Home Defense - what do you use?

Had I not answered the door with a loaded shotgun to his stomach, not sure how the story would of ended for me and my girlfriend at the time.

Thas awesome!  Do u always answer the door w that howitzer?  The look on the face of the jehovahs witness or orkin must be hysterix hehe

Had I not answered the door with a loaded shotgun to his stomach, not sure how the story would of ended for me and my girlfriend at the time.

Thas awesome!  Do u always answer the door w that howitzer?  The look on the face of the jehovahs witness or orkin must be hysterix hehe

We don't have witnesses out here. 

The whole locked gate thing keeps most legitimate people away.

To answer the what to do if your in the kitchen and your guns in the bedroom..... mines in my waist band from the time I get up till the time I go to bed, I actually feel naked if it's not there...kinda like sitting in my kayak seat after forgetting to my pfd on, just don't feel right.

To answer the what to do if your in the kitchen and your guns in the bedroom..... mines in my waist band from the time I get up till the time I go to bed, I actually feel naked if it's not there...kinda like sitting in my kayak seat after forgetting to my pfd on, just don't feel right.

Is Oregon that dangerous you need to carry while at home? I mean live next to Stockton and don't have that feeling.

To answer the what to do if your in the kitchen and your guns in the bedroom..... mines in my waist band from the time I get up till the time I go to bed, I actually feel naked if it's not there...kinda like sitting in my kayak seat after forgetting to my pfd on, just don't feel right.

Is Oregon that dangerous you need to carry while at home? I mean live next to Stockton and don't have that feeling.

No Oregon is great but you never know when lightning is going to strike or where. I also carry a full array of tools, a blanket, and mre's in my car but it runs fine. I also carry a liquid compass even though my FF and cell give direction as well. One should always be prepared no matter where you are or what your doing.

dont take chances I always say

I run 220 to all the doorknobs before I tuck in at night...

course what if they come through the window and are grounded with rubber soles...or the chimney ??

I'm pretty new to the USA and I have to say I don't understand the home invasion fantasies lots of Americans seem to have. Is this something that happens often? Are there any kind of statistics to justify the need for these types of precautions? If you just love guns, that's something I can understand - but why is it wrapped up in "home defense"?
I think I have a lot to learn about this country.

Here's some statistics.  https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/burglary

Home invasions including murder, GBH, and rape do happen everywhere. As far as "often or justify the need", I'd say often enough TO justify the need.

I can recall quite a few horrible home invasions that occurred here in Sonoma County over the years. And as others have said these real life nightmares were not fantasy's for the victims.

Those are burglary statistics, not home invasions. The vast majority of burglaries occur when nobody is home and few result in violent crime. And a few anecdotes do not refute what the actual facts are.  While it is certainly your right, a gun in your home is far more likely to to put a bullet in you or a member of your household than  it is to stop someone from harming you or your family. For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home. Below are some peer-reviewed scientific studies that address the question specifically.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457502000490
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/9/1/48.full

Again, I don't dispute your right to your firearm but I wouldn't be so dismissive of the commenter's bewilderment about this uniquely American obsession. The facts are that the chances of being a victim of a violent home invasion are remote when compared with all of the other risks you face, including being shot with your own gun. I'm sure you are a responsible and safe gun owner and you certainly seem mentally stable, so in your case the risks are probably mitigated significantly. It is important though to be aware of the facts to keep things in perspective.

We certainly seem more passionate about firearms than, say dead bolts, home security systems, situational awareness, physical fitness, or other aspects of home security.

We certainly seem more passionate about firearms than, say dead bolts, home security systems, situational awareness, physical fitness, or other aspects of home security.

I think it needs to be a complete package.

This happened in my backyard a couple years back and things have gotten worse since.

http://m.lodinews.com/news/article_e9754b0a-6c19-58a7-9082-6cb6db8e34de.html?mode=jqm

Just a few months ago had a deranged individual on the property that was flipping out. I felt safe behind Ole Betsy' iron sights.

I'm pretty new to the USA and I have to say I don't understand the home invasion fantasies lots of Americans seem to have. Is this something that happens often? Are there any kind of statistics to justify the need for these types of precautions? If you just love guns, that's something I can understand - but why is it wrapped up in "home defense"?
I think I have a lot to learn about this country.

Here's some statistics.  https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/burglary

Home invasions including murder, GBH, and rape do happen everywhere. As far as "often or justify the need", I'd say often enough TO justify the need.

I can recall quite a few horrible home invasions that occurred here in Sonoma County over the years. And as others have said these real life nightmares were not fantasy's for the victims.

Those are burglary statistics, not home invasions. The vast majority of burglaries occur when nobody is home and few result in violent crime. And a few anecdotes do not refute what the actual facts are.  While it is certainly your right, a gun in your home is far more likely to to put a bullet in you or a member of your household than  it is to stop someone from harming you or your family. For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home. Below are some peer-reviewed scientific studies that address the question specifically.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457502000490
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/9/1/48.full

Again, I don't dispute your right to your firearm but I wouldn't be so dismissive of the commenter's bewilderment about this uniquely American obsession. The facts are that the chances of being a victim of a violent home invasion are remote when compared with all of the other risks you face, including being shot with your own gun. I'm sure you are a responsible and safe gun owner and you certainly seem mentally stable, so in your case the risks are probably mitigated significantly. It is important though to be aware of the facts to keep things in perspective.

