I am going to shoot someone if they break into my house!?

Question

The question is, how many times to begin with? once, twice, empty the clip? what is considered excessive force?
( Beretta PX4 storm,9mm auto, 20 rds +P COR-BON).

(In the state of Texas)

Answer 1

The times you shoot someone for breaking into your house would depend on how many shots it would take to put them down.

Answer 2

If you are legally justified in shooting someone, your normally are legally justified in shooting them until they stop doing what ever it was that made you shoot them in the first place.

There are several "gottcha's" however. First off YOU are responsible for every shot you fire, no matter who they hit. Emptying 15 rounds in the general direction of an intruder is not a good idea.

Shot placement is the critical factor in stopping a threat. Learn to place you shots the correct way rather than spray and pray. That means practice, practice and practice some more.

It is normal procedure for most police departments to do a double tap, that is two shots to center mass. If the threat is still on his feet and fighting its called a "failure to stop" and the third shot is to the perp's head. However the head is a fairly small target when under stress and in low light situations. Again it takes practice.

The concept of shooting first and asking questions later sometimes may have its place, but use common sense. You sound rather brash. You will have to live with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life, so choose our actions carefully. That someone breaking in could easily just be a kid, or a someone harmless that is just confused. No life can be replaced, don't be in a big hurry to take one.

Answer 3

I have been told by officers, and ex officers to cross cut the tip of the hollow point bullets. Does not matter what you use to shoot with then regarding handguns. They will explode and tear the insides of the intruder up having them bleed out. Like the out-lawed Black Talons did when they were legal at one time on the market. Once to begin with and if they keep coming at you - you can keep shooting until they drop. Be sure to call the police and inform them you shot an intruder. Doesn't matter if you know them or not. Only matters if they were there to do harm to you.

Answer 4

First of all just because someone brakes into your house does not justify deadly force.
There are many factors to consider IE: if the house was vacant at the time of the incident and you drove upon it; the time of the day (day or night). If you were inside the house, were you at any time in fear for serious bodily injury or death. The actor displayed a weapon in the course of the act. ...and the list goes on and on.

Now if you can justify deadly force there is no limitation on how may bullets you'll use to defend your self, family or property.
Pretty much as many it takes to eliminate the threat.

Answer 5

Depends on which state you live in. In those states that have the "Castle Doctrine" as law, using deadly force against an intruder in your home is allowable. In those states that do not have that law, you have to prove you were in fear for your life.

Any time you have to fire more than a couple rounds to stop or kill your opponent, you raise questions about excessive force. Emptying your gun into your opponent sounds like panic shooting.

Answer 6

Well see You cant shoot someone if they come into your house. You know they might just want to have a chit chat or watch some television might want to have a cup of tea. Who says b/c they break into your house that they are gonna kill you or steal from you. Like the guy who answered 7th(Cuukooo)they arent bothering you they are just having a look around. And dont worry about those little guns get a BAZOOKA!

Answer 7

I've read the preceding accounts. Honestly, that is a lot of lead going downrange, and even in Texas you'll answer for
a death other than self defense. I suggest reader think of something that will not pass an intruder to kill baby in crib next door. Cold steel claymore, dirk, mace, or a wee pike?

Answer 8

If someone breaks into my home when I'm home, I'm going to shoot them. I WILL NOT wait to see if they are armed. I have a young daughter to protect and trust me, if someone broke into my house period--I would be in fear for my life and my daughters. I'm graduating this summer with my BS in Criminal Justice and I feel this way. I believe if it is unreasonable for a homeowner to believe that the person was anything but a dangerous intruder, the homicide should be excused. Sometimes the law is WRONG!

Answer 9

depends what state you live in. in some states if you shoot once you are safe, others you get to shoot till the intuder stops moving. in a state without law of eminent domain you can only shoot if the intruder is armed with a deadly weapon and it is visible. also make sure the body stays inside your house, if they fall out go out and throw them back in. you can only shoot a person if they are facing you or turning towards you. if they are trying to escape you have to let them go, so blow a whistle to get them to look towards you and then shoot. finally, if you shoot make sure you kill them or you may get sued. also dead men tell no tales so it is now your word against a corpse.

Answer 10

Make your life easier it only takes one shot no matter what when you are using a 12 gauge with sabot slugs or magnum loads. If they are hit they will fall, and if they ain't they'll run like a scared rabbit. I don't believe in shooting people only delicious animals, but i can honestly say if i were hit with a 12 gauge or for that matter shot at with one i would sh it myself.