armed)... and you will do better next time....

That's what helps me sleep now.... I know I'll do better next time.... next time they aren't dealing with a noob... they are dealing with a person who has been down this road before, one who's armed and won't be 'nervous' about presenting a gun in defense and is confident he can do so proficiently... one who trains shooting under stress, figuring he will never need a defensive handgun without a lot of stress involved....

I'm not near so cavalier about my ability to discern 'good situations' from 'bad ones' anymore and I think this all helps to tip the scales more in my favor.... If it seems odd, it is.... if it doesn't seem odd, it might still be....

As I said in another thread about being robbed.... you will soon enough go back to 'life as normal' but it will never be 'the same' again....

Sorry to hear about your woes.... that kind of thing really shakes a guy up....

As you noted..... it's a "WAKE UP CALL".... now you're awake....

 

[scoutsabout]

There's a 1911 on my hip RIGHT NOW.

There's a Sig P238 next to my sleeping wife RIGHT NOW.

A couple more feet away from her is a Remington 870... RIGHT NOW.

When you need to defend yourself, it will likely be RIGHT NOW.

"Do or do not, there is no try." --Yoda

 

[murdoc rose]

that's why it's tradition to have guns over the fireplace and such. I always grew up around guns in corners and up on the walls.

 

[Fred Fuller]

There's a reason the first thing in my little list (see my SIG below) is mindset.

The first thing a proper mindset tells you is, "It CAN happen to me." With that little paroxysm out of the way in advance, your mind is free to commence DEALING WITH the problem immediately, instead of absorbing itself at a critical time trying to figure out what is happening. Mindset means using critical time to ACT on things you have already prepared in advance to deal with.

How do you prepare in advance? Visualize. Read things like http://www.thearmedcitizen.com/ regularly and work out what YOU would do if something like this happened to you.

Buy yourself a copy of http://www.paladin-press.com/product/772/Other_Combat_Shooting and study it till the pages fall out.

That's the best advice I can offer... hope it helps,

lpl

 

[Casaba]

I have to confess I didn't read all of the replies... 1st glad you are alright, thats scary. 2nd, I use a desantis pocket holster for my .38 and I LOVE it

 

[Webbj0219]

As far as the stress you felt. They actually have a technical name for it, Called B.A.R.. Body alarm reaction. Read about this in a book and how to work through it. It can impair your thinking about details and fine moter skills. there are stories about ppl in a shootout and after its done they accidentally pull off extra shots cause the stress makes it hard to feel your fingertips and they forget their finger on the trigger.

 

[Vermonter]

Solar powered security lights are less expensive than having to get an electrician involved. A lot of them are junk, but some are really good. Since your fiancée works at Target she might be able to get a good deal.

Fencing would really help. With some patience and moderate skill you could build one very cheap with chicken wire and 2x4s ripped to width for posts. I've done this on gardens and it can come out looking nice if you are careful. Maybe some barbed wire as well.

 

[MovedWest]

I'm fortunate enough to live in a gated community. If my doorbell rings and I haven't buzzed anyone in, you can bet I have my 9mm live and ready with a spare magazine in my pocket when I approach my door to see who it is. If I hear a bump in the night, I'm up with the 9 or my 44 (depending on the size of the bump) and proceed to clear the house and check the locks.

Camera's are good for identifying someone in the aftermath, but for giving an immediate and unquestionable warning you simply can't beat a dog. Not only will they immediately tell you when something's up, they'll go right to the source. In the event of a break-in, they'll also serve as a deterrent/distraction for the BG while you arm yourself. This requires almost no training for most dogs.

We've got a good sized weimaraner and being a hunting dog, he's got pretty keen senses. Although he's good sized he's fairly worthless as a guard dog, but he ALWAYS lets me know when someone is close to the door.

-MW

 

[9MMare]

Vermonter, can you recommend a brand? Sunshine is less than optimal here in the NW and many barely work.

 

[Grey_Mana]

FYI - you don't want to find a range, you want to find a club. Pay a yearly fee and shoot all you want, versus an hourly fee.

I'm not sure what's out in Howard, but I can recommend the Rockville IWLA.

Some clubs will let you practice how you want, as long as nobody else is using the range (and you limit your weapon to what they are permitted for). You can call and ask about drawing from a holster.

Ok - here is a long list, as a starting point:

Andrews AFB Rod & Gun club, Andrews AFB, MD 20335. Contact Birt Kidwell; (eve) 301-981-5985. (indoor)

Anne Arundel Fish and Game Assn., 1730 Saint Margarets Road, Annapolis, MD 21409 R(100), P(50),

Applied Physics Lab (APL) Gun Club is affiliated with AGC of MD and shoots at Marriottsville Range, 11518 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104.

Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, Inc. (AGC) -- see Marriottsville Range, 11518 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104.

Arlington Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Baltimore County Game & Fish is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Baltimore Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Berwyn Rod and Gun Club, Inc., P.O. Box 794, Beltsville, MD 20704. P(50), R(100).

Carolina Dreamin', 15890 Oakland Road, Henderson, MD 21640. Contact Ron Clough; (day) 803-635-2562.

Carroll County Firearms Facility is located off MD Route 140, just north of Reese Road. Contact Carroll County Dept. of Recreation & Parks, 125 N. Court St., Suite 205, Westminster, MD 21157. Telephone 410-857-2103. The facility is usually open week-ends and some week-days. There is a small fee for use.

Chesapeake Gun Glub has been renamed Schrader's Bridgetown Mannor, which see.

Chesapeake Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Continental Arms, 9603 Deerco Road, Suite 500, Timonium, MD 21093. Telephone 410-560-3609. Closed Mondays. Retail sales/rentals, P(indoor)

Elk Neck Shooting Range. Telephone: 410-287-5675. Open Tuesday - Saturday, dawn to dusk; Sunday: 9am - dusk. Annual permit cost is $25. Daily guest fee is $5.

Fort Meade Rod & Gun Club, Fort Meade, MD 20755.

Garrison Rifle & Revolver Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Glenmore Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Goddard Sportsman Club (NASA/Goddard Gun Club, Inc.) is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Greenbelt Gun Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Gwynn Falls/Marriottsville Muzzle Loaders, Inc. is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

"Hap" Baker Range, Westminster, MD 21157. This facility is operated by the County Dept. of Recreation. Hours vary throughout the year but the range is open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. Daily passes are $10 for county residents and $15 for others. Season passes are available at $40 and $70 respectively (these prices were in effect November 2005 and are subject to change). Eye and ear protection is mandatory. The range is located off Route 140 just north of Reese Road in Westminster. Use the entrance to Carroll County Northern Landfill.

Homewood Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Hopkins Game Farm, Rt 298, Kennedyville, MD 21645. Telephone for info/directions; 301-348-5287.

Horst and McCann Indoor Gun Range, 2137 N.Fountain Green Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. TEL: 410 399-9518. Retail sales.

Howard County Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

IWLA, Rockville, MD, 18301 Waring Station Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20874. Telephone 301-972-1645.

J & P Hunting Lodge / Sporting Clays, 1105 Benton corner Road, Sudlersville, MD 21668. TEL: 410-438-3832. FAX: 410-438-3942. SC, PUB. Note: This facility will be closing at the end of October 2006.

Loch Raven Skeet & Trap Center, 12301 Dulaney Valley Road, Phoenix, MD 21131. Tel: 410-252-3851. (Has lights for shooting after dark.)

Marriottsville Metallic Silhouette Shooters is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Marriottsville Range, 11518 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104. All members of Maryland clubs affiliated with the Associated Gun Clubs of Maryland, Inc. (which see) have range badges to permit use of this range. TEL: 410-461-8532.

Maryland Rifle Club is affiliated with AGC of MD and shoots at Marriottsville Range, 11518 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104.

Maryland Small Arms Range, Inc., 9311 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. TEL: 301-599-0800 or 800-792-6434. P(indoor).

Monocacy Pistol Club, P.O. Box 1377, Frederick MD 21702. See website for facility info.

Monumental Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD and shoots at Marriottsville Range, 11518 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104.

Mount Washington Rod & Gun Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management, Star Route 2, Box 2209, Maryland Wildlife Div., LaPlata, MD 20646. Contact District Wildlife Mgr; 301-743-5161.

National Academy of the Shooting Sciences, 122 Lafayette Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707. Contact Art Cook, President; 301-953-3301. R(indoor), P(indoor),

National Capital Trap & Skeet Club, 16700 Riffle Ford Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. TEL: 301-948-2266.

North Carroll Rod & Gun Club, Deep Run Rd, Westminster, MD 21157. TEL: 410-346-7045. R(100), P(100),

Old Post Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

On-Target, Inc., 2618 Annapolis Road, Severn, MD 21144. Telephone 301-551-7777. Retail sales, rental firearms. P(indoor),

Pintail Point Farm, 511 Pintail Point Farm Lane, Queenstown, MD 21658. TEL: 410-827-7029.

Pioneer Rod and Gun Club Inc. 4835 Maiden Forest Road, Rhodesdale, MD 21659. TEL: 410-376-3887. Sorry. No information about facilities.

Prince George's County Trap & Skeet Center (or Prince George's Sport Center), 10400 Good Luck Road, Glenn Dale, MD 20769. TEL: 301-577-7178.

