[c3shooter]

Ya done good (other than the mistake of being armed with a poorly shaped club). Think I might pass on making any announcements- let the arrival of the local LEOS come as a surprise (I LOVE surprises- don't you, boys and girls?) I REALLY hate having to get the carpet guy in to replace the carpet (those stains just DON'T come out, no matter what Billy Mays said about Oxy-Clean) Going in by myself is not only unneeded and foolish, but ups the odds that I will have to replace carpet. Intruder(s?) may chose to take on one aged homeowner (not yet having learned they chose poorly) but may be less inclined to take on a couple of members in blue, accompanied by Rin-Tin-Tin.

[notdku]

Tough call but can't say I wouldn't do the same even if I was carrying. Not worth the risk to me to sweep the house if you really think someone is inside.

I've swept the house a couple of times from noises I heard that then set the dogs off in the middle of the night though.

[Lindenwood]

Searching and clearing a house is difficult and dangerous. Sending your dog up there is, IMO, careless. Sure, the guy could be not all there and still trying to rifle through your wife's jewelry as the dog charges up behind him. But, he could be not all there and have barricaded himself behind your bed with a shotgun and waited for you (or the dog) to walk into the doorway.

Unless there is something you absolutely have to get (i.e., a loved one), sitting tight and waiting for help is definitely the safest. It sucks to know someone could be loading your TV into a truck while you cower behind your mattress, but it would also suck to be shot by his lookout when you snuck into the living room. The only way I'd even consider it would be if I could somehow flank them, like if I had a way to quietly exit the home frm my bedroom, and sneak around to the entrance they used and ambush them from behind. However, I'd be much more likely to do that if I lived out in the sticks and knew it would take a half hour for the cops to arrive.

[opaww]

I think you made the right choice, except for the yelling, that will let them know the cops are on the way, giving them time to ready how ever they are in a mind too. This could prove life threatning to LEO's who come to clear the house.

I would myself guard the door and if my son is with me he would take the other door until the cops get here

[canebrake]

Make the call and wait for the entertainment to begin.

Clearing your house when returning home is hunting, not personal defense!

[ARnoob]

Thanks for all your input. I really did consider clearing the place by myself for a second, and then realized that it wasn't a good move (especially without ammo in my rifle). I probably should not have yelled that the police were on the way, because what if they charged down the stairs and were armed? And I should leave the TP on the ground from now on...

[Jess]

I would get back in my car....back onto the road...and wait for the trained professionals. NOTHING in my home is worth my life.

[themyst]

There is a lot of B&E in my area. Unfortunately, instead of just breaking in and stealing, they're also getting violent and trashing the homes, too.

I'm not sure what I would do if I came home and knew someone was inside my house. My first instinct would be to sneak in with my pistol drawn because I have small pets to protect (that some punk would love to F with). On the other hand, I don't want a dead teenager on my conscious for the rest of my life. But, I wouldn't want him getting away and slipping out of the house while I wait for the police, either.

I don't see how covering the exits would help any - I'm a woman and most likely couldn't stop a raging teenager or man from desperately trying to get out after being caught ... I don't think it would be proper to stand at the exit with my gun trained on him because 'I shot him when he attempted to escape' probably wouldn't go over well, and I wouldn't pull my gun without intending to use it.

I suppose just taking your chances with the police and possibly letting the perpetrator get away is the politically correct answer here?

[laynejc]

After thinking of what I would do, I have decided that since I do not have a high security safe, just a sheet metal cabinet, I would have to call the national guard and get back a few hundred yards. The idea of my own firearms being used against me is unsettling, my next investment is a gun safe.

[c3shooter]

letting the perpetrator get away is the politically correct answer here?

Don't recall seeing that here. DO recall saying (and seeing) get help when time permits. Even a trained, well equipped LEO will be looking for a backup when trying to clear a building. Strength in numbers. AKA "Fools rush in- experience takes up a good barricade firing position".

Now, my lady or my kids are in there? Would make Jean Claude look like a wuss. My stereo is in there? That can wait.