I avoided a shooting this morning

I don't know if it would be legal to shoot them just because they are in your house. Perhaps in some states, but I doubt in the majority of states. I would have done the same thing as the OP, but I wouldn't have felt that it was legal to kill them. I would have felt the danger the OP felt and been ready, but I would not consider it a legal, moral, or ethical kill. Oh, and I would have had the wife call 911 before I put on my shorts!
 
I don't know if it would be legal to shoot them just because they are in your house. Perhaps in some states, but I doubt in the majority of states. I would have done the same thing as the OP, but I wouldn't have felt that it was legal to kill them. I would have felt the danger the OP felt and been ready, but I would not consider it a legal, moral, or ethical kill. Oh, and I would have had the wife call 911 before I put on my shorts!

I agree and apparently it was quite evident they were drunk college students and no threat but damn...it all boils down to wrong house, wrong time, wrong homeowner for those of us that posses firearms for personal safety and to find these kids in the home in the dark hours of the night. As I stated, I would be abundently clear with them and hold them at gunpoint since in all reality, I wouldn't really know their true intentions. The sick side of me would love for them to crap their pants until the cops arrived. But these drunks are lucky to have entered a dwelling and leave without any repercussions let alone getting shot. What if it was some little scared old lady that unleashed a spray of lead? That would've sucked but in theory, could be justified with the right lawyer and the right terminology. But anywho, I just couldn't have someone enter my house door unlocked or not, and just let them be on their merry way without a 911 call.
 
OP, you did good in my book. Ignore these "know exaxtly what to do in any situation" folk because you nor I will ever be that perfect.

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I agree w/ BCI, I would have called the police as well. I'm not sure I'd have gone looking for who ever was in the house but if I did it would have been gun in hand (which is not "brandishing") and I have to ask, how did they get in?
That was my question too? If one is following proper in-home personal protection the intruder can't get in without smashing a door or window... and then there's no question about who or why. Doors and windows should be alarmed or at least be equipped with screamers and brace bars, available in Home Depot.
 
OK soooo maybe I missed the whole thing about being alert and ready and trained for as many scenarios that I may be confronted in my daily life. Maybe I missed the part that if I'm going armed, especially in my own house, due to noise and voices. I should just leisurely strap on my gun and investigate what goings on are afoot while in the middle of the night. WOW Really???

Not to have my weapon at the ready would be negligent on my part. Not to call the police to file a incident report would compound my negligence. And to post something like this with others giving KUDO's is almost beyond my understanding of why we arm and train ourselves to begin with.

I would HIGHLY suggest further training to enhance your ability to comprehend, evaluate and determine possible threats with minimal exposure. JMHO AGAIN, something just doesn't pass the smell test with this story.
 
I really do not want to shoot anyone either. Situational awareness told me that there were people in the the house, upon investigation it further told me that they were no threat. Knowing my neighbors and their tendency to party also played a part. Their responses, knowing my neighbors name, their age, the beers in their hands, immediately heading out and apologizing was also a big factor. For a 2am situation, woken up from a dead sleep, I'm OK with the majority of my decisions. It is very easy to second guess peoples decisions in the light of day with a few hours to think the thing through. In answer to the calling the police option, we decided not to because the kids made a mistake and no one was harmed in this instance. Had there been any aggressive or threatening verbal or physical behaviors, it would have been a very different matter. I'm not too sure how to respond to the charge of sensationalizing the OP. I tried to relate the facts and my relief regarding a defused situation. I could have used much more emotionally laden language.

Kimber vs Ruger SP101. I've always liked Ruger's transfer bar safety system and feel very comfortable with it. I like (love) my Kimber, but, at the risk of offending all the 1911 fans (sorry guys and gals) I'm just not comfortable with the hammer up over a loaded chamber. Fine for many of you, and no disrespect intended, but not my cup of tea. My revolver (plus 2 speedloaders) works just fine for HD situations. If there is a next time though, I'll probably keep it in my hand. And lock the damn door before I go to bed.
MR
 
I kinda confused about this whole calling the police thing.

First, if I really thought there were people in my house I would have called 911 before I ever left the room.

Second, since the OP didn't do that I'll assume I didn't either in this situation, once I found out the kids were no threat why in the Hell would I want the added hassle of involving the cops?
 
Treo:315800 said:
I kinda confused about this whole calling the police thing.

