Some one tried to break in last night!!!!!

[jeffsquire]

Originally Posted by dmcutter

After reading everyone's preferences for home defense weapons, I would like to point out how important a flashlight is. The new gen weapons lights like the Surefire X200 are blindingly bright and will at the very least make a perp flinch and ruin his night vision. Most importantly, though, is it allows positive target identification. I have night sights on all my pistols, but you want to make sure you aren't shooting your teenager when he sneaks back into the house in the middle of the night. And another cool thing about them is that at short (read defensive) ranges, point of impact is pretty close to the focus of the light, so it's point and shoot which is easier than trying to take aim which you won't be able to do under stress unless you train that way all the time.

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Funny you should mention flashlights. The new LED technology arrived to flashlights recently and I'm absolutely amazed. There are alot of manufacturers but MAGlite has these new flashlights and they are incredibly bright and last 4x longer than incandescent bulbs. I bought 2 of them recenlty and very, very pleased. 2d battery and aa battery size.

NOTE: I nor anyone I know is a stockholder, nor do I have any pecuniary interest in Maglite.

[Dr. Kill]

I agree with Grizzly about layers of defense. That is always the best approach to mitigate any risk. For detective controls, a loud home alarm and a barking dog are a good first line of defense:
1) It let’s the intruder know they are detected and gives them a chance to rethink their actions before the stakes go up.
2) The detective controls alert you to the threat and buy you time to locate a weapon (corrective control)
You obviously don’t want to have to shoot anyone, but having that option is a good piece of mind and might be the only thing that can save your family.

In terms of weapons, I would stay away from the .22, 9mm, and even 10mm. They tend to put holes in people, but go out the other side. A nice .357, .40, or ,.45 typically do a better job of transferring more kinetic energy to your attacker and that translates to stopping power.

I would also not recommend a shotgun. Yes the sound of a 12 gauge pumping is a good deterrent in and of itself, and if you do line up a good shot, you will likely paint the wall with your attacker, but in my experience clearing rooms, I would want something much much shorter – picture coming around a corner and running into your attacker at less than arm’s length – I would take an pistol over a shotgun any day in that scenario.

An MP5 would be my weapon of choice in reclaiming my house, but most of us (including me these days) do not have access to such a wonderful tool. In the absence of that, a good old fashioned M1911A1 or .45 revolver should be all that is needed.

[Grizzly]

MP-5. I've been carrying one since we transitioned away from the uzi in the late 80's. Others on the team carry the P-90. I did some testing on a new experimental weapon last year, but by the time the Government makes the switch, I'll be retired and dead.

I just wanted to offer a comment on flashlights. While I agree with the power to blind your adversary and certainly to identify your target, you need to be very careful about how to handle your flashlight so that it doesn't get you killed.

First, and most importantly, never hold the flashlight in front of your body, or attach it to your weapon. I know you see it on TV all the time, but don't do it unless you're willing to practice room clearing for several hours a day. If you hold the flashlight in front of your body and confront an armed attacker, he will fire at the light and catch you in the chest. Hold the flashlight in your off hand, as far away (out to the side) from your body as you can, slightly in front and above you so that you don't sillouette yourself with your own light.

Second, don't turn the flashlight on and leave it on as you clear your house. Get one with the push button on/off. Turn it on for quick flashes, look at what you want to see, turn it off and MOVE. The bad guy will fire where he saw you last. Don't be there.

If your situation ends in gunfire, shoot and move, shoot and move, shoot and move. Move laterally, not forward and backward. Do not stand flatfooted and fight it out. Keep moving. Learn the difference between cover and concealment and use available cover whenever possible. Only leave cover if you've identified better cover elsewhere. Always point your weapon where you are looking, just like you were pointing your finger. Don't point the gun at the ceiling or floor like the TV detectives. By the time you acquire your target that way, you'll be screwed.

[jeffsquire]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

MP-5. I've been carrying one since we transitioned away from the uzi in the late 80's. Others on the team carry the P-90. I did some testing on a new experimental weapon last year, but by the time the Government makes the switch, I'll be retired and dead.

Are you talking about the G-36 or its variant the 416? Or is this something complteley new?

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by jeffsquire

Are you talking about the G-36 or its variant the 416? Or is this something complteley new?

You mean what was I testing? It was a modified version of the Tavor or TAR21. It's an Isreali Bullpup and I fell in love with it. But, by the time the agency commits I'll be a shriveled up old man.

C.J., you crack me up dude! Please don't try to wrestle a guy on PCP. Been there done that. He will definitely bring the pain upon your ass!