Originally Posted by
Altair
I'm sorry to hear about your repeat home invasion problems and I want to first say I'm glad you're ok. I may be a cop but you certainly have more experience as the victim of home invasion than I do. I frequently speak to victims of home invasion, but I've never had it happen to me.
I take your point about time necessary to prepare. That is why most LE shootings are with handguns, not long guns. The whole idea behind a handgun is the ease of carry and portability that make it accessible 100% of the time. In no way did I suggest not using a handgun, I just meant that when given the option I would always choose a rifle.
Interestingly enough, if someone were to break into my home during the day I would likely only have a handgun as I carry one on my person and I would be relatively close the the likely entry points. If they break in at night I'm far more likely to have a rifle (with a good weapon light and optic BTW) as I keep one ready by my bed and my bedroom is not spacially close to the likely entry points.
As suggested, I have also hardened my home against intruders. Unfortunately it is becoming a more common threat for criminals to attempt to attack LEO's at their homes off duty. I take my family's safety very seriously. My wife wouldn't let me put bars on the windows (yes, I asked) but things like alarms, high security locks, re-inforced door frames, and entry resistant window film were ok. Just some things to think about, especially in your situation.
One last thing, can someone post a link to the Tuscon shooting referenced above?