attempted break in

[OldAirmail]

On a more serious side....


Once upon a time I was a liberal.

In the past, my apartments have be broken into twice, I've been mugged once, and lived through two armed robberies. Hey, I've lived in major cities much of my adult life, what can I say.

I'm sure everyone appreciates the allegory - -A liberal is a conservative who hasn't been mugged yet.



To most people "murder" is something in the news. Like on TV it's not real to them. But I have seen the aftermath of a VERY violent crime, and dealt with victims, or their relatives.

The last thing that I ever want to do is to is to pull a gun on someone. But if I do, it'll be because there is no other choice.



My wife likes murder movies like Silence of the Lambs, etc. Not me.

I'll enjoy movies about vampires, mummies, and werewolves. Because there is nothing scarier than what man does to man.

If someone doesn't understand that, REALLY understand that, then they can't believe that a situation might ever occur where one person may have to kill another to survive.

Forget sophistry, I said to survive, not to protect property.



ENOUGH OF ALL THAT - on to fun. I need to write another post saying thank you to G.K. for a great tip.

[Apex]

I'm resurfacing this post because I just found out that in Florida, discharging a firearm as a warning shot carries a mandatory 20 year sentence if convicted by a jury. It's considered aggravated assault and is apparently not considered self defense. It's complicated by a clause that says something about it also being illegal to discharge a firearm into a building (that is, in such a way that it strikes a wall).

Since you were holding a firearm, albeit unloaded, you might want to check out the laws in your state concerning this. You were very lucky here on both sides. It sounds like the bloke was unarmed, so you didn't feel the need to use your firearm. But his being unarmed could make a big difference in how a jury looks at a case to determine self defense had you fired a warning shot, that is, his being unarmed would make it less likely to be self defense on your side.

The law sometimes is not on the side of us who are simply trying to protect ourselves. Apparently someone must be in obvious and clear danger first.

But it is most difficult to think fast when seconds count.

And never assume a jury will be sympathetic towards you just because you're trying to protect yourself. Always know the laws and how they apply to you.

[Fozzer]

U.S. TV Reality Channel: "Cops".

It always concerns me when I watch a Cop getting out of his/her patrol car for a routine, etc, traffic stop.
The first thing he/she does is place their hand on the gun in their belt as they open their door, as though they automatically expect to be shot at (and killed) by the occupant(s) of the stopped vehicle.

And the amount of extreme, high on adrenaline, violence that goes on during a typical Police; "take-down" is truly unbelievable!

...very, very scary... ...!

For good or bad, at least we don't seem to suffer from that situation over here, where, hopefully, no-one routinely carries guns!

Paul...in a very nice, quiet, peaceful Town/neighbourhood.....and no guns... ...!

[mustangaroo]

Just for clarification..... you have a DOG in your apartment? Most apartments won't allow pets, smoking, and any number of other things. Good for you for owning an equalizer at any rate. As your pResident I would issue a handgun to every tax-payer/voter in the U.S. and let everyone know it. Manners would improve overnight.

[Fozzer]

This is what I call scary!...>>>

http://news.kron4.com/news/video-shows- ... ar-window/

Out of control Cops...high on power and adrenalin....again!...

Some of these dangerous characters should never be allowed in the Police Force?

Paul.

[jrbirdman]

Very scary and I am certainly glad you and your family is okay. Unfortunately, I have had it far worse where I not only had to pull my sidearm but the trigger as well. The nightmares still haunt me to this day and I wouldn't wish it on anyone! Sadly, the person did not survive but it was a situation where I was in a situation where if I didn't do what I needed to do, I would have been killed myself as the person was on drugs, armed, and extremely violent. I honestly wish it never would have happened but you never know what life will throw your way. No training ever prepares you for it, I did six months training and it still was something I hope I never have to do again. Afterwards, I turned in my badge and firearm and went through many, MANY, counseling sessions! I sincerely hope that you all are doing better and everyone please remember, life is such a gift that should never be taken for granted because it can just as easily be snuffed out like a candle in the wind. I've never shared my story but thought that I could be of some help to others by sharing my experience. May all of you stay safe and be blessed. Kindest regards, Jeremy

[Fozzer]

Very scary and I am certainly glad you and your family is okay. Unfortunately, I have had it far worse where I not only had to pull my sidearm but the trigger as well. The nightmares still haunt me to this day and I wouldn't wish it on anyone! Sadly, the person did not survive but it was a situation where I was in a situation where if I didn't do what I needed to do, I would have been killed myself as the person was on drugs, armed, and extremely violent. I honestly wish it never would have happened but you never know what life will throw your way. No training ever prepares you for it, I did six months training and it still was something I hope I never have to do again. Afterwards, I turned in my badge and firearm and went through many, MANY, counseling sessions! I sincerely hope that you all are doing better and everyone please remember, life is such a gift that should never be taken for granted because it can just as easily be snuffed out like a candle in the wind. I've never shared my story but thought that I could be of some help to others by sharing my experience. May all of you stay safe and be blessed. Kindest regards, Jeremy

WOW...!

