Loaded Firearms In The Home

[Bamban]

I have loaded weapons in the house, the places I make sure I have them are the bathrooms. I sure hate to get caught with my pants literally down and no access to a weapon while some stuff is happening in the house.

 

[lgwatson]

Yesterday, I decided to do some housekeeping and organize the safe as well as update the file I keep which lists all of the firearms I own. During the process, I made a mental note of the firearms I have that were loaded. At the end of the day I noted that I had one rifle and five handguns that were loaded, five of them that were not in my safe. I keep my H&K P2000 40 caliber and my Herstal 5.56 in the bedroom. The other handguns were in the TV room and in my reloading room.

I'm divorced and live alone so there's no issue with safety issues with children, The only time children are an issue is when the grandchildren visit and then I put everything in the safe. The guns are not visual, they are kept in discrete locations. I was just wondering if my having a half dozen loaded firearms around the house is an unusually high number or, if other members followed the same practice as myself.

If you have firearms, and God forbid you have to use them for self defense, you should be a member or have some legal defense coverage. NRA has a program, U.S. Law Shield is another. There are probably several others out there. In most cases, even if it is a clear cut case of self defense, you will be sued, and you could be subjected to a criminal investigation. In either case, you will incur huge legal defense bills.

 

[Bamban]

If you have firearms, and God forbid you have to use them for self defense, you should be a member or have some legal defense coverage. NRA has a program, U.S. Law Shield is another. There are probably several others out there. In most cases, even if it is a clear cut case of self defense, you will be sued, and you could be subjected to a criminal investigation. In either case, you will incur huge legal defense bills.

Good point.

I have a $2M liability umbrella rider on my car insurance. I asked my agent whether I will be covered in case I have to shoot someone in self defense and get sued. She had to defer the question to their lawyers. The short answer was Yes.

 

[nakneker]

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/of...n-the-uscca-today?tID=5a8dd3327af20#sds-chart

More insurance options.

 

[hogpatrol]

Great thread. I learned something about the insurance policies. I wasn't really up to par with them.

 

[bpd459]

Greetings,
I'm not big on weighing in on such threads. All but the last 7 months of my adult life were spent in uniform and carrying firearms. BTDT
The "closet" or "cabinet" gun in your household, is on the exact same level as wearing the seatbelts in your car, or body armor in a bad place.
Things go a lot better when proper tools are available . This, of course must be hand in hand with skill and responsibility.
Take care,
John

 

[AckleymanII]

You need one loaded in the bathroom.

All it takes for Evil to Prosper is for Good Men to stand by and do NOTHING!

Just consider the last school shooting in Florida.

 

[dsculley]

Fortunately I live in a state where open carry is legal. Concealed carry requires a license. No kind of permit is required for a firearm in the home. If I have to use my firearm in my home against an intruder I am in no fear of having to worry about legal charges. I don't think any civil charges would go very far here either. I can't recall ever hearing about any lawsuits made by the perpetrator or their family after a self defense shooting here in Alabama. Even if there is a lawsuit, at least I will still be alive to be sued!

While I carry insurance for things that "May" happen, I don't worry too much about whether they will happen or not. I consider my firearm a type of insurance. While I have tried to educate myself about the laws in my state and prepare myself for what to do in the event that I do have to use my weapon, I will not worry so much about what "may" happen as to prevent me from protecting myself and my family. Preparation is the key. I am familiar with Massad Ayoob's five steps for self protection after a self defense shooting. Being prepared will help alleviate any unexpected developments.

Along the lines of being prepared, I have always told my son that his ears, eyes, brain and feet are his best self defense tools. If you are out and see or hear something that does not seem/feel right, think about it and put your feet in motion! Now, how many of you guys, if you were sitting in a restaurant, had just gotten your meal and saw something that made you think you were in eminent danger such as someone walk in the front door carrying a weapon, how would your wife react is you said "Honey, we need to go!"? Have you prepared for such an event? My wife and I have a code word and if I use it she knows to do whatever I say as I have seen something that makes me uneasy. She will not argue that we have just gotten our food, or that we still need to pay. We can come back and pay later. By getting us both out, we can call for help, then since I have her out I can make the decision whether to go back in. Just food for thought.

