A big thanks to all who gave knife recommendations, now I need gun recommendations

[Muireadach]

Returned after a haitus today to surprise squatters enjoying my water front property. Ever walk in your house to hear noises and see shadows moving about? There was a chill upon my spine. Wisely, I retreated and called 911, but I was tempted to confront. They slept in my beds, emptied the liquor cabinet and left a bag of narcotics behind. TV & stereo are gone (pieces of crap, who cares--crackheads).

Called 911 and the sheriff took them down. Quite surreal. After 4 hours of photos, forensics and paperwork, I'll be processing the what ifs for a few days. A sign of things to come?

NO! I'll be trashing the bedroom and kitchen contents, contracting with a professional cleaner, and reserving gulf crabs for opening day. After that, its behind me...except for shopping excursion for a nice weapon.

Thanks for listening. Forgive my present emotion, I'm still replaying the what ifs.

[27 sailfish]

12 guage pump shotgun with #2 shot.You don't need to be real accurate and just the sound of a round being chambered will scare the sh*t out of them.You can also alternate a slug/then shot/then slug.

Bad part is - you shoot them and end up in jail.

Sucks that some POS have no respect for other people property.

[Muireadach]

Thanks skip. You may not have meant to do it, but you made me grin--And that's good after the day I had.

[shawn fisher]

Real scum bags...... Shoot first ask/answer questions later. Not to make this a political post, but go by your wepon now before OBAMA has anything to do with it.

[2 Jims]

With Skip on the 12 gauge pump...jack a round (TV sound Chick..Chick!)..attention getter, but #2 shot is fer goose and ducks. 00 Buck is for home protection (8 pellets in 2 3/4" approx. 32 cal.).

44 Magnum is the "stealth" gun of choice. Go ahead, hide behind the door, wall, dresser, etc...I will take out you, the door, wall, dresser, etc.

I do not play with home protection. I've had a few incidents, both went to jail, both had a locked and loaded .44 Mag at their head sprawed out on the street when the officers arrived.

Jim

[teaser33]

Get a shotgun for home defense. Close range and point in the general direction, a load of buck will find the mark. I have a little different take on the size though, rather than a 12 guage, I would consider a 410. Home defense is not about making long shots, and you don't want penetration through the interior walls into the next room where a loved one may be sleeping. I prefer something with a short barrel, and a pistol grip stock. If you are intent on a 12 guage though, Mossberg makes a 500 J. I. C. series, 18.5 inch barrel and pistol grip stock. If you prefer a handgun, consider a 45 semi auto. subsonic bullet, lethal at close range, and a hit to just about any body part will incapacitate.

[joe test]

This is a sweet gun .410 pistol

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc (http://www.taurususa.com/video/taurus-theJudge-video.cfm)

[fishyman712]

Get a Glock ! Just like one said get a 45 and you know the person isn't going to leave your house:clapping2:

[teaser33]

joe test, that is schweeeeeeeet !, I will be checking into one of them.
Do you know if these are available commercially?

[joe test]

MY son (ex. marine)says get this one! the judge sells for about $650.


this ones better.:D
MYTHBUSTERS FIRING MINIGUN - Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-LvHMbN_epe4/mythbusters_firing_minigun/)

[crabby and son]

The Mossburg 500 JIC......"just in case" is a sweet one. I shot my buddies one the other day and it's like a pistol shotgun.......loaded with 00 buck..very effective. Did the sheriff get the guys? You did the right thing by backing off and let the police handle it though. Shooting a human being is not pleasant. I did as a police officer and it is still hard to get over.....Gary

[pgoodchild]

Hurry before HR 45 passes. I'm fine with everything except a psych review. Do I really need the Government to tell me I'm crazy and can't own a pistol?