Those are great points although (and I'm not google happy) so I'm guessing the chances of a burglary turning violent are greatly increased if the home owner walks in on a burglary. I have read many news articles about people coming home to find a stranger in there home...some shot the perpetrator, some where assaulted by the perpetrator, a very few were shot by the perpetrator, and I'm sure a few with there own gun stored in there home. Everyone situation is different I have guns in my home that are locked up, a few that aren't, my pistol on my person, and a 110 lb Rottweiler the odds of me getting shot with my own gun are minuscule since anyone with access to my guns without loosing an arm has been extensively trained in firearms safety first and regularly practice safe gun handling...i.e.. treat every gun as if it's loaded type of thing. NEVER get complacent with gun safety that's what causes accidental shootings, hell I have checked the same pistol over 6 times for an empty chamber while out shooting with the kids ... if you pick it up point it in a safe direction and make sure it's empty....EVERY TIME YOU PICK IT UP even if you just did 2 minutes ago. People have died with hair driers in the shower after all there's a warning label that says " DO NOT use in the shower" in my humble opinion statistic are higher because people are getting lazier and more complacent... plus some are just plain "unintelligent" statistical speaking.

You spent $41.95 to read the actual study or is your argument based on the abstract?

NMFS and NVSS have some interesting reading.  122 pages of stats.  yikes.

I'm pretty new to the USA and I have to say I don't understand the home invasion fantasies lots of Americans seem to have. Is this something that happens often? Are there any kind of statistics to justify the need for these types of precautions? If you just love guns, that's something I can understand - but why is it wrapped up in "home defense"?
I think I have a lot to learn about this country.

Here's some statistics.  https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/burglary

Home invasions including murder, GBH, and rape do happen everywhere. As far as "often or justify the need", I'd say often enough TO justify the need.

I can recall quite a few horrible home invasions that occurred here in Sonoma County over the years. And as others have said these real life nightmares were not fantasy's for the victims.

Those are burglary statistics, not home invasions. The vast majority of burglaries occur when nobody is home and few result in violent crime. And a few anecdotes do not refute what the actual facts are.  While it is certainly your right, a gun in your home is far more likely to to put a bullet in you or a member of your household than  it is to stop someone from harming you or your family. For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home. Below are some peer-reviewed scientific studies that address the question specifically.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457502000490
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/9/1/48.full

Again, I don't dispute your right to your firearm but I wouldn't be so dismissive of the commenter's bewilderment about this uniquely American obsession. The facts are that the chances of being a victim of a violent home invasion are remote when compared with all of the other risks you face, including being shot with your own gun. I'm sure you are a responsible and safe gun owner and you certainly seem mentally stable, so in your case the risks are probably mitigated significantly. It is important though to be aware of the facts to keep things in perspective.

Those are great points although (and I'm not google happy) so I'm guessing the chances of a burglary turning violent are greatly increased if the home owner walks in on a burglary. I have read many news articles about people coming home to find a stranger in there home...some shot the perpetrator, some where assaulted by the perpetrator, a very few were shot by the perpetrator, and I'm sure a few with there own gun stored in there home. Everyone situation is different I have guns in my home that are locked up, a few that aren't, my pistol on my person, and a 110 lb Rottweiler the odds of me getting shot with my own gun are minuscule since anyone with access to my guns without loosing an arm has been extensively trained in firearms safety first and regularly practice safe gun handling...i.e.. treat every gun as if it's loaded type of thing. NEVER get complacent with gun safety that's what causes accidental shootings, hell I have checked the same pistol over 6 times for an empty chamber while out shooting with the kids ... if you pick it up point it in a safe direction and make sure it's empty....EVERY TIME YOU PICK IT UP even if you just did 2 minutes ago. People have died with hair driers in the shower after all there's a warning label that says " DO NOT use in the shower" in my humble opinion statistic are higher because people are getting lazier and more complacent... plus some are just plain "unintelligent" statistical speaking.

Nothing like the trusty anecdotes to refute empirical evidence

I'm pretty new to the USA and I have to say I don't understand the home invasion fantasies lots of Americans seem to have. Is this something that happens often? Are there any kind of statistics to justify the need for these types of precautions? If you just love guns, that's something I can understand - but why is it wrapped up in "home defense"?
I think I have a lot to learn about this country.

Here's some statistics.  https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/burglary

Home invasions including murder, GBH, and rape do happen everywhere. As far as "often or justify the need", I'd say often enough TO justify the need.

I can recall quite a few horrible home invasions that occurred here in Sonoma County over the years. And as others have said these real life nightmares were not fantasy's for the victims.

