| Author | Message | ||
     Psykick_machanik |
Had a very sobering event the other night. My wife was awoken at 3 AM by the sound of a man coughing outside our bedroom window and then the sound of our jeep door shutting (i was 300 miles away). When she looked out the window their was a large man standing there looking at our boat! The Troopers were called and dispatched to the house. When the trooper arrived he found and arrested the passed out 21 year old punk sitting in the drivers seat of the jeep. After he was put in the cruzer the trooper found the other piece of sh1t passed out next to my kids playground. After a brief scuffle he to was arrested and put in the cruzer. I got to hear all this going down on the phone 300 MILES AWAY! I couldnt have felt more F&*%$NG USELESS. So my gut check is this........When i would have gone out to investigate with my flashlight and .44 mag revolver would i have actually shot the bastard who was in my jeep? (the other one was passed out cold and not a direct threat) Also a little back story...That night was the 1 year anniversary of a man being stabbed and killed trying to stop someone from ransacking his fathers car just a block from my house, and that was heavy on my mind. This isnt just an exercise in bravado, "Id shoot the little bastard", this would have been a FOR REAL life changing, staring down the sights moment. And my question to all of you is would you have pulled the trigger? Yes i would have......wife and two kids in the house, i wouldnt have hesitated, even is he wasnt armed, and that thought makes my knees buckle. | ||
| Sifo |
Knowing a bit about our local laws... There's no way I would go outside the house and shoot someone. I'm not sure that would hold up under laws like Florida's "stand your ground" laws. I would defend myself and family as necessary with lethal force. Defending property is often best left to the police and insurance companies. I would certainly want to be clear on the local laws, and how they have been applied in past cases before ever shooting someone over property. The moral and psychological aspects are another can of worms that should be considered. Good to hear that things didn't wind up going bad for you and your family. That had to be terrible to experience from miles away. | ||
| Cowboy |
As I live in the country and have a lot of machinery a bout my place If you do not make your self known to me and are walking around my place at nite I will most certainly shoot. | ||
| Psykick_machanik |
Thanks, the focus of my dilemma is the moral and psychological implications of pulling the trigger. Its one thing to talk about it, but to have the actual gut check of this happening in my front yard is a totally different experience. | ||
| Xdigitalx |
I would probably shoot too... but just because you have a gun doesn't mean you have to kill the dude. I would hope for a shot anywhere non vital if possible. | ||
| Teeps |
Had a similar experience, only the thief actually stole the car from my drive way, parked about 15 feet from my bedroom window. If the lock was not on the trigger... I might not be typing this today. In the end, it's just stuff. Stuff that can be replaced. Sure it pisses a person off to be a victim. But 25 years in prison is not worth a car or truck or boat. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I'd guess that if you went out of your house to confront the guy, then shot him, you'd be in the wrong. As previously stated, "stuff" isn't worth the grief, best thing is to take photos. However if he was trying to gain entry to the house all bets are off. As for a non vital shot, the dead can't sue. Nuff said. | ||
| Nillaice |
you have to do what is necessary if you feel that your life is in danger. if your life is not in danger, you don't. and if your going to use a firearm against said threat, use it to neutralize the threat. completely. shooting to maim/injur is like swinging a 20Lb sledge hammer to knock on some one's door. it's not the right tool for the job. | ||
| Kenm123t |
Now you understand the role of LARGE Dogs in Defense of your home and property It is an exercise of defensive layers. We have hounds they nap all day and are on alert at night. My Coonhound will let you know if a small animal is moving at night much less a person in the yard Security lighting Cameras and Alarm will give you time and information on the threat. There is nothing like Video of some one kicking your door in to back your case when you shoot the dirtbag in your home. Its also wonderful when the HOA scum make false claims against you LOL ask the ___ woman nextdoor did that to My sweetie she went for a ride in S&W braclets lol | ||
| Cowboy |
In my state I CANOTjust walk up on you and shoot you---BUT If I confront you on my property and you attempt any form of violence then I am privelage to Kill you. (LOUISIANA) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Then you fire up the backhoe & go a diggin'  | ||
| Darth_villar |
Don't pull your gun unless you intend to fire. Don't fire unless you intend to kill. If you feel there is a real danger, don't try to wound him, kill him. If he is dangerous, you can't afford not to attack with maximum force. | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
Call police. Never shoot unless you are being threatened with a weapon and you have no other choice. Otherwise prepare to be sentenced by the media, celebrities and politicians before all of the facts are even out. | ||