[Russ D]

If you really whant to do it right then......
AIM DSA SA58 FAL .308 NATO (7.62x51) Rifle DSA SA58 FAL .308 NATO (7.62x51) Rifle (http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/DSA_SA58_FAL_.308_NATO__7.62x51__Rifle.html)

[Windbreaker]

Yea Skip, the sound helps.
My son was staying at his grandmother's home for awhile when he was just starting to work. Had his truck broke into twice. Tools stolen.
Asleep one night, he was awakened by his dog in his room. Looked out the window and they were breaking into his truck again. Grabbed his 12 gauge and a handfull of shells. Told grandma "call the police". Opens the side door of the house, goes marching towards the punks. chambering shells as he walked. Saw them look up at him just at the same time grandma yells out the door "don't shoot em".
They took off running for thier lives. Never had a problem again.

[BUDC]

"THE JUDGE" by Taurus.
A 5 shot, 410ga 3"mag revolver. Load it with 4 #2's and a rifled slug for a hail mary finalle.
budc

[roseofsharon]

With all due respect, the shotgun would have been in the house with them.
Any pistols might have been in the house as well.

Unless you embraced the self defense doctrine completely, and carried concealed at all times,
you would not have been armed for that encounter. Or most others.

Please don't missunderstand this post. I am all for an armed citizenry, but a gun doesn't help you if it's not on you.
And most of us just don't want to carry one.

[Joe N]

Agree. Get a carry permit. The great state of va permits you to have one.

Shotguns are the ultimate if you are home and get a breakin. They are awkward to carry though.

there are a wide variety of pistol options. You would be more than ok with a 38 cal revolver and the gun and ammo isn't too expensive and it is simple to load and shoot. You can go to semi autos and would recommend a 40 cal. Not too much recoil and plent of punch.

If you are not experienced then would strongly recommend you get a class on how to load, clean, carry and shoot. Then get the gun and practice. Practice will give you confidence and reduce errors. Good luck and be safe. Also, if you can, let the police hanlde anything. I think the law requires it. My opinion is that everything is ensured and not worth shooting anyone over. Threatening me or my family, well that's where I would draw the line.

[bunger79]

First off sorry to hear about what happened. What you need is a good throw down gun. Remington 870 shotgun. All law enforcement agencies use them. Go with pump so you don't have to worry about jamming. You put some buck shot in there an it is amazing what it can do. Like others have mentioned no aiming just point and shot. If you want to go pistol we just switch 3 years ago to the SIG .40cal p229 with DAK trigger. I love that gun. I have both of these sitting next to my bed and have tought the wife how to use them. Oh and ADT and Brinks is not a bad idea either. Good luck making a decision.

[Muireadach]

The perps are in jail. Mine isn't the only house they robbed and took shelter in. Cops said they had priors and were wanted for other break-ins around North Beach/Chesapeake Beach. Apparently, they had a rotation going, staying in winterized vacation homes. Mine was winterized since January 1. They turned the water/hot water on, cranked up the heat, and I susected something when I got the bill last week at my other residence.

I like the idea of a pistol with a concealed weapon permit in Virginia where my other residence is. They can't use it on me if it's with me. Unlike the poor souls who interruped a burglary in Woodbridge couple months ago. I think the perp got 20, but the widower was left without a wife and kid. Perp found the family pistol and used it on son/mom who surprised him in the house.

It only makes sense during these economic times to ratchet up security.
I'm relieved that all my rods and tackle were at my other residence for tune-ups. Losing that would have really hurt.

[JimRockfish]

This is a sweet gun .410 pistol

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc (http://www.taurususa.com/video/taurus-theJudge-video.cfm)

Joe - That is one nice weapon. The good thing about the .410 pistol is that the target will most likely live - so you will not be charged with manslaughter. If you need stopping power,, shot # 2 can be a .45 I have a number of guns but my .380 and 20 gauge are for protection and this replaces both. A shotgun is unweildy in tight quarters and as stated in the video, there isn't much of pattern at close distance so you are better off inside with the pistol. - Jim

[joemassi]

I would never winterize the house. I would keep things going. A clock radio, TV, some lights, would all be on timers set to come on when I would be getting home. I wonder, would there be a service that would come around and check the house once or twice a week? It sounds like something someone would do for a small amount of money. All they would have to remember is to vary the routine so they are not showing up at the same house, same time every week or two.