First, if I really thought there were people in my house I would have called 911 before I ever left the room.

Second, since the OP didn't do that I'll assume I didn't either in this situation, once I found out the kids were no threat why in the Hell would I want the added hassle of involving the cops?

Whats the hassle? Drunk people entering people's homes is a bit more than an inconvenience to me...in the middle of the night...in MY home.
 
Whats the hassle? Drunk people entering people's homes is a bit more than an inconvenience to me...in the middle of the night...in MY home.

First let's assume they are exactly who they say they are

Going forward from there:

No one was hurt it was an honest mistake and nothing was taken (In Colorado if they are leaving my home I am not justified in holding them at gun point)

So, I call the police and I (and the kids) wait....... and wait...............and wait until the police show up to take a report that isn't going to go anywhere from a cop who might decide to hold me for unlawful detainer or be a prick and charge the kids w/ felony tresspass or both.

Now if I can avoid all that hassle by letting the kids go why in the Hell wouldn't I?
 
Treo:315851 said:
Whats the hassle? Drunk people entering people's homes is a bit more than an inconvenience to me...in the middle of the night...in MY home.

First let's assume they are exactly who they say they are

Going forward from there:

No one was hurt it was an honest mistake and nothing was taken (In Colorado if they are leaving my home I am not justified in holding them at gun point)

So, I call the police and I (and the kids) wait....... and wait...............and wait until the police show up to take a report that isn't going to go anywhere from a cop who might decide to hold me for unlawful detainer or be a prick and charge the kids w/ felony tresspass or both.

Now if I can avoid all that hassle by letting the kids go why in the Hell wouldn't I?

Its called a home invasion no matter how you spin it. I'm not a trusting person as a rule so I wouldn't be at liberty to distinguish an honest mistake versus a burglary attempt. And if you tell the 911 op that it is in fact, a home invasion (cuz it really is) the cops aren't going to take their sweet ass time getting there.
 
Its called a home invasion no matter how you spin it. I'm not a trusting person as a rule so I wouldn't be at liberty to distinguish an honest mistake versus a burglary attempt. And if you tell the 911 op that it is in fact, a home invasion (cuz it really is) the cops aren't going to take their sweet ass time getting there.

You have to use a little common sense. based on what the OP wrote the words "home invasion" would have never crossed my mind.

Adding the cops to the OP's scenario would (IMO) cause more problems than it would solve
 
I'm sure we can analyze the scenario to death. It appeared as though the OP had the first-hand information to proceed as he did, and it worked out. I've noticed he said he's going to lock the doors from now on, and that's good.
 
(depending on the brand of beer) I'd have made the kids leave it behind (bottles could be a weapon ya know)
 
(depending on the brand of beer) I'd have made the kids leave it behind (bottles could be a weapon ya know)
Yeah.... and maybe bring back a 6 pack of "We're sorry to have bothered you" apology.
 
Treo:315895 said:
Its called a home invasion no matter how you spin it. I'm not a trusting person as a rule so I wouldn't be at liberty to distinguish an honest mistake versus a burglary attempt. And if you tell the 911 op that it is in fact, a home invasion (cuz it really is) the cops aren't going to take their sweet ass time getting there.

You have to use a little common sense. based on what the OP wrote the words "home invasion" would have never crossed my mind.

Adding the cops to the OP's scenario would (IMO) cause more problems than it would solve

My input is 100% common sense. There are intruders in your house...doesn't mean shoot to kill but for me, I've got wife and kids to throw into the equation. Its just completely unsettling to have the notion of drunk intruders enter my dwelling and allowed to leave without repercussions. There are laws to be enforced here.
 
My input is 100% common sense. There are intruders in your house...doesn't mean shoot to kill but for me, I've got wife and kids to throw into the equation. Its just completely unsettling to have the notion of drunk intruders enter my dwelling and allowed to leave without repercussions. There are laws to be enforced here.

With all due respect, I believe this shows the basic difference in world view that you and I have.

They didn’t hurt me or mine, it was a mistake for which I am partially responsible and I just don’t see any huge need to “uphold the Law” here.

Besides, if you read my post 55 you’d know there would be repercussions, I got the kids beer :biggrin:
 
Documenting this case with the police starts a paper trail. We now have the event recorded for future reference if needed. <<Still smells fishy>> Pass the crackers would ya Treo?
 

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