Interesting mock trial study on use of an AR15 for home defense
- Thread starter David Milisock
- Start date
Lawyers are all about crafting perspective/appearance.
If you have a handgun, AR, tactical shotgun, that looks overly intimidating, and is decked out with all kinds of gadgets, it will be easier to instill the perception of the homeowner being the aggressor rather than the victim. Even if it isn't accessorized, these firearms still carry a stigma due to the media and everyone is affected by that to some degree.
If you have an old pump shotgun, it is just as effective and it is harder for them to flip the perception of responsibility. Real life isn't a TV show or a movie. If you have the luxury of some time, racking a pump shotgun is an attention getter and is a very distinct sound. Looking down the barrel of one is also quite intimidating. And if that isn't enough, it is hard to miss at close range.
Common sense based on where you live should play a big part in deciding what to have on hand. So many factors to consider, to include how likely it is to actually happen.
Not a bad idea to consider what rounds you use as well.
-Probably a bad look to a jury to use hand loads.
-Using ammo that has words like "lethal, extreme, terminal performance, zombie," etc. will likely paint a negative picture to many jurors.
-Descriptions like "defense, defensive" are better. In fact, the words defend/protect should roll out of your mouth with every statement if found in this position.
People make choices as to what their lives can handle. If you throw all 'caution to the wind' over nothing more than personal feelings, then don't cry over the results.
If you have a handgun, AR, tactical shotgun, that looks overly intimidating, and is decked out with all kinds of gadgets, it will be easier to instill the perception of the homeowner being the aggressor rather than the victim. Even if it isn't accessorized, these firearms still carry a stigma due to the media and everyone is affected by that to some degree.
If you have an old pump shotgun, it is just as effective and it is harder for them to flip the perception of responsibility. Real life isn't a TV show or a movie. If you have the luxury of some time, racking a pump shotgun is an attention getter and is a very distinct sound. Looking down the barrel of one is also quite intimidating. And if that isn't enough, it is hard to miss at close range.
Common sense based on where you live should play a big part in deciding what to have on hand. So many factors to consider, to include how likely it is to actually happen.
Not a bad idea to consider what rounds you use as well.
-Probably a bad look to a jury to use hand loads.
-Using ammo that has words like "lethal, extreme, terminal performance, zombie," etc. will likely paint a negative picture to many jurors.
-Descriptions like "defense, defensive" are better. In fact, the words defend/protect should roll out of your mouth with every statement if found in this position.
People make choices as to what their lives can handle. If you throw all 'caution to the wind' over nothing more than personal feelings, then don't cry over the results.
Makes one wonder, if Mini-14 is better, how about an M1 Carbine? With suitable ammo of course.
I have AR15s but they are not staged for home defense, they are stored in the safe at all times. This is decided upon for other reasons, not because of possible legal ramifications. For home defense it just so happens I rely on the same handgun our State Patrol issues, shooting the same ammo. Not by design, that's just what came to be. A benefit might be this could be a factor in my favor in any legal defense.
I've always cringed at that ammo named "R.I.P."
And, said handgun is ALWAYS with me. It's never home alone. It's my CCW too. It goes where I go. Only exception is if I'm in bear country, it and it's companion pepper spray (Sabre Red) gets locked up and in their place is a 44 Mag and bear spray.
I have AR15s but they are not staged for home defense, they are stored in the safe at all times. This is decided upon for other reasons, not because of possible legal ramifications. For home defense it just so happens I rely on the same handgun our State Patrol issues, shooting the same ammo. Not by design, that's just what came to be. A benefit might be this could be a factor in my favor in any legal defense.
I've always cringed at that ammo named "R.I.P."
And, said handgun is ALWAYS with me. It's never home alone. It's my CCW too. It goes where I go. Only exception is if I'm in bear country, it and it's companion pepper spray (Sabre Red) gets locked up and in their place is a 44 Mag and bear spray.
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Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Your screwed in any blue state, no matter what ammo you SAVE YOUR(or others) LIFE WITH, because criminals have more rights than you.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
Here in Oregon, if things go bad with the latest pending gun law, any firearm with a detachable mag will be illegal. AND any firearm capable of more than ten rounds capacity. 
We may be the first state where you see otherwise law abiding citizens dragged off to the penitentiary for possessing something that is legal in every other state. jd
We may be the first state where you see otherwise law abiding citizens dragged off to the penitentiary for possessing something that is legal in every other state. jd
I think New York beats you.
If they can get any definition for anything I’m probably guilty of having a deadly asphalt driveway.
Probably do another 10 for the gas stove.
I think that New Jersey is or has closed the gap.
Yeah, 12 people too stupid to get off jury duty.
Although now they’ve made it nearly impossible to not go so now it’s 12 people with some attitude.
One Eye Pete
Gold $$ Contributor
As far as what is best to use for home defense there are a lot of factors that go into the equation.