[gooddog]

One of the nice things about Virginia is that you can get a concealed weapons permit. A five shot Chief's Special hardly makes a bulge.

[JimRockfish]

Joe - That is one nice weapon. The good thing about the .410 pistol is that the target will most likely live - so you will not be charged with manslaughter. If you need stopping power,, shot # 2 can be a .45 I have a number of guns but my .380 and 20 gauge are for protection and this replaces both. A shotgun is unweildy in tight quarters and as stated in the video, there isn't much of pattern at close distance so you are better off inside with the pistol. - Jim

Follow on to my earlier. Have you thought about surveillance cameras? Guns are fun but you are asking for trouble. Texas, yes but MD is a different story. I had a suicidal maniac stalking my older daughter for two years so I was ready to send him to his maker but once I caught him, he decided it wasn't worth it. I understand your anger. Jim

[WHACKMASTER]

Joe - That is one nice weapon. The good thing about the .410 pistol is that the target will most likely live - so you will not be charged with manslaughter. If you need stopping power,, shot # 2 can be a .45 I have a number of guns but my .380 and 20 gauge are for protection and this replaces both. A shotgun is unweildy in tight quarters and as stated in the video, there isn't much of pattern at close distance so you are better off inside with the pistol. - Jim

Jim,
The only problem is that if they live, they can sue you for everything you own. Shoot them , kill them, only one side of story to give police.
Shooting to kill is not appropriate for a property crime, only in a life or death situation.

Jeff

[WHACKMASTER]

Joe,
My two favorites are the Mossberg 500 pump 12 ga pistol grip or my Glock .40

Jeff

[pgoodchild]

Joe - That is one nice weapon. The good thing about the .410 pistol is that the target will most likely live - so you will not be charged with manslaughter. If you need stopping power,, shot # 2 can be a .45 I have a number of guns but my .380 and 20 gauge are for protection and this replaces both. A shotgun is unweildy in tight quarters and as stated in the video, there isn't much of pattern at close distance so you are better off inside with the pistol. - Jim

You don't want the target to live - shoot to kill. The same theory is taught for any law enforcement officer.

[JimRockfish]

You don't want the target to live - shoot to kill. The same theory is taught for any law enforcement officer.

I'm familiar with the concept but I tend to think that in MD, the odds are against you when protecting your own property.

[WHACKMASTER]

I'm familiar with the concept but I tend to think that in MD, the odds are against you when protecting your own property.

Jim ,
I have to agree the Peoples Republic of Maryland is not Texas or Virginia. While I have a permit to carry concealed and Virginia is an open carry state, Maryland isnt and I must leave my carry weapon at home before I come to Maryland.
I really miss having it with me.

Jeff

[Muireadach]

Follow on to my earlier. Have you thought about surveillance cameras? Guns are fun but you are asking for trouble. Texas, yes but MD is a different story. I had a suicidal maniac stalking my older daughter for two years so I was ready to send him to his maker but once I caught him, he decided it wasn't worth it. I understand your anger. Jim

Yes, I'm considering a web cam..

[Russ D]

Don't shoot til you are convinced he's dead, shoot until he's convinced he's dead. If you are going to shoot someone, shoot to kill and then shoot them some more. Just remember to say you feared for your life and they said they were gonna kill you.Subway Customer Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect - Local News Story - WTVJ | Miami (http://www.nbc6.net/news/13585506/detail.html?dl=mainclick)

[JimRockfish]

Don't shoot til you are convinced he's dead, shoot until he's convinced he's dead. If you are going to shoot someone, shoot to kill and then shoot them some more. Just remember to say you feared for your life and they said they were gonna kill you.Subway Customer Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect - Local News Story - WTVJ | Miami (http://www.nbc6.net/news/13585506/detail.html?dl=mainclick)

Russ - With all due respect - I would suggest that anyone consult an attorney before you arm yourself and plan on killing someone in or on your property. It simply is not that cut and dried. If the person you shoot is unarmed, has no record, turns out to be a minor, the jury sees no real threat... you end up in prison. Jim

[Russ D]

No doubt be sure you have a legitimate reason first. My adivce is that if you decide to shoot someone be prepared to finish the job. There are many stories of people shooting assailants only to have them keep coming and take the gun away and kill them.

