I have a loaded 9mm in a case next to my bed, easily accessible in an emergency. If someone comes into my home while my wife and I are sleeping I've practiced what to do, but one thing I'm not sure of is where I should aim. I've heard horror stories of people just wounding an intruder (ex. messed up a leg, paralyzed, etc.) and the criminal came back a couple years later and sued the shooter for all they were worth because they would be disabled the rest of their life. Due to this fact I've heard people say, "always shoot to kill." I just wanted to get more opinions on this before it happens to me, God forbid.
2007-12-17 23:19:40 · 22 answers · asked by Steve Z 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
My question is in regards to an intruder that is obviously intending harm. I'm not going to go in the kitchen to investigate a noise and instantly start blasting away at the teenager unpluggin my toaster. If they haven't made an obvious threat or presented themselves as a threat, I will warn them I have a gun to see if that scares them away first then call the police. But the question is... if someone comes crashing into my home, brandishing a weapon and is obviously a threat, no time to call the police, split second to react, do I shoot to kill or (say if he just has a knife) do I disable him?
And thanks to those that have given advice to what I've actually asked already.
2007-12-17 23:56:59 · update #1
I looked up local laws and this is a great article I found regarding Maryland where I live. http://www.baltimorereporter.com/?p=4104
Thanks old fuzz... you gave the best answer.
2007-12-18 00:38:25 · update #2
Since a gun is a deadly-force tool, - use it to kill, - as a last resort.
Ya don't shoot somebody in your house, to 'detain' him, or as a penalty for entering your house.
BTW.. I'd rather be judged by 12, -than carried by 6.
2007-12-17 23:25:29 · answer #1 · answered by MK6 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The question is whether there was a reasonable fear that there was a threat to your life- you don't automatically have the right to kill someone who comes on to your property. In some states, you can be charged with manslaughter.
However, if it's self defense situation where you would be justified killing, I can't imagine an injured party lawsuit would hold up in court.
In that case, I would say err on the side of not taking a human life, when possible. This might be more difficult if the intruder is armed, and could fight back after being only injured.
2007-12-17 23:34:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well nobody really knows what they would actually do in that type of situation until it happens. Also it would be wise to check local state laws as far as home defense is concerned. Where I live it's permissible to defend family and property as long as the assailant has the intention to cause harm.
On another note I'm not a big fan of 9mm's. I would opt for a revolver, say a 44 mag, or snubnose 357. Something with one shot stopping power.
I hope you never have to be in such a situation, but it's better to be armed then not armed at all!
2007-12-17 23:32:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My answer to this when asked is always the same, "Shoot to stop the threat". If you shoot to "kill" and it goes to court you'll be persecuted as some kind of premeditated murderer. So don't ever say "Shoot to kill" , it's ALWAYS "Shoot to stop" ! That said I advise you to only stop shooting when the threat has stopped or your gun is empty. It's OK to reload but don't shoot anymore unless the threat is still there. It's harder for a dead criminal to sue you then a live one. Get a police quality flashlight and keep it with your gun {streamlight} etc. And call 911 before you investigate a possible break-in etc., after giving them the basic info do not hang up just lay the phone down but keep the line open. It's perfect evidence later in court if it goes that far.
2007-12-18 03:12:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously you have never been in this situation. Trust me, it is scarey, your heart is racing and the last thing you will be able to do at 2am in a dark house is "shoot to wound" the very idea is ludicous. You always aim at the center of mass, IE: the upper torso and engage that. I doubt that even in ideal conditions you are that good a shot, and in an armed confrentation even trained police etc cannot make a wounding shot on purpose, thats only in the movies. Also, as long as the perp is moving he is a threat, if the first 2 shots don't put him down, contiue to fire and retreat. but ALWAYS call 911 first, ALWAYS.
2007-12-18 00:17:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well in the state of Florida police officers shoot to kill mainly because of the reason you just stated lawsuits from family if the person is paralyzed or on life support ....myself personally I will never choose between my family and a intruder for example here in Florida Sean Taylor had men come into his house and kill him if he had a gun he would have been able to protect himself ....I'm not big on violence at all but if I have to protect myself and my family I will shoot and kill if necessary ....Its your life or theirs people have no regard for life anymore especially yours be safe
2007-12-18 02:38:30 · answer #6 · answered by meka33311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would like to second the above comments. If you or your family are in danger, then deadly force is the only point to using a firearm. However, just the fact you have one, will turn many criminals away at first sight of it.
I would also like to suggest you look into a pistol-Light, Surefire makes several models and mounts that are very easy to place on the firearm. The last thing you want to be doing is searching for a light and trying to hold it in the offhand while under stress.
2007-12-18 00:53:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, check and see if your state permits you to shoot intruders. Some do, some don't. Whenever you pull a gun, it should be to shoot to kill.
2007-12-18 00:04:09 · answer #8 · answered by kathy s 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I too sleep with a loaded weapon on my headboard. I don't believe I am going to take the time to ask an intruder if he means me harm or not. If he is in MY house he is fair game. I will go for center of mass. I will not give him a warning, tell him to freeze, ask him to put his hands up, tell him to leave, warn him I have a gun. The only precaution I will take is to make sure my wife is not in the line of fire. His first real indication of the seriousness of his mistake will be the muzzle flash and noise.
2007-12-18 00:59:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ill tell u straight up, my husband always says " shoot first ask questions later" if he gets killed ok, and if he just get disabled ok, either way he can;t hurt you unless he;s armed then you need to shoot to kill, it ain;t like they can charge you with anything, it's self defence,if someone comes in my house let's jus say i aim high, so either there chest or head is gunna have some problems, if ya know wat i mean
2007-12-18 02:06:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