[Rhodes22-list] Prosecuted homeowner blasts officials

[Robert Skinner]

Saroj wrote:
> I'm with you on this one...
> For myself, I'm planning to learn to shoot
> a hand gun, rifle and shotgun...

May I offer a few words of advice?

I'd start with a pump scatter gun with the 
shortest legal barrel and pistol grip rather 
than shoulder stock.

Reasons?

If you use a pump, the sound of the action is 
     generally enough to clear the area.

The configuration of short barrel and pistol
     grip looks quite ready for serious close
     action business...

The sight of a big hole in the end of a weapon
     tends to reduce the chance of an argument.

Shotguns (esp. short barrel) make a BIG noise.
     Your warning shot cannot be mistaken for
     a welcome.  And other than some damage to
     wallboard and siding, it is a cheap way 
     to prevent legal consequences.

These factors may (hopefully) result in a
     bloodless and rapid retreat of the intruder,
     and no problems with paperwork and 
     bureaucrats after the fact.
     
Otherwise:

Shotgun requires least accuracy under pressure.
     The decision to cause massive injury or 
     death in another human is stressful, if 
     not paralyzing.  Anyone would tend to be 
     up tight defending their home.

Small to medium size shot generally doesn't
     penetrate walls and injure neighbors, etc.
     Minimal collateral damage is a good thing.

If you have trouble with the recoil from a 12
     gauge, a 16 or 20 gauge also works.  But
     generally, the bigger, the better -- more
     noise, bigger hole, and more pellets.

In any case, congratulations on your decision to
undertake a citizen's responsibility to learn how
to exercise your rights.

Very respectfully,
Robert Skinner