I didn't see that coming!.... ..!

I wonder what the World would be like now, if the; "Hand Gun" had never been invented, so that nobody had them?

Shootings are very rare in Great Britain, thankfully.

Paul L. Fosbery.


I fear that my Great Grandfather may be partly responsible for their invention!.... >>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webley-Fos ... c_Revolver.

[Apex]

Many years ago, one night I walked out into the main part of my house and there was a car sitting there 3 feet from the front door. In those days I had the old 50's style Florida jalousie windows, which could easily have been broken thru with an ax. I immediately did two things, got my rifle and called 911, and then called out to whoever with 911 on the phone. None of this, "Let's see who it is first stuff", how do I know it's not a home invasion of some sort? And all my friends call before coming over, I wasn't expecting anyone.

Well, it was just some guy looking for the people across the street. But I've always known enough never to open the door to anyone.

I now have impact windows, you cannot break in. If that were to happen again, the rifle would not be necessary to protect myself, but I would still call 911 before checking things out.

I had a plan of action, and I stuck to it. You watch local news to see how things happen, and when you see stuff like random home invasions, you have to think about what you would do if that were you.

Just the other day a young man and young woman attacked a wheelchair bound woman as she sat outside somewhere waiting for her ride. They didn't hurt her, but stole her purse and credit cards. Now just how brazen is that? So it happens, and we need to be alert at all times.

[Longhorn jet]

Lived in TEXAS U.S.A. all my 50 years and never had a break in,Never been robbed,Or shot at
Wouldn't mind flying over Paul's house or even drop in for a visit but wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
As for the news if you believe much of anything they say I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you real cheap

Greg
Longhorn Jet
KGTU
Georgetown,Texas,U.S.A.

[Fozzer]

Lived in TEXAS U.S.A. all my 50 years and never had a break in,Never been robbed,Or shot at
Wouldn't mind flying over Paul's house or even drop in for a visit but wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
As for the news if you believe much of anything they say I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you real cheap

Greg
Longhorn Jet
KGTU
Georgetown,Texas,U.S.A.

Its my old Mate, Greg, from Takes-us!..... ...!

Good to see you again, Greg. I hope you are keeping well....

..and avoiding the Rattle Snakes and Tumble-weeds...

Paul.... ....!

Ocean-front property in Arizona sounds intriguing!... ... ...!

[Longhorn jet]

Hi Paul
All is well here,
Still get to play with airplanes every day so i'm still living the dream.
Never have time to fly online anymore or even flight sim much.

Hope all is well with you and yours,
Best
Greg
Longhorn Jet
Georgetown,Texas,U.S.A.
KGTU

[jrbirdman]

Personally, I feel that they should have tighter restrictions on who can own a firearm. After what I went through, it became very apparent that anyone can get ahold of one. I don't blame anyone for their invention, however, I feel that we have the technology to make sure my incident never happens again. The problem is the cost. If they were to implement a fingerprint scanner on a gun, the cost would be outrageous. I'm also not sure people would want to go through the hassle. I now suffer from PTSD and had these changes been implemented, the outcome may had been different. However, drugs make a person unpredictable so it's hard to say if it would have. Jeremy

[davido53]

I've been a police officer for 30 years and I cannot imagine facing an intruder with a magazine NOT in the pistol.

I don't advise it.

[PhantomTweak]

I've been a police officer for 30 years and I cannot imagine facing an intruder with a magazine NOT in the pistol.

I don't advise it.

I agree 100%. Great way to get one's self killed. All you have is a short metal stick, which is worthless, and should the breaker-inner have a gun, knife, or even the willingness to beat someone to death, you're dead. no matter who you are, or how tough, there is always someone out there that can do it to ya. And they will.
I spent 10 years in the Corps. I've used long guns and sidearms, in many situations. Doesn't bother me too much. Just tools to accomplish my job, is all. I even trained in the techniques of using edged weapons (knives, long and short), although I haven't used one in a real situation yet. I carried a sidearm when I lived in Yuma, and pulled it a few times, and used it too. Again, if it's down to them or me, and in today's world, in any city of any real size any more it's gonna happen, if you aren't willing to defend yourself, you, and your loved ones, are nothing but victims.
Pass more laws! Ummm....criminals don't care what the law says. By definition. They are CRIMINALS! They hope the citizens they face have been disarmed and rendered helpless. Just makes their job easier. So sure, pass more laws, and I'll become a criminal too, I guess. I'd much rather that than a victim.
Anyway, there's my 2cents worth. I feel pretty strongly about all this, but then I dd spend a lot of time during my younger, formative years (18-28) needing weapons to live and do my job.
Pat☺

[jrbirdman]

While I do agree with you Pat, I was simply trying to imply making tighter restrictions all around. You are right that criminals will always find a way. That's inevitable. However, I also believe that there should be something put in place to make it more difficult for them. It will never go away, but if we could make it tougher for them, all the better. I do agree with you so, what I'd like to know is, what do you think would help? I'm interested to hear your thoughts as you made some VERY valid points! Kind regards, Jeremy