[ragnad]

Sounds to me like you did the right thing the first time.

What are the odds that'll happen again ?

You gonna go in there toting a shotgun every time you enter ?

A webcam with a motion detector sounds like it might work - but it needs to send the video to another computer. It won't help to have the PC and its video sitting in a pawn shop. Also, hindsight says you should have looked into it when your electric bill came in high.

[JimRockfish]

You're right. I don't want to pay Webservice for a second home. I found a motion detector light that has a hidden camera and starts shooting images when the light is activated. Doesn't help during the day so I have to augment it with fully hidden cameras.

[Muireadach]

Thank you all for the debate. I don't know about Maryland, but if an intruder is caught in your house in Virginia, you can shoot to kill with no reprecussions. I'm glad it did not come to that, but I shudder to think what would have happened to me if I confronted two adult males 2-4 inches taller than me, and with an attitude. (one threatened the neighbor).

[aafinest]

Being a police officer I was asked many times "what happens if I catch somebody in my house and I shoot them". The answer is, every case is different and every state is different. If it happens you do shoot somebody burglarizing your house the case will no doubt be reviewed by the State's Attorney who will review the circumstances. The rule of thumb is if you are confronted with deadly force you have the right to repel that with deadly force. If you are legitimately in fear of your life, you have the right to use deadly force but the circumstances are going to dictate that. My best advice to you would be let your conscience be your guide but be prepared to defend yourself in court. Unfortunately, all to often, in questionable cases, State's Attorneys will often elect to place criminal charges and let a judge/jury decide if you were right or wrong. It's kind of a CYA thing to them. In the long run I'd rather spend my money to improve home security then to pay a defense attorney.

[Mr Noodle]

My pops always said "never pull a gun on a man unless it comes out smokin'".

[Kayak fisherman]

I won't give any gun recs, 'cause several people have already given the best advice....pump shotgun.

As for "The Judge" revolver, I think it's supposedly overrated (see a review on it on The Box of Truth website, which, by the way is a really cool website). Never shot the pistol though.

Several people have already said the obvious........you can't legally defend you property with a gun. You can only protect yourself (life or limb) or protect others in imminent (sp?) danger. Take the CCW course. They basically teach one very important phrase "I was in fear for my life, your Honor". If you shoot somebody, YOU are gonna go to jail unless the law dudes are obviously convince you were in imminent danger. Again, take the CCW course.

As far as buying a weapon just after you've been victimized, I wouldn't mention it when buying a gun or getting a permit. It does remind me of a funny quote by Homer Simpson when he went to a gun store to by a gun. "5-day waiting period!!!! But I'm angry NOW!!!"

Sorry you were victimized. I've been there. It sucked.

[jeffleft]

sorry to hear about your bad luck here is a website that may help you out GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction (http://www.gunbroker.com/)

[BLUEYZWAITN]

ROCKSALT,
Hurts like Hell and leaves a never ending pain for them to remember they went in the wrong place...
Killing is too good so make them realize every time they sit on the thinker the pain will remind them of the day they broke into the wrong place...

Rocksalt in the rear is a never ending reminder ....