| Reducati |
you are free to confront an intruder. I work on the streets in chicago, at night, in what ill politely call poor urban areas...the possibility of shooting an offender is always on my mind...not something i would want to do, but have no quams about doing... you have a right to protect your self/ family and propterty...if the offender makes any moves towards you, or any one else, and you fear your life, or anyones life or fear great bodily harm, lethal force is fine....glad it turned out the way it did...two drunk teens now will have felonies, and some incarceration time to think about what they did..and you won't have a dead offender on your mind. | ||
| Xdigitalx |
I would still probably try to shoot them in the foot (maybe both) and/or the shoulders if it were possible, if not... then it be just my word. | ||
| Cowboy |
Every one I know keeps a cheap throw down gun (pistol) handy. | ||
| Teeps |
To quote Ted Nugent as said to Will on Sons of Guns: "You got a good tribe here; I feel at home amongst your people." So it is at badweb. | ||
| Crusty |
How would you feel if you killed a sh*tfaced drunk who was no threat to your family for looking at your boat, and sitting in your Jeep? Do you really feel that killing someone who might have stolen your Jeep would be worth the years of haunting guilt and memories? Not to mention the enormous headache that you'd have to face dealing with the Court System and having to hire a lawyer. That's if you get off without getting jail time. Look at George Zimmerman and the hell he's going through. I think he was justified in shooting someone who was attacking him; but the poor bastard is going to be crucified. | ||
| Pmjolly |
I can answer this question from personal experience. One Halloween night a year or two ago, I was sleeping with my bedroom window open, as the temperature was perfect for airing out the house. I was home alone except for my 70 pound mixed breed retriever sleeping on the foot of my bed. It was the middle of the night. I heard crunching leaves under footsteps as my dog barked a warning. My feet hit the floor before my dog barked a second bark. I am a light sleeper. I keep a Colt Goldcup .45 auto close and ready. I peeked out the blinds to see a figure dressed completely in black from head to toe coming across my yard towards my open window. I yelled out my window."You'd better get the hell out of my yard!" as I racked the slide and ran for the back door. I came out the back door and he took off running for the fence. I put the Crimson Trace laser on him and zig zagged it around where he could see it. I have never seen anyone move so fast! I could have easily taken a shot at him, but he was retreating, and it would have been in the back. After I knew he was gone, I called the police and told them I had just chased someone out of my yard with my pistol. Come to find out, there was a Halloween party busted up a block over. They had minors drinking alcohol. When the police arrived, the teenagers scattered, and jumped fences to get away. They were all wearing black as a Halloween theme. Had I pulled the trigger, I would have killed a teenager for making a stupid decision. I had a talk with the parents, and they know for certain I could have shot one of their kids for the stupid actions that night. The police say I would have been within my rights had I pulled the trigger. In Texas, you can use deadly force at night to protect property. I am glad I have the sense to exercise restraint. | ||
| Ourdee |
If they are outside, and all of mine are inside, we are staying inside. I'll be shooting 5 frames a second at 15 mega pixels each. If they come inside, I'll call the non emergency number for the police. | ||
| Court |
Anyone else ever actually been shot and sat through the months of legal nightmares? Fact and fancy separated by a mile. | ||
| Interex2050 |
Bart, That must have been heck of a testing experience. I am glad that everyone made it out safe and unharmed. In the given circumstance I would NOT shoot, even though it would have been incredibly tempting. Since the thieves were outside and did not seem to be aware of anyone being awake (or even at home for that matter), that made it a perfect scenario for calling the police. By going outside you would have not only endangered yourself, but also your family. Who knows... they may have been armed, there may have been more of them,... the possibilities could go on forever. The thieves were not posing an immediate threat to anyone, by engaging them it would have escalated the situation and at which point they may have become a direct and immediate threat. Then you must ask yourself if it would have been worth someone being killed or injured when it could have been (and was) easily avoided? Not to mention the possible legal battle that could have followed... I believe this situation was resolved in the best way possible. However if they had broken into your home... that would have been a completely different story. I do have a question, does your wife have a firearm? If not, I would highly recommend that she get one and become proficient with it especially if you spend a lot of time away from the home (there are plenty of tactical/defense courses out there). Best, Peter | ||
| Brumbear |
