Powderman said:
OK. Here's a question...
Why does it seem that a lot of people on this thread are almost eager to kill? To drop the hammer, pull the trigger, blast, smoke check, etc.
Powderman,
I can’t speak for everyone, but my take is that what you see in this thread, is not necessarily blood lust, or some sick need to pull the trigger.
I think in most cases people respect the intrinsic danger posed by an intruder who has slipped – uninvited – into their sanctuary and more than likely has the “drop” on the homeowner. The responses in this thread show just how much certain people respect this danger, and their responses to this danger are serious and steadfast.
Powderman said:
First of all, if someone is in your house, you have the drop on them, and they are not armed, why shoot? You do not have a reason to shoot them at that point.
If your family is not in imminent danger, why shoot?
In the dead of night, in a darkened home, startled awake (if your lucky) from a sound sleep; it is difficult for one to precisely inventory an intruder’s belongings in a timely manner, when all one can see is the dark silhouette creeping down the hallway.
This is not news to anyone, but all sorts of weapons are easily hidden aboard one's person. It's safe to assume these items will not be out in the open under a spotlight for the homeowner to catalog.
In my opinion, it's a bit naive to believe one will "have the drop" on a home invader, as more often than not, the opposite will be true -- it's my guess that the odds are in their favor. If by chance you "have the drop" on the intruder, well then possibly tactics could change -- but who knows.
Thankfully, the overwhelming majority of us will never have to deal with such a situation. I can’t imagine the terror one would feel if, God forbid, it should happen. Gives me the chills thinking about it.
For myself, I hope
not to hesitate due to considering whether or not an intruder is armed. They're uninvited in my home, and
once identified as non-friendly, I
must assume there is credible danger of death of bodily harm.
Believe me, I want to shoot no one –
ever – but I will to protect what’s dear to me.