But tying them to a tree in the woods stripped down with Molassas poured on them will do the trick as well.. If you can see the end result to that... Critters are scary at night... when they Knaw

[Grady23]

Before I start --- Let it be known that I'm all for a legally armed society. Unless you are active/retired law enforecment or constantly carry lots of cash or are a registered body guard ----- GOOD LUCK getting a carry permit in the "FREE STATE". I did legal process work for over 20 years serving legal papers. This meant having to go in to all kinds of areas from high crime to attorny's home's. I even had a cop (detective)pull his carry weapon on me when I served him his divorce papers. I had more then enough reason to need a concealled weapon given that at times I would be where there was no cell coverage, miles out in the country and working ALONE. After several conversations with active law enforcement personel that I knew, I decided it wasn't worth the $175 fee ( not even sure now) just to apply and have them turn me down without an explanation. 2 of the 4 cops were high ranking officers and were very willing to give me thier personal reccomendations.
I sorry you got ripped off and the punks used your house for a playground and I like you would have loved to walk in and put them down at GUN POINT. That might fly in other states, but given the legal system we now have in Maryland, YOU not THEM would have more than likely ended up in jail. Maybe the next time you can get the cops to send in the canine.
Best of luck --- I've been where you are with being a crime victim and have gone the gun route as well. I just got lucky that night that nothing went wrong and I didn't end up having to shoot the punk.

PS -- There is NOTHING like the sound of a round being racked into a shotgun when your the one doing the wrong --- It'll make your Ball$ Shrink.

[BoatDad]

First I'll start off by saying I am in law enforcement .You did the right thing by letting the sheriff do his job. Someone on here told you to shoot to kill. You never say that. You shoot to stop the threat it makes a big diffrence in court. As for property - shooting someone in Md forget. Do not do it let them have it or if they are not bigger than you and you feel you can whip there AZZ go for it. Whats he going to do call the cops and say you whipped his ass after you caught him trying to steal your stuff. Just put a alarm on the house and you have no worries. Just remember if you do get a gun learn how to use it and store it properly and make sure of your target and what's beyond it.

[JimRockfish]

First I'll start off by saying I am in law enforcement .You did the right thing by letting the sheriff do his job. Someone on here told you to shoot to kill. You never say that. You shoot to stop the threat it makes a big diffrence in court. As for property - shooting someone in Md forget. Do not do it let them have it or if they are not bigger than you and you feel you can whip there AZZ go for it. Whats he going to do call the cops and say you whipped his ass after you caught him trying to steal your stuff. Just put a alarm on the house and you have no worries. Just remember if you do get a gun learn how to use it and store it properly and make sure of your target and what's beyond it.

I'm with you on this. Here's a little story. One night 19 years ago, I wasn't sleeping well. At 3 a.m. - I heard the unmistakable sound of the rear sliding glass door opening and closing. Then I heard someone sneaking around downstairs - light creaking. I grabbed a shotgun, kicked one into the chamber and worked my way very quietly to the top of the stairs. That is when I saw someone in the shadows. I slid quietly down a few stairs, drew a bead and yelled FREEZE MFer - I WILL BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF. Then... my daughter screamed... IT's ME DAD!!!! It was my 16 year old daughter... who I raised as a single parent. I had one finger on the trigger and was prepared to fire. That would have destroyed my life.

[ragnad]

Two years ago, I woke up (came to) in the middle of the night to someone yelling unintelligibly downstairs. My wife was at work, and my kids were in bed. I heard "Is anybody home ?" as I headed down the stairs. I asked who it was as he came into sight. He shone a flashlight in my face and announced himself as Anne Arundel County Police. My kids had come in through the garage that night, didn't close the garage door, didn't close the door into the house properly and it had swung open. Cars had been broken into in the neighborhood the night before, and the saw these open doors as suspicious.

I'm just glad I didn't head downstairs pointing a gun at the shadowy figure and yelling that he should freeze.

My wife got home right afterward and the cop laughed as he said "I just scared the crap out of your husband."

He had.

[Muireadach]

I get the risks associated with family (above). The best advice in this thread was about Homer Simpson and the 5 day waiting period. After 5 days, my anger will wear off. But, sensibility tells me that times are hard, and when you live at the end of the road, surrounded by water, you are a bit more isolated than others. And, perps are also a bit more isolated. I don't think it would hurt to be armed in such a situation. Thanks to all who responded. Calvert County is rural, as a result, rural rules apply.