Schrader's Bridgetown Manor & Sporting Clays, 16090 Oakland Road, Henderson, MD 21640. Tel: 410-778-1895 or 410-758-1824. Open every day, 9am to 7pm. SC, A, PUB. Also offers bowhunting or muzzleloader deer hunts on 25,000 acres.

Select Fire, 115-C Holsum Way, Glen Burnie, MD 21060. Tel: 410-768-3473. Rental firearms (SMGs available).

Stemmers Run Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Stoney Creek Fishing and Hunting Club, 9090 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD. 21122.

Synepuxent Rod & Gun Club, Purnell Crossing Road, PO Box 724, Berlin, MD 21811. Contact Roger Taylor; (eve) 301-641-0326.

Thurmont Conservation & Sportsmen's Club, 11617 Hunt Club Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Contact Dave Elston; (eve) 301-898-9125. ST, R(?), P. NRA smallbore rifle silhouette matches held at this facility.

(MD) Tenth Cavalry Gun Club, LLC is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Tidewater Muzzle Loaders, Inc. is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

Westinghouse Rifle & Pistol Club is affiliated with AGC of MD (which see). ZIP for Marriottsville is 21104.

 

[SSN Vet]

this story is a good example why...

more and more, I keep my carry piece on my person when I'm at home.

The other option is to keep it readilly accessible.

But with small children in the house.... I have to be very careful about that.

I have a GunVault mounted to the steel frame of my night stand and would like to get another one to keep in a handy location on the ground floor.

The darn things have gotten quite expensive though....

So for the time being ... keeping it on my person is the plan.

A lot of folks think this is paranoia...

whatever! I'm not sitting here shakin' in my boots. Why should I? I'm armed

 

[KingEdward]

this may help for the future as far as stress / preparedness.

Do not think IF / WHAT the next time, think WHEN /WHAT the next time.

The next time we are watching tv and a door handle rattles or someone is
banging on/in a door or someone is looking through the sliding glass door
or a window to see the inside, WHAT will you do?

It's great to keep something on the main level either on your person or
arm's reach away. I generally keep a Smith 686P 3" in a holster and sometimes
it's on my belt if I'm in and out but most of the time it is next to me. Easy
to keep on the coffee table, the computer desk, the kitchen counter, etc.

Much better than having to scramble to the bed room or upstairs.

Another good idea is the New England Firearms Partner 20 gauge single shot shotgun.

I have two of these and they are easy to keep behind a door and grab one if you need
it. I bought the first one used for $125.00 and the other new last month for $190.00

 

[BP Hunter]

I have never had anybody break in our house. But my wife, when we were still friends living in Queens, NY had her apartment ran sacked. Thank God she wasn't home. But it sure flet like you were raped.

We now live in WA. Our neighborhood has had no problems with thugs or theft. I just a good habit of carrying my piece even at home. I honestly do not feel threatened or unsafe in my own home, but I just like carrying. And of course, I would always want to ready when I need to be ready.

 

[ferretray]

J&G Sales has used Smith & Wesson K-frame .38's and .357's going for $189.95 and up right now.
I keep my carry pistol strapped on until I go to bed at night, then its next to the bed. My cell. phone and flashlight keep it company.

 

[NMGonzo]

Lesson learned!

gf: "why is there a gun under that cushion? It worries me!"

me: "the cushion has not fingers"

 

[CSballer89]

Also some convenient, cheap locking mechanisms for sliding glass doors.

A stick in the track should do fine.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

Regarding another handgun, I recommend you save the scratch and get another 642 or a 442, and practice, practice, practice with them both. The reason I say another J-frame centennial is that when the adrenalin kicks in, you don't want to have to figure out "oh, crap, do I have my auto or the 642." Plus, 642/442 are very easy and comfortable to shlep around the house all the time. Also, don't rely upon land lines at all. Keep a cell phone on you at all times. If a determined gremlin wants to do you harm, he will cut the phone lines first, before he breaks down your door. Also, any canine will help alarm you to a gremlin being nearby, so get one. A yappie Yorkie is extremely good as a first alert critter. (My 5 year old lab is as near as foolproof an alert critter as one can get....anybody walks along the sidewalk on the other side of the street and she lets me know...)

Motion detector activated lights front and back are also excellent, but, a gremlin will shoot out or slingshot out the bulb before they get in detection range, so, see canine statement above.

A burn-out-the-bad-guy's-eyeballs tactical flashlight should also be in your pocket or on your belt in the house and outside, even. They are handy for finding stuff in back corners of your basement, too!!

I like carrying my M642 or M60 or M37 in an uncle mike's or nemesis pocket holster in my sweatshirt or sweater or overalls pocket, whichever I'm wearing around the house.

Glad you and your gal came through it all OK. You passed the main criterion: You paid attention to what was happening around you and kept your wits about you!! Ya' done good, thar, pardner!!