Jeff Thomas
New member
There's another variable in the 'do you investigate' scenario ... kids. If I hear some odd noise, I must at least confirm my kids are OK, and then I must secure the top of the stairs. I don't have the option of staying in my own room, since doing so would expose my most precious family to potential harm.
I also agree that it depends greatly upon how sure you are of a problem. It is not all that uncommon to hear some odd creak of a stair or the house, perhaps a screen blown by wind, or even a dog grabbing something he shouldn't off the table (and, breaking a glass) - can't call LEO's everytime there is even a possibility of a problem.
Regarding the bayonet, to be frank, I'm trying to imagine (1) why anyone would take the time to fix a bayonet on the shotgun, or (2) store the shotgun with bayonet affixed. IMHO, it's a nonissue, just from a practical standpoint.
Regarding scenario 2, I'm with Mike - you both hole up in your rooms. Of course, where it would get interesting would be when one of you engages the BG, and the other resident believes the BG is winning. The master light switch would seem to be a big help in that situation. I know that if the person in bedroom 2 is someone I care about (and, it is hard to imagine they won't be), and I hear shots, it is going to be difficult to stay locked in my own room. Dicey situation.
Finally, regarding scenario 3, I don't think anyone seriously recommends warning shots. Too dangerous, wipes out your hearing for a few minutes, etc. Instead, a loud, verbal challenge - 'Don't Move!!'. If the BG advances, and especially if he makes the classic 'furtive move', then you may very well decide your life is threatened. Whereupon the sage advice is 'anyone worth shooting once, is worth shooting twice'. Stop the threat, positively.
Regards from AZ
I also agree that it depends greatly upon how sure you are of a problem. It is not all that uncommon to hear some odd creak of a stair or the house, perhaps a screen blown by wind, or even a dog grabbing something he shouldn't off the table (and, breaking a glass) - can't call LEO's everytime there is even a possibility of a problem.
Regarding the bayonet, to be frank, I'm trying to imagine (1) why anyone would take the time to fix a bayonet on the shotgun, or (2) store the shotgun with bayonet affixed. IMHO, it's a nonissue, just from a practical standpoint.
Regarding scenario 2, I'm with Mike - you both hole up in your rooms. Of course, where it would get interesting would be when one of you engages the BG, and the other resident believes the BG is winning. The master light switch would seem to be a big help in that situation. I know that if the person in bedroom 2 is someone I care about (and, it is hard to imagine they won't be), and I hear shots, it is going to be difficult to stay locked in my own room. Dicey situation.
Finally, regarding scenario 3, I don't think anyone seriously recommends warning shots. Too dangerous, wipes out your hearing for a few minutes, etc. Instead, a loud, verbal challenge - 'Don't Move!!'. If the BG advances, and especially if he makes the classic 'furtive move', then you may very well decide your life is threatened. Whereupon the sage advice is 'anyone worth shooting once, is worth shooting twice'. Stop the threat, positively.
Regards from AZ