Those are burglary statistics, not home invasions. The vast majority of burglaries occur when nobody is home and few result in violent crime. And a few anecdotes do not refute what the actual facts are.  While it is certainly your right, a gun in your home is far more likely to to put a bullet in you or a member of your household than  it is to stop someone from harming you or your family. For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home. Below are some peer-reviewed scientific studies that address the question specifically.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457502000490
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/9/1/48.full

Again, I don't dispute your right to your firearm but I wouldn't be so dismissive of the commenter's bewilderment about this uniquely American obsession. The facts are that the chances of being a victim of a violent home invasion are remote when compared with all of the other risks you face, including being shot with your own gun. I'm sure you are a responsible and safe gun owner and you certainly seem mentally stable, so in your case the risks are probably mitigated significantly. It is important though to be aware of the facts to keep things in perspective.

Those are great points although (and I'm not google happy) so I'm guessing the chances of a burglary turning violent are greatly increased if the home owner walks in on a burglary. I have read many news articles about people coming home to find a stranger in there home...some shot the perpetrator, some where assaulted by the perpetrator, a very few were shot by the perpetrator, and I'm sure a few with there own gun stored in there home. Everyone situation is different I have guns in my home that are locked up, a few that aren't, my pistol on my person, and a 110 lb Rottweiler the odds of me getting shot with my own gun are minuscule since anyone with access to my guns without loosing an arm has been extensively trained in firearms safety first and regularly practice safe gun handling...i.e.. treat every gun as if it's loaded type of thing. NEVER get complacent with gun safety that's what causes accidental shootings, hell I have checked the same pistol over 6 times for an empty chamber while out shooting with the kids ... if you pick it up point it in a safe direction and make sure it's empty....EVERY TIME YOU PICK IT UP even if you just did 2 minutes ago. People have died with hair driers in the shower after all there's a warning label that says " DO NOT use in the shower" in my humble opinion statistic are higher because people are getting lazier and more complacent... plus some are just plain "unintelligent" statistical speaking.

Nothing like the trusty anecdotes to refute empirical evidence

Nothing like an abstract of an article behind a paywall to support your position.

I'm pretty new to the USA and I have to say I don't understand the home invasion fantasies lots of Americans seem to have. Is this something that happens often? Are there any kind of statistics to justify the need for these types of precautions? If you just love guns, that's something I can understand - but why is it wrapped up in "home defense"?
I think I have a lot to learn about this country.

Here's some statistics.  https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/burglary

Home invasions including murder, GBH, and rape do happen everywhere. As far as "often or justify the need", I'd say often enough TO justify the need.

I can recall quite a few horrible home invasions that occurred here in Sonoma County over the years. And as others have said these real life nightmares were not fantasy's for the victims.

Those are burglary statistics, not home invasions. The vast majority of burglaries occur when nobody is home and few result in violent crime. And a few anecdotes do not refute what the actual facts are.  While it is certainly your right, a gun in your home is far more likely to to put a bullet in you or a member of your household than  it is to stop someone from harming you or your family. For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home. Below are some peer-reviewed scientific studies that address the question specifically.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457502000490
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/9/1/48.full

Again, I don't dispute your right to your firearm but I wouldn't be so dismissive of the commenter's bewilderment about this uniquely American obsession. The facts are that the chances of being a victim of a violent home invasion are remote when compared with all of the other risks you face, including being shot with your own gun. I'm sure you are a responsible and safe gun owner and you certainly seem mentally stable, so in your case the risks are probably mitigated significantly. It is important though to be aware of the facts to keep things in perspective.

Those are great points although (and I'm not google happy) so I'm guessing the chances of a burglary turning violent are greatly increased if the home owner walks in on a burglary. I have read many news articles about people coming home to find a stranger in there home...some shot the perpetrator, some where assaulted by the perpetrator, a very few were shot by the perpetrator, and I'm sure a few with there own gun stored in there home. Everyone situation is different I have guns in my home that are locked up, a few that aren't, my pistol on my person, and a 110 lb Rottweiler the odds of me getting shot with my own gun are minuscule since anyone with access to my guns without loosing an arm has been extensively trained in firearms safety first and regularly practice safe gun handling...i.e.. treat every gun as if it's loaded type of thing. NEVER get complacent with gun safety that's what causes accidental shootings, hell I have checked the same pistol over 6 times for an empty chamber while out shooting with the kids ... if you pick it up point it in a safe direction and make sure it's empty....EVERY TIME YOU PICK IT UP even if you just did 2 minutes ago. People have died with hair driers in the shower after all there's a warning label that says " DO NOT use in the shower" in my humble opinion statistic are higher because people are getting lazier and more complacent... plus some are just plain "unintelligent" statistical speaking.

Nothing like the trusty anecdotes to refute empirical evidence

The funny thing about statistics is they don't ask everyone so the evidence in my opinion is only partial fact. But again that's just my $0.02 we all have one and are entitled to it. I know I'm unlikely to become a "statistic" ... a funny little thing "they"say instead of "victim" but an anecdote .. I believe?