Originally Posted by Lunatech

Their offence, in my eyes, is not the intent to commit burglary. I don't know why they are there at all. And I must assume the worst. I must assume that they are there to cause harm to myself and my family, because I will not have the time to say, "Oh, you're just here to nick the TV? Well, then, fisticuffs it is!"

So, I have to assume worst case scenario and act accordingly. As I said before, if they are not deterred by my two dogs and my security system, they should not be surprised by the angry, gun-wielding property owner and fathertelling them to lay down and wait for the police to arrive. And they should not be surprised if they don't comply and I shoot them. Because their life is not as important to me as the lives of my wife and children. At that point, natural selection is at work.

Originally Posted by Americano

I agree with your worst case scenario. We live in the mountains in semi-isolation and I've installed a security system that includes a gated entrance on the only access road, motion detector lights/sound at the gate, motion detector infra-red camera coverage of the gate and motion detector two-way communication with the gate. There's a sign at the gate that clearly states 'private property, absolutely no admittance, video surveillance monitored at a remote site'. Our house, exterior and interior, and grounds are covered by the same detection and surveillance technology, all based on an IP server with it's own website.

If someone tells me I should question the motive of anyone trying to enter our home without my permission, I'm afraid I'd have to laugh in their face, after I stopped shooting.

Originally Posted by MattLarson

How? It's a concealed firearm. Other people don't know it is there.

That's not a very compelling argument you have there.

Matt

Originally Posted by enigma2

OK, so it's concealed. So many people carrying guns, won't the crooks just assume that you are armed and act accordingly?

Originally Posted by enigma2

I can understand wanting to protect one's family.

One thing, do you have the dogs in the house with you? I have mine in the house with me. That way they are safe to bark and with that any lurker will surely be warned off because you and your family are secure in the house and free to call the police.

Originally Posted by Wallaroo

Alaska and Vermont have very small populations and you don't see many people carrying open, do you? So i guess its fair to assume that less than 3% of all Americans are carrying handguns regularly, that ain't much. I find it strange that the percentage of yes votes in the poll is so high then - must be a coincidence.

Originally Posted by enigma2

What if it is a benign intruder. Do you shoot first?

Originally Posted by enigma2

OK, so it's concealed. So many people carrying guns, won't the crooks just assume that you are armed and act accordingly?

Originally Posted by mpd8488

This is just a general observation, but those who choose to obtain a concealed carry permit tend to respect and value the laws and government, and are thus politically active or at least more aware than the majority of citizens. That would translate into a disproportionate number of them posting on political websites like this.

Originally Posted by Americano

I agree with your worst case scenario. We live in the mountains in semi-isolation and I've installed a security system that includes a gated entrance on the only access road, motion detector lights/sound at the gate, motion detector infra-red camera coverage of the gate and motion detector two-way communication with the gate. There's a sign at the gate that clearly states 'private property, absolutely no admittance, video surveillance monitored at a remote site'. Our house, exterior and interior, and grounds are covered by the same detection and surveillance technology, all based on an IP server with it's own website.

Originally Posted by enigma2

What if it is a benign intruder. Do you shoot first?

Originally Posted by EricOKC

Benign intruder? There really is no such thing.

I really do not understand the kind of thought process which can arrive at the conclusion that someone forcibly entering your home could be benign.

Originally Posted by EricOKC

Question: What are you going to do if the barking dogs dont warn off a criminal? Hope the bad guy is kind enough to wait for you to call the cops.

I understand that you're not comfortable taking that level of personal responsibility for yourself and your family. What i do not understand is why you feel the need to advocate forcing others to make the same choice you have.

Originally Posted by enigma2

Perhaps I should have made myself clearer. I'm talking about someone who has seen your sign, but because they don't mean you harm might be looking for directions, help, etc etc. Someone whose trespass is 'benign'!

When I was travelling around I would not have hesitated to walk, or drive, up your road to ask for directions. It just would not have occurred to me that you would greet me with a gun, or even bullets flying my way.

Originally Posted by enigma2

Perhaps I should have made myself clearer. I'm talking about someone who has seen your sign, but because they don't mean you harm might be looking for directions, help, etc etc. Someone whose trespass is 'benign'!