Home Invasion - what to do

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September 16, 2026, 04:41 PM

AzMikeCFD102

Home Invasion - what to do

Participated in an AR fundamentals class yesterday. One young woman was a beginner to firearms in general. It was very exciting seeing how much effort and enthusiasm she exhibited. In the after range setting both instructors claimed it is best when you are faced with a home invasion to leave your home. Even if you are armed.. the home and contents are insured. Run out of your home, let the bad guys alone.. thoughts?

MAGA

NRA
Gun Owners of America

September 16, 2026, 04:45 PM

flesheatingvirus

Since there are 3 other people, including 2 kids and 2 dogs, in my home, running is likely not the best option for me.

________________________________________

-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --

September 16, 2026, 04:51 PM

parabellum

Identify choke points in your home and defend one if possible. Know the difference between cover and concealment.

September 16, 2026, 04:51 PM

am94pm

Yeah probably not going to happen in my home! Like flesheatingvirus said, other people and animals in my home!

Also house layout would potentially put me face to face with invaders upon trying to flee.

September 16, 2026, 04:54 PM

chellim1

I have guns hidden in several areas of my home. I'm prepared to use them, if necessary.
I'm not opposed to the idea of leaving, but given where the entrances are and the layout I would think confrontation is likely.

"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible."
-- Justice Janice Rogers Brown

"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth."
-rduckwor

September 16, 2026, 04:59 PM

AzMikeCFD102

I was shocked they would make a statement like that. Thanks for the replies. Im on the same page as Para. On the Chicago Fire Dept we are taught to do a mental check list.. One is Size Up the situation, #2 call for help.. wont bore you with the other details. Choke points, take cover, call for help.. Its my castle, I know my home and its settings they are the intruders.

MAGA

NRA
Gun Owners of America

September 16, 2026, 05:00 PM

P220 Smudge

Obviously the best way to win a gunfight is to not have one in the first place, and nobody wants that in their home. Sounds like solid, low-liability advice. Is it practical? Not in all scenarios.

______________________________________________
"If the truth shall kill them, let them die.”

"A man who does not read has no appreciable advantage over a man who cannot read."

September 16, 2026, 05:06 PM

jmtgsx

quote:
Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
Sounds like solid, low-liability advice.

I think they were covering hiney. Followed by a Ymmv.

September 16, 2026, 05:08 PM

rizzle

If the invaders are stoned out of their minds, they are not going to feel any pain and will continue.
If they come at you with vests on, best bet would be a 50cal desert eagle or a serious shot gun.
It's a Monday morning quarterback kinda thing, each one will be different.
Best to avoid and get out if possible, if not, have some serious firepower.

September 16, 2026, 05:09 PM

newtoSig765

quote:
Originally posted by AzMikeCFD102:
...the home and contents are insured...

True to an extent, but is that a reason to surrender it to thugs and savages? I have some books, not worth much, but autographed by the authors, most of them dead now. Will insurance cover replacement cost of furniture, firearms, whatever? Or a depreciated and disputed value?

Most importantly, what right does some home invader have to intimidate me in the first place???

Jeff Cooper said the best cure for crime is a dead criminal, preferably at the scene of the crime.

--------------------------
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
-- H L Mencken

I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is.
-- JALLEN 10/18/18

September 16, 2026, 05:15 PM

ffips

The instructors provided the "safest" answer for a broad group of participants and unknown environments.

Each scenario needs evaluated by the actual participant(s), their environment, knowledge level, and risk tolerance before an answer can be provided.

September 16, 2026, 05:18 PM

a1abdj

quote:
The instructors provided the "safest" answer for a broad group of participants and unknown environments.

I'd disagree.

You know what's in your house. What's waiting outside?

Same reason that I believe school should not evacuate the building on a fire alarm absent a visual confirmation and a code word sent across the PA.

________________________

www.zykansafe.com

September 16, 2026, 05:22 PM

cslinger

It’s good advice if it can be acted upon. Even assuming a completely one sided violent encounter in your favor that is morally and legally justified, you are still likely in for a shit show of epic proportions.

Should there be retreat laws? Absolutely not. The situation dictates the response and things happen far faster than most folks think. Is it probably prudent to avoid violence whenever possible, yeah probably.

Take Care, Shoot Safe,
Chris

September 16, 2026, 05:39 PM

fischtown7

quote:
Originally posted by a1abdj:
quote:
The instructors provided the "safest" answer for a broad group of participants and unknown environments.

I'd disagree.

You know what's in your house. What's waiting outside?

Same reason that I believe school should not evacuate the building on a fire alarm absent a visual confirmation and a code word sent across the PA.

Exactly what I thought "What's waiting outside!"

September 16, 2026, 05:41 PM

mark60

I'm not necessarily against avoidance but first I have to have a way out and second I have to be comfortable that nobody's outside waiting to kill my wife as I shove her out.
I expect it would be nighttime so my plan is to stay in the bedroom, call 911, and keep the shotgun and light trained on the door. If the door doesn't open there won't be any loud noises, if it does, there will be a mess.

September 16, 2026, 05:48 PM

P250UA5

3 kids between me & the front door. I'm moving forward to cover them, well ahead of any retreat.

The Enemy's gate is down.

September 16, 2026, 05:48 PM

chbibc

In my house a home invasion is most likely to occur at night when we are upstairs, asleep. Evacuation will probably not be the best option.

My wife and I have trained for such an event with her calling 911 and me arming us both. Without knowing exactly what's going on downstairs it will probably be best to stay upstairs.

We've also hardened our home.

It's a scenario I hope never to face, but am prepared as best I can if it ever does.

-----------------------
You can't fall off the floor.

September 16, 2026, 05:49 PM

jljones

Leaving your home is probably the dumbest general advice ever.

I’m guessing the instructors had very little practical experience. Because it’s a low experience piece of advice.

________________
People hate you. Train like it.

September 16, 2026, 06:03 PM

John Steed

quote:
Originally posted by fischtown7:
quote:
Originally posted by a1abdj:
quote:
The instructors provided the "safest" answer for a broad group of participants and unknown environments.

I'd disagree.

You know what's in your house. What's waiting outside?

Same reason that I believe school should not evacuate the building on a fire alarm absent a visual confirmation and a code word sent across the PA.

Exactly what I thought "What's waiting outside!"

Same here. Thug(s) hiding in the shadows while I am exposed and vulnerable? No thanks.