 

[onelastshot]

If you have firearms, and God forbid you have to use them for self defense, you should be a member or have some legal defense coverage. NRA has a program, U.S. Law Shield is another. There are probably several others out there. In most cases, even if it is a clear cut case of self defense, you will be sued, and you could be subjected to a criminal investigation. In either case, you will incur huge legal defense bills.

One of the best insurances in minimizing lawsuits is to make certain that if you do choose to use deadly force, you use it effectively. In short, shoot until the threat is stopped. While you don't want to shoot someone retreating, if they are facing you or advancing, don't stop shooting. You are far better off if there is no perp to testify in their defense. It's a lot easier to win a lawsuit if there is no one one the other side to testify.

 

[BountyHunter]

I just put in a 22 inch "Tactical trap" RFID locking gun safe that looks like a shelf. It holds 2 loaded with mags and surefire light.
Cost was $200.

ww.tacticaltraps.com/‎

Now that is on top of the pistol safe I keep in the bedroom. Plus the one I wear every day, either sig 365 with RMSc 8 moa red dot or Kahr 380 when going light. Getting old sucks. To damn old and broken body to waller around with some turd and eyes cannot see the sights like they used to.

Going to get the larger tactical trap too. Just got an FX-9, 9mm AR pistol and it is great, quick and accurate with another red dot and glock 33 rd with 147 HSTs. That is going to be in bedroom also and my "go to" pistol of choice.

Attempted carjacking once (had to make a late night stop in East St Louis for gas one night) and attempted robbery by a knife at a gunfight. No shots fired simply due I did not want the hassle but finger was on the trigger both times. Not afraid to pull the trigger for sure (24 years in SOF), just not worth the hassle. Plus liked seeing the "Oh, shxt look in their eyes!"

 

[perry42]

I have 4 loaded handguns concealed throughout my house ranging from .22 >410 defense load. My alarm system covers all window and doors. Two more loaded pistols are kept in two safes in opposite ends of the house. When away from the house or when minors are present all handguns are locked in my Lincoln safe with the exception of one in a concealed lock box. Lucky me the state of FL has a law granting home owners the "castle doctrine". I have not pursued a concealed carry permit as I need to access two military bases and do not want to have my pistol/rifle confiscated/de-milled if a firearm was discovered in my vehicle. The discussion about having liability coverage has me considering the NRA's coverage. Good posts and thoughtful commentary appreciated.

perry42

 

[Tommie]

And my car has gas in the tank.

 

[Ray B]

It's about probabilities- of the need for immediate use, of the danger of having a weapon fully operational when not in use, and the time element in between safe storage and fire-for-effect. Even in combat zones the normal procedure was to have weapons cleared, magazines at the ready. thus the potential for accidental discharges was greatly reduced but could be readied for firing in a few seconds. Seems to me that this is a good procedure in a home.

 

[jr600yd]

When in doubt empty the magazine. Old Army saying.

 

[ourway77]

When in doubt empty the magazine. Old Army saying.

 

[ourway77]

Be very aware of what you say after a situation an example during a recent robbery attempt a daughter and mother took out a person wilding a shotgun in a attempted robbery the mother fired and hit the perpetrator she further stated he dropped the shotgun and I fired and hitting him again that is where she has now left he self open to a law suit Had she been in Maryland or Delaware she would be charged. Being a retired police officer I am in charge of my loaded fire arm at all times I no longer have any small children and when my grandson is at my home I put it in my safe

 

[Richard Coody]

I have 4 loaded handguns concealed throughout my house ranging from .22 >410 defense load. My alarm system covers all window and doors. Two more loaded pistols are kept in two safes in opposite ends of the house. When away from the house or when minors are present all handguns are locked in my Lincoln safe with the exception of one in a concealed lock box. Lucky me the state of FL has a law granting home owners the "castle doctrine". I have not pursued a concealed carry permit as I need to access two military bases and do not want to have my pistol/rifle confiscated/de-milled if a firearm was discovered in my vehicle. The discussion about having liability coverage has me considering the NRA's coverage. Good posts and thoughtful commentary appreciated.

perry42

if i felt that i needed guns all around my house i would move. hell i don't even lock my door at night and i live in Florida. i have had a pistol toters licence since i was 18 and i am 63 now. never in my life have i ever felt the need to pull a gun. now there have been times that it gave me piece of mind to know it was there. best thing to do is stay out of places where you can expect trouble and leave places when you get that uneasy feeling. there are a lot of dirtbags out there that need killing but the repercussions from that path make it not worth it. maybe it is becausd i am old but i really don't worry about getting in a gunfight or the apocalyptic view of some. now that is not to say i am unprepared. my .45 is usually within arms length, i keep an ar15 with a dozen loaded 30 round mags under my back seat along with some other stuff and my home is well armed. just don't see where i will ever need it like 6months of mountain house food.

