Hello, everyone. I am new here, and looking for tips on how to be properly prepared to defend my home, should someone break in in the middle of the night. I have some basic firearms knowledge, but not much experience in mental preparedness for such an occasion. Thanks, in advance, for any guidance.
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First welcome to the community!
As for an answer to your question,… there’s too many variables that will go into your particular situation.
Do you have a spouse, kids, pets (dogs in particular) that may disturb you in your sleep, or alert you to impending danger?
How do you, personally, react to a sudden awakening?
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Find a local USCCA instructor and ask for the USCCA Mini-Class on Developing a Personal and Home Defense Plan.
Every USCCA Instructor has this miniclass available, which usually takes about an hour. Some may be willing to conduct it over a video call, but if possible I recommend face to face.
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Thank you. I am happy to be here.
I do have my wife, one teenage daughter, and a dog in the home with me. The dog definitely lets me know whenever someone approaches the door. I have been able to train myself to cautiously react to sudden noises in the night. I do not immediately jump up, but I am able to open my eyes and have a quick look around the room before responding or reacting too quickly.
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Greetings & Welcome, Cal, we’re thankful to have you in the community.
I agree with Will, that’s a tough question to provide a specific answer to, there are too many variables.
I also agree with Craig who provided great advice.
Once you have a plan, rehearse it, including with anyone else who is in your household. Make sure everyone knows where to go, what to do, etc.
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Thank you for this advice. I will look into a class near me. I prefer to attend in-person, instead of online only.
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Well there you have it . You have come to the right place. Welcome to the community. Your Place for Self-Defense Education, Training and Discussions with Responsibly Armed Americans
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Cal14 welcome, you have received good advice the only thing I will add is to answer your actual question the mental preparedness part. The first step is answer this question for yourself honestly no ego macho stuff you are only answering this question to yourself am I willing to take a life. If you can answer yes to that continue on with the training if not that’s ok also not everyone can.
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I think the most important thing you have to ask your self is are you willing to save your life and your loved ones. I think what matters is the intention of the person breaking into your home. Nobody knows if they can take a human life until they are in a lethal situation. I don’t train to take lives. I train to stop a threat as fast as I can by any means possible to save human lives.
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Welcome to the Forums. I have pasted this URL here time and time again. This is former Delta Force operator “Shrek” (John McPhee) on the John Ryan Show. If there is a better 13 mins out there on home defense I’ve yet to see it. Watch it, then watch it again, then take notes and watch it again and then make your personal plan and practice it. EVERYTHING He says is spot on and like you he has kids in the equation.
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The only thing I disagree with is I am not protecting property. I am not going to shoot a crack head over property. Only if someone’s life is in danger. That is just me and what I was taught.
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Everyone is entitled to their views and personal belief system.
But I’d like to pint out that this tread is about home and family defense during a home invasion. The second someone enters my home illegally they are a threat to me and mine and will be dealt with DECISIVELY! God can ultimately ask them about their intentions if they meet, I’m not in the business of asking questions or discussing terms with home invaders.
And as a very experienced friend once told me, EVERYONE is capable of taking a life under the right circumstances and motivation.
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I don’t disagree. I think the question is are they a deadly threat or even one of your family members who forgot their key. There is not enough information.
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The first thing I would do is hit them with the flashlight… Well not physically with the light but with the light… Next thing I would do is probably go… “JESUS DAD” How did you get out… You do not live here anymore… Then call the cops. File another report on how bad state run nursing homes are… Then have them return him to the nursing home…
Now if you don’t have this situation to deal with repeatedly … What @Enzo_T is saying is good advice…
Also I live by a “moto” or “creed” if you will… It goes like this… “Everyone is a murderer” You just haven’t met the right person yet…
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Shooting the “wrong person” is for rookies and folks without a plan in pure panic mode. By the time my brain says “press the trigger” I have all the information I need.
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You lost me what is the plan?
Greetings Cal, and welcome to the forum. We’re glad you found us.
My response to your question is going to be pretty much the same as everyone else has already said…
*Too many variables for one “catch all” plan.
*Search out the training from reputable sources. You are already on the USCCA Forum, so continue searching here.
*CHANCE FAVORS THE PREPARED MIND. Prepare your brain and there will be nothing you can’t accomplish. I think Enzo stated this one pretty well…
Don’t panic.
Breath.
Let your brain think.
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Don’t you have one?
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Draw them into the deep end, through the funnel of death!
Those doors are there for their protection!
There’s been an incident, see you soon!
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