Here's the scenario...
2 AM, you're sound asleep next to your wife, and your daughter is in the next bedroom. You live in a 2 story house and it's big enough and your ceiling fan loud enough that you likely wouldn't hear any subtle break-in noises from downstairs.
Good neighborhood, no previous history of break-ins anywhere nearby.
Suddenly, the dog at the foot of your bed jumps to the floor and races to the door, hair on end, growling. It wakes you up but you think you might have also heard a noise too. Maybe. Or, maybe it was just a dream??
What do you do?
1) Arm yourself and start clearing the hallway and rooms as you head downstairs to investigate?
2) Let the dog out first, then follow (armed or unarmed?)
3) Be very quite and listen for any further signs of forced entry?
4) Send the wife? (kidding......)
What if the dog has a history of false alarms, where a strong wind sends him barking?
As I'm sure you can guess, this is my scenario. I'm an avid hunter and gun nut, although not ex-military (or any other formal training) and I don't shoot compitition. With a shotgun in my hands I'm VERY confident in my ability to aquire a target and get of multiple, accurate shots. My 870 is an extention of my body, I have fired thousands upon thousands of rounds through it. Years of quail, chukar, dove, ducks, and geese has that effect on a guy!
My problem is, I'm no commando. I've read posts here the last couple of months with a lot of interest and introspect, but many folks here have the training, background, and spousal support to feel comfortable in these offensive-minded HD situations, where I do not.
Don't read me wrong. If my life or family's life is threatened, I will be pulling the trigger until the threat stops. NO QUESTION.
But what's a good middle ground? Does it depend on the individual? From a strictly tactical perspective, would I be wrong to not investigate *ANY AND EVERY* odd occurance at night fully armed?
Maybe (ok, I'm SURE) I am in need of some formal training that would help me understand threats (actual and perceived) and my response. I hate to alarm the wife and wake everyone up as I head downstairs armed to investigate wind-blown screen doors. On the other hand, it seems a small price to pay for the one instance where it was a real threat.
And I underreacting? Am I WAY behind the HD education bellcurve?
HELP!
Thanks,
2 AM, you're sound asleep next to your wife, and your daughter is in the next bedroom. You live in a 2 story house and it's big enough and your ceiling fan loud enough that you likely wouldn't hear any subtle break-in noises from downstairs.
Good neighborhood, no previous history of break-ins anywhere nearby.
Suddenly, the dog at the foot of your bed jumps to the floor and races to the door, hair on end, growling. It wakes you up but you think you might have also heard a noise too. Maybe. Or, maybe it was just a dream??
What do you do?
1) Arm yourself and start clearing the hallway and rooms as you head downstairs to investigate?
2) Let the dog out first, then follow (armed or unarmed?)
3) Be very quite and listen for any further signs of forced entry?
4) Send the wife? (kidding......)
What if the dog has a history of false alarms, where a strong wind sends him barking?
As I'm sure you can guess, this is my scenario. I'm an avid hunter and gun nut, although not ex-military (or any other formal training) and I don't shoot compitition. With a shotgun in my hands I'm VERY confident in my ability to aquire a target and get of multiple, accurate shots. My 870 is an extention of my body, I have fired thousands upon thousands of rounds through it. Years of quail, chukar, dove, ducks, and geese has that effect on a guy!
My problem is, I'm no commando. I've read posts here the last couple of months with a lot of interest and introspect, but many folks here have the training, background, and spousal support to feel comfortable in these offensive-minded HD situations, where I do not.
Don't read me wrong. If my life or family's life is threatened, I will be pulling the trigger until the threat stops. NO QUESTION.
But what's a good middle ground? Does it depend on the individual? From a strictly tactical perspective, would I be wrong to not investigate *ANY AND EVERY* odd occurance at night fully armed?
Maybe (ok, I'm SURE) I am in need of some formal training that would help me understand threats (actual and perceived) and my response. I hate to alarm the wife and wake everyone up as I head downstairs armed to investigate wind-blown screen doors. On the other hand, it seems a small price to pay for the one instance where it was a real threat.
And I underreacting? Am I WAY behind the HD education bellcurve?
HELP!
Thanks,