 

[BountyHunter]

It's about probabilities- of the need for immediate use, of the danger of having a weapon fully operational when not in use, and the time element in between safe storage and fire-for-effect. Even in combat zones the normal procedure was to have weapons cleared, magazines at the ready. thus the potential for accidental discharges was greatly reduced but could be readied for firing in a few seconds. Seems to me that this is a good procedure in a home.

Depended on who you were with and where. Mine and my guys was always locked and loaded, safety on.

 

[T-shooter]

Fortunately I live in a state where open carry is legal. Concealed carry requires a license. No kind of permit is required for a firearm in the home. If I have to use my firearm in my home against an intruder I am in no fear of having to worry about legal charges. I don't think any civil charges would go very far here either. I can't recall ever hearing about any lawsuits made by the perpetrator or their family after a self defense shooting here in Alabama. Even if there is a lawsuit, at least I will still be alive to be sued!

While I carry insurance for things that "May" happen, I don't worry too much about whether they will happen or not. I consider my firearm a type of insurance. While I have tried to educate myself about the laws in my state and prepare myself for what to do in the event that I do have to use my weapon, I will not worry so much about what "may" happen as to prevent me from protecting myself and my family. Preparation is the key. I am familiar with Massad Ayoob's five steps for self protection after a self defense shooting. Being prepared will help alleviate any unexpected developments.

Along the lines of being prepared, I have always told my son that his ears, eyes, brain and feet are his best self defense tools. If you are out and see or hear something that does not seem/feel right, think about it and put your feet in motion! Now, how many of you guys, if you were sitting in a restaurant, had just gotten your meal and saw something that made you think you were in eminent danger such as someone walk in the front door carrying a weapon, how would your wife react is you said "Honey, we need to go!"? Have you prepared for such an event? My wife and I have a code word and if I use it she knows to do whatever I say as I have seen something that makes me uneasy. She will not argue that we have just gotten our food, or that we still need to pay. We can come back and pay later. By getting us both out, we can call for help, then since I have her out I can make the decision whether to go back in. Just food for thought.

Good ideas. And if in a restaurant sit towards the rear and know where the exits are. If anything happens, go out the back through the kitchen. Same in a store or mall. They all have rear doors and passageways. Many people would try to run out past a shooter because there was a sign that said "Employees Only".

And in your home, run through the drill. Practice while a family member is the home invader and then reverse the rolls. Considering the bad guy may shoot you on site, consider how you would use or not use a light, announce yourself, or try to locate them. I've always considered just laying down a pattern waist high through the wall from the bedroom into the living room and hall. (There is only my wife and me.) No one else has keys or a reason to come in unannounced. I keep electronic earmuffs near the bed and there are lights on the guns. Without hearing protection, you won't be able to hear anything after the first shot. I know which directions I can fire without hitting a neighbor's house and if I have time to think, will shoot waist high and a slight downward angle. Body armor won't save them. Best afterwards to lay on the floor (incase they return fire through the wall) and call 911 and let the police clear the house.

Nothing ever goes as planned and it would be mind numbing scary to wake with someone in the house or standing over you. I keep an under-pillow gun. A .40 caliber Taurus PT100 (with a light) that is chambered but decocked with the safety on. As a last resort I could bring it into action with only one hand while maybe fighting someone off with the other. Maybe I think too much but better than figuring it out in the middle of a crisis.

 

[T-shooter]

You can look at carrying a gun for self protection like wearing a seat belt for protection. I have driven well over 2 million miles in the 50 years I've had my license. Over 1 million logged in large trucks. And I have had a lot of fast street cars and a couple race cars. In all that time there has never been one instance where I needed a seat belt. Just a big waste of time and effort putting it on! Do I still wear one. Absolutely!