About home defense?

Question

What do i need to know about home defense i have a glock 32 357 sig.
just need to know if there are eny laws i need to know about i live in cali.

Answer 1

There are tons of laws you need to know about, much more than can be covered here.

Note that I am NOT a lawyer, this is not legal advice, and I may be *completely* wrong about my understanding of the law.

Hitting the high points:

The test for "self defense" is generally three parts:
1) Proximity--would a reasonable person believe that your attacker close enough to harm you.
2) Intent--would a reasonable person believe that your attacker intended to harm you.
3) Capability--would a reasonable person believe that your attacker had the capability to cause you severe harm or death.

Notice the "reasonable person" in the above? Reasonable People. California. (I live there too).

The other big thing to keep in mind is that if you don't lock your firearm up and a kid gets ahold of it and does *anything* illegal you could go to jail. Plan/act accordingly.

This sounds like I'm anti-self-defense with a gun, I'm not, I'm actually strongly in favor of it, it's just risky in CA.

Try these:
http://www.crpa.org/showpages.asp?pid=1052

Also consider spending some time and money on firearms classes--you want to be the best shot possible.

"equal_opposites":

You do not register a handgun in California unless you move in from out of state (and even then there's question as to whether the state can force you to register them, it's probably an equal protection violation). When you buy or transfer a firearm there is a criminal background check run (Federal), and a DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) at the state level, but this is not legally a registration. If you owned a handgun prior to these laws being enacted (like the freaking stone age) there is no requirement to fill out paperwork on them.

However if you bought it recently w/out going through a dealer, then you may want to make that right.

Answer 2

Well the small frame autos you mentioned would be much easier to carry/conceal, and all calibers mentioned would easily do the job in a self defense situation. Plus you have a much higher magazine capacity with the autos (15-20 depending on make/caliber) as opposed to your 6 shot revolvers. In addition, a .40 Glock will have less recoil than a .44 mag shooting full loads, which puts you back on target much quicker for a second shot. Keep in mind though, double-stack .45s such as those produced by Glock have an extremely wide grip, which may be uncomfortable if you have small hands. BUT if you are confident and comfortable using your revolvers, then use one of those. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and you should use what ever works best for YOU

Answer 3

You can thank the democrats and even some ignorant republican wannabes for the anti-gun nazis we have in our country. It is your right to own a gun and since they are having a hard time taking that right away from us, now they have to regulate the way we use them to have some sort of control over us. Unfortunately, California does not support the Castle Doctrine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Doctrine) but I'd say you do whatever it takes to let a lot of light in and a lot of blood out until the intruder topples over into a heaping pile of blank [doo doo]. The only thing you will need to worry about is making sure the judge/jury is convinced that you feared for your life and your family. You did say home defense so don't go shooting someone who takes one step on your property. You will also need to prove that the person had something in their hand and had intent to hurt you. The second they uninvitedly come into your house I believe you have the right to shoot them, however not with deadly force. The Castle Doctrine is what supports the use of deadly force. So to answer your question, you are allowed to have a gun, and can use it to defend your home, however I don't recommend killing an intruder unless they try to kill you (which you will have to prove).

Answer 4

From all I have heard you live in a State that is NOT very sympathetic to gun owners so this is the only suggestion I can offer that I haven't seen posted yet. The .357 Sig will shoot through a lot of drywall so be sure of your surroundings and the position of others who may share your residence. If you can get them in California consider investing in Glazier type pre-fragmented slugs for your .357 Sig. These won't go through drywall but are quite deadly so be sure of your target and other legalese & civil liabilities.

Good luck.

H

Answer 5

California is not a good place for someone who wants to defend themselves. As far as firing a warning shot goes, there is no time where that's appropriate. Make sure every shot is aimed in a direction where it's safe, and a warning shot can count just as much as any other shot. It's still lethal force if it misses. Just get your handgun, announce loudly that you're coming down and you're armed, and tell the perpetrator you want him to leave your house. If he starts leaving, don't shoot. If he's just standing there, don't shoot. If he poses an immediate threat, such as holding a weapon of some sort, or charges you, shoot if there is no alternative. Don't shoot to wound, that'll get you in more trouble, maybe a few years in prison, but shooting him in the shoulder will likely get you sued, and possibly time in jail anyways. Don't shoot any more than you have to to stop him. Two shots in the chest is much easier to convince a jury that you're defending yourself than it would be if you put all 10 into him, reloaded, and shot him again in the head a few times for good measure. After all is said and done, call the police if you didn't already, and don't touch anything. Set your handgun down near the scene, and keep away. Make sure to get your story straight, don't lie or embelish anything. Try to stay calm, but not too calm, when you're talking to the police. Just remember, don't shoot if you or your family is not in danger, as I don't believe California law allows for protection of property.

Answer 6

California? You bet. CA is one of the most antigun state in the union rivaling NY and Illinois. You better get a copy of the laws regarding carring the weapon, and the use of deadly force.

Answer 7

in addition to what petro said, you also must make every possible attempt to flee even if its in your own home. after reading some of the laws and court cases I'd have to say that the state of CA prefers that you and your family suffer a terrible and unspeakable death than you protect yourself and your family. you will be arrested, charged and possibly convicted (at least by the media) and may be held liable in civil court. in CA the only easy way out is to be rich and famous.

Answer 8

In addition two the two previous post. At least one warning shot should be fired in a safe direction( into a bed, couch, etc...) prior to engaging the attacker. Also make sure the magazines are CA legal. Remember, the criminals in Cali have a very good chance of suing you for shooting them.

Answer 9

Yeah - as a fellow Californian, there are quite a few laws that you need to know (almost twice as many as some states) when it comes to owning / using a firearm.

Try the link below...

Answer 10

If you live in Kalifornia I don't know if you are even allowed to defend yourself in your home. You might even be required to help load all your possessions in the burgler's vehicle and give him money for gas.