One is where you live. I live in a fairly pro gun state that subscribes to the castle doctrine. However, I live in a suburban neighborhood where the houses are fairly close together. I do not use an AR-15 or a mini-14 for defense not because of what a jury might think but because it is all too easy for that bullet to exit the wall of my house and end up god knows where, hopefully not in my neighbors house. My first choice is my shotgun and my second is my 380acp carry gun.
I agree with RKS above and I pray to the Good Lord that if I ever pick up my shotgun to defend against a home intruder that the sound of the breech closing will scare them off before I ever have to pull the trigger.
One is where you live. I live in a fairly pro gun state that subscribes to the castle doctrine. However, I live in a suburban neighborhood where the houses are fairly close together. I do not use an AR-15 or a mini-14 for defense not because of what a jury might think but because it is all too easy for that bullet to exit the wall of my house and end up god knows where, hopefully not in my neighbors house. My first choice is my shotgun and my second is my 380acp carry gun.
I agree with RKS above and I pray to the Good Lord that if I ever pick up my shotgun to defend against a home intruder that the sound of the breech closing will scare them off before I ever have to pull the trigger.
D-4297
Gold $$ Contributor
As another member has said ; I carry , and / or it is next to me in the drawer of the nightstand when I'm sleeping . The load is the same round as carried by the D.P.S. , or is a identical hand load , with the same bullet from the same manufacturer . If that ammo is "acceptable" for use by the State D.P.S. , then it will be difficult for any Lawyer to make it un-acceptable for use by anyone else . All that being said , I want to express a opinion to every member who reads this following :
I do not ; and will not pull a handgun from the holster , until , and when I have arrived at the point of deciding my life , or someone else's life is in danger ! But once that decision is made , and you withdraw that weapon , you should never hesitate to aim , and shoot , without hesitation . You have already committed to using deadly force when you drew the weapon ! It's not for making a threat to the "Bad Guy". So if you aren't ready to do that . Then Don't pull it !
I do not ; and will not pull a handgun from the holster , until , and when I have arrived at the point of deciding my life , or someone else's life is in danger ! But once that decision is made , and you withdraw that weapon , you should never hesitate to aim , and shoot , without hesitation . You have already committed to using deadly force when you drew the weapon ! It's not for making a threat to the "Bad Guy". So if you aren't ready to do that . Then Don't pull it !
RCE1
Gold $$ Contributor
Your driveway is a petroleum product promoting global warming. Shame on you...LOL
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
From what I hear, this new law would be the most restrictive in the US. It doesn't even provide a means with which to legally purchase (or sell) a firearm.
I should prolly start another thread with details to drum up support for the legal battle that is coming down the pike. jd
Most of those citations are from studies/papers written in the late 90s to early 2000s. I wonder if the national coverage of clintons assault weapons ban held any bearing on those people involved in the studies.
Ar15 rifles are in more gun cabinets now than they were in the 90s. Now theyre also afield in many hunting scenarios. Theyve become way more common place.
Not long ago we watched one of the most controversial court cases involving an ar15 playout on tv. Kyle Rittenhouse had the dech stacked against him. The media portrayed him as looking to kill using a weapon of war and a prosecutor who had no problem trying to mislead a jury. Social media ran smear campaigns on him. The media intentionally edited videos to make him look guilty and played the victim card for the guys who were shot. However, he walked out a free man. Im not saying thats gonna be the case for everybody. There are too many variables.
I'll worry about jail after my wife and kids are safe. Whatever legal advantage thats available to me I will use.
Ar15 rifles are in more gun cabinets now than they were in the 90s. Now theyre also afield in many hunting scenarios. Theyve become way more common place.
Not long ago we watched one of the most controversial court cases involving an ar15 playout on tv. Kyle Rittenhouse had the dech stacked against him. The media portrayed him as looking to kill using a weapon of war and a prosecutor who had no problem trying to mislead a jury. Social media ran smear campaigns on him. The media intentionally edited videos to make him look guilty and played the victim card for the guys who were shot. However, he walked out a free man. Im not saying thats gonna be the case for everybody. There are too many variables.
I'll worry about jail after my wife and kids are safe. Whatever legal advantage thats available to me I will use.
jackieschmidt
Gold $$ Contributor
Just to be on the safe side, I guess I need to paint this thing pink.
bluealtered
Silver $$ Contributor
Using a AR15 to guard your home has never been a good idea unless you want to kill everyone on the other side of your target. The only plus it has is the scary look of it as far as home defense goes.
If you can't think of a better way to protect your family than that, then you might be better off with a baseball bat or bear trap. Try thinking of something that only removes the trash, not those living close to you as well.
If you can't think of a better way to protect your family than that, then you might be better off with a baseball bat or bear trap. Try thinking of something that only removes the trash, not those living close to you as well.
In NY it is not just the 2nd amendment that’s done away with, there’s a few others also.
Is there a high capacity fuel tankl?
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