Originally Posted by Plan9

Brodawg, I'm not pick apart your posts specifically, I'm engaging in discussion on a discussion forum. You posted something I want to talk about.

Rules for defending yourself in your own home:

A - Identify the target.
Your first home defense purchase should be a bright flashlight, preferably a Surefire or equiv. Keep it by your bed. Check the batteries often.
B - Decide on a course of action.
Some advocate identifying the target and offering an ultimatum, "Get out or I'll shoot." Some advocate just blasting the burglar.
C - If you have to shoot, you shoot to kill.
"Yes, officer, I was afraid for my life." Don't attempt to wound somebody. If they survive, they may still try to kill you.

I can see the utility of using birdshot or "less than lethal" rounds (this topic has been back-'n-forthed on the Web for a decade), but my attitude on less lethal has changed in the last year. I have "less than lethal" rubber buckshot available, but all of my shotguns are loaded with Federal 00B.

I would never advocate using a hand to hand weapon for home defense. It's asinine. You lose every tactical advantage (distance, accuracy, lethality).

Anybody that says they're defending their home with a medieval weapon deserves a double tap.