I know if I or my family were threatened directly I could shoot but I honestly don't know if I would have in the circumstance you describe. I can't say it wouldn't bother me to take a life either way I but I'd rather err on the side of caution if not directly threatened. I also know I would never shoot to wound so I really think I'd only shoot if directly threatened.Anyway I am glad it all worked out for you and yours. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Fence / Garage Motion Lights Alarm Dog Shotgun Concentric circles of collapsing defense and perimeter building Did have a guy trip off our motion lights at 3am, I was sleeping downstairs, I got to the shot gun, Clacked a round, and hit the floods and the response alert; it is my understanding the guy injured himself silly two houses down running meh, serves him right had he come inside - I would not have hesitated - chest shot. Outside - he gets to run Stuff is insured Life is 9 pounds of pull and about 32 cents - I would rather it be his cost than mine Washington is a make your day state, as well as an open carry | ||
| Thumper74 |
Was in a similar situation a few years ago. It was Thanksgiving weekend, my wife took the new car to visit her family because I couldn't get off work. The old car was in the drive way. I was woken up by my dogs barking and someone knocking on the door. I ignored it and dozed off. A few minutes later it started again, but my lab (only 4 months old at the time) sounded vicious. I grabbed the gun and a flashlight, but no one was at the front door. They were at the side door, inside our fenced in backyard. He saw the gun and flashlight and bolted. The police said that they probably saw that one car was gone and knocked on the front door to see if someone was home. If they weren't, they would have broken in. I'm grateful that I woke up before they got in. I would have killed them in a heartbeat, though I never want to be involved. I have a friend that was involved in a self defense shooting. He was cleared with no charges filed and had his gun back a week or so later. The psychological issues were profound and it took it while to get back to normal. My car isn't worth their life, it's worth a few paintballs though. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Some clown tried to rob me at gunpoint a few years back. I was actually armed at the time, but never had the chance to reach for it. I disarmed the guy by accident, he had his gun already out. It went off right next to my head as I was ducking out of the way and blocking in an upward motion. I put myself between him and the weapon. He ran off and I kept it. I had everything from that apartment in the back of my truck within about 6 hours and lived in my wareouse for the next year. I definitely would have shot him but not in the back. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I learned years ago, as a young teen - never draw your weapon unless you're prepared to take a life. And, never shoot to wound. If it was my jeep? Take it, I have insurance. If it was my personal safety, trying to enter my home, or messing with my dogs? I won't shoot you in the foot. And there's the rub. When you have NO CHOICE, that is the only time to draw a weapon. If you have a choice...you use the alternative. Rest easy knowing your family is unharmed. And ask your wife if she would like to take a firearms course, for while you are away from home. If she hesitates, do NOT push...but if she's up for it, teach her. | ||
| Ourdee |
If you have been shot, nothing is ever the same. If you kill someone, nothing is ever the same. If you were completely in the right, you may still go to jail for an extended stay. You may loose everything and future earnings in the lawsuit. Look at a minimum legal fee of $6,000.00 for a lousy defense. As long as they are not harming my family, I plan on being on my back in the bathtub with the perpetrator bent over me with a knife or worse when I defend myself. The blood spatter will be my witness. I've seen armed grown men freeze when confronted with death. You will loose a good chunk of your life defending your actions. If you decide to arm yourself, get all the facts before placing yourself in an emotional situation. I've seen enough dead people.  Can't we just go back to beating each other up? | ||
| Thumper74 |
For the record, I have been shot twice. Once with a BB gun, the other was a 22. I have been robbed 6 times at gunpoint. When it comes to being armed, you'll never catch me without a knife. Usually I carry something else, at least a .32acp. Are far as arming the wife, a 20 gauge may be a very viable option. My wife was vehemently opposed to a 12 gauge because of the kick (never actually shot one though). She was surprised that the 20 gauge wasn't bad at all. Plus, the youth models have the shorter LOP to keep it handy for her. She also has a problem with limp wristing, so finding a gun that cycled consistently was a challenge... | ||
| Glitch |
I've not been in a situation where I needed to shoot someone. I've been close though, and was ready. I think I'd be ready to shoot if the need arises. One of our own, Danny Kaplan did shoot. If you know him, you'd might not think he'd have it in him. When the suspect started punching him in the face, Kaplan says he pointed his gun at him and started to shoot at him. http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=12079412 |