[AIK68J]

I'm familiar with the concept but I tend to think that in MD, the odds are against you when protecting your own property.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-R-0052.html
the rules of castle doctrine do not apply in Maryland

On Thursday, March 7, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 518, sponsored by State Senator Nancy Jacobs (R-34). The bill, which has strong bipartisan support from 14 co-sponsors, makes much-needed reforms to Maryland's self-defense laws.

The proposed reforms of Maryland's self-defense laws would accomplish three things:

- The bill would establish, in law, the presumption that a criminal who unlawfully enters or intrudes into your home or occupied vehicle is there to cause death or great bodily harm, and you may therefore use any manner of force, including deadly force, against that person.

- The bill would state in law that you have no duty to retreat if you are attacked in a place where you have a right to be present, if you are not the original aggressor, and if you are not engaged in criminal activity.

- The bill would protect persons using force authorized by law from lawsuits filed by injured criminal attackers or their families.

Anyone know the outcome ??? Would be nice to know

[pgoodchild]

There was also a hearing in the house for the exact same bill: HB 455 BILL INFO-2007 Regular Session-HB 455 (http://mlis.state.md.us/2007rs/billfile/HB0455.htm)

[Jerry Grimes]

Mossberg pump shotgun.As far as handguns go I like the auto`s because they are safer for home protection.You keep the loaded clip seperate from the pistol.but it is very easy to slap it in when the need arises.With a revolver you most likely have to keep it loaded and that could cause a big problem when you have kids.Also they are kind of hard to load it in the dark and under stress.Now that shotgum will get those evil doers attention when you chamber that round and trhey know whats comming next.;-)

[Rock My World]

...when you live at the end of the road, surrounded by water, you are a bit more isolated than others.

Sounds to me like you have a really nice place there. I can't imagine NOT having an alarm service that would protect you from break-ins, fire and broken water pipes. With monitored services offering free equipment and low monthly fees, there really is no excuse...

A Maryland Trooper frequently shows up at my in-laws place at Deep Creek Lake within 15 minutes after we arrive because my wife can't get the alarm code typed in right half the time. You can't ask for better service than that...

[mickeyfinn]

Just a word of caution....

I had a very good friend that lived on the water in Severna Park. Over 20 years ago, he heard some noise from his driveway. When he went out the front door, he saw several drugged up punks trying to break into his new Corvette.
His presence at his door, and subsequent warnings to the punks in his driveway went nowhere....

Now here is where everything unraveled.

My friend decided to go back in his house and get his handgun. He went back outside, and stayed on his deck, I guess hoping that the gun would provide more encouragement for the punks to get off his property. Unfortunately, one of the punks, hoped up on speed, charged at my friend. My friend fired at the guy, killing him instantly. The rest of the punks scattered.......

The subsequent police investigation found the dead punk was unarmed. Though a physical threat was established, my friend was charged with manslaughter with a handgun. Under Maryland law at the time, any crime committed with a handgun carried a mandatory 5 year prison sentence. My friend spent 5 years in jail, and latter, lost his family through divorce, and due to loss of income, lost his home.

The law provided that if he simply called 911, and stayed in his house, his life would have turned out much different. Clearly, if this punk chased him into the house, he was well within his right to drop the SOB once his foot passed the doors threshold.

It is a shame that my innocent friend lost so much simply defending his property. I don’t agree with the DA that he was guilty of manslaughter, but they made the case that when the man charged he had ample time to go back into his house, rather than feel he had to use deadly force form his position on the deck.

[JimRockfish]

That's a sad story and exactly what I have learned along the way and tried to communicate in this thread. I worked at a service station in HS and we were robbed three weeks in a row. We had a handgun and the local police said that if we shoot, make sure we shoot within our service station footprint. That was the late 60s - early 70s and this is now. One night, after midnight, a guy stuck a .38 in my stomach in the back-room, hammer cocked, he was hopped up - glazed eyes, his hand was shaking and I was a second away from not writing this. I remained calm, told him to "take it easy pal, I'm only reaching for my money to hand it over to to you." My friend was forced to lie down facing the floor with a loaded shotgun at the back of his head - a week earlier. Neither gunman shot us but they generally just blow you away today. Jim

[AIK68J]

Just a word of caution....

I had a very good friend that lived on the water in Severna Park. Over 20 years ago, he heard some noise from his driveway. When he went out the front door, he saw several drugged up punks trying to break into his new Corvette.
His presence at his door, and subsequent warnings to the punks in his driveway went nowhere....

Now here is where everything unraveled.

My friend decided to go back in his house and get his handgun. He went back outside, and stayed on his deck, I guess hoping that the gun would provide more encouragement for the punks to get off his property. Unfortunately, one of the punks, hoped up on speed, charged at my friend. My friend fired at the guy, killing him instantly. The rest of the punks scattered.......

The subsequent police investigation found the dead punk was unarmed. Though a physical threat was established, my friend was charged with manslaughter with a handgun. Under Maryland law at the time, any crime committed with a handgun carried a mandatory 5 year prison sentence. My friend spent 5 years in jail, and latter, lost his family through divorce, and due to loss of income, lost his home.

The law provided that if he simply called 911, and stayed in his house, his life would have turned out much different. Clearly, if this punk chased him into the house, he was well within his right to drop the SOB once his foot passed the doors threshold.

It is a shame that my innocent friend lost so much simply defending his property. I don’t agree with the DA that he was guilty of manslaughter, but they made the case that when the man charged he had ample time to go back into his house, rather than feel he had to use deadly force form his position on the deck.

With Maryland not having a castle doctrine law is why this happen this way
"Generally, the “castle doctrine” provides that someone attacked in his home can use reasonable force, which can include deadly force, to protect his or another's life without any duty to retreat from the attacker. It is defined differently in different states. The name appears to have its origin in the English common law rules protecting a person's home and the phrase “one's home is one's castle. ”"
I am not backseat QB'ing and it really is a raw deal on this one but if the friend would have gone back in the house called 911 and then the punk charged thru the door there is your self defense as the duty to retreat would be statisfied.

[blodg]

...It does remind me of a funny quote by Homer Simpson when he went to a gun store to by a gun. "5-day waiting period!!!! But I'm angry NOW!!!"...

Now that is LOL funny!!!

I don't mean to :jackthread: but it seems this thread may have already run it's course....anyone know of a place near KI that offers classes for weapons training? I think it is time for me and the whole family to learn and then get armed.

Joe

[JimRockfish]

Where is KI? On Target in Severn sells guns and has a range where you can learn to shoot. Bass Pro sells guns and has an online class. You need to study gun safety first and foremost if you weren't raised with them. Children are curious, particularly little boys. My good friend in Jr. High School shot another friend through the chest with his motorcycle cop dad's service revolver - playing around. It happens and having a gun that is accesible for home safety that is not easy accesible by children is a challenge. You can now buy a simple/fast locking mechanism that addresses the problem. If anyone that may have access suffers from mental issues - depression, etc... don't do it.

[blodg]

Where is KI? On Target in Severn sells guns and has a range where you can learn to shoot. Bass Pro sells guns and has an online class. You need to study gun safety first and foremost if you weren't raised with them. Children are curious, particularly little boys. My good friend in Jr. High School shot another friend through the chest with his motorcycle cop dad's service revolver - playing around. It happens and having a gun that is accesible for home safety that is not easy accesible by children is a challenge. You can now buy a simple/fast locking mechanism that addresses the problem. If anyone that may have access suffers from mental issues - depression, etc... don't do it.

>>>Where is KI?
Sorry....it's that little piece of land the Bay Bridge lands on coming from 'the other shore' :))

Good advice. Kids are all grown. Daughter just moved back in with her newborn, her dog, and her cat....ugh...b/c her husband just got shipped off to the Med (Navy) until he returns in 6 months (min). Been saying for years we need to get properly schooled and trained but from everything I heard/read the closest place was Ft. Meade area. Would prefer an ES (sorry, that's Eastern Shore :D) location.

Joe