Weapon Forums

oppo

I think we can all agree that the ideal situation during a burglary would be to get behind cover with a rifle or shotgun aimed at the bedroom door. Unfortunately, that is not always an option, especially with kids in the house so I think it would be beneficial to discuss the topic and hopefully help each other avoid some potentialy fatal mistakes.

Have you ever cleared the house during a real burglary or false alarm?
If so, what did you learn from the experience?

I have had one false alarm that fortunately turned out to only be a cat in the garage.

The main thing I learned from the experience is that my biggest liability is my wife's big mouth. We had a serious discussion afterwards because if there had actually been an intruder in the house, they would have known exactly where we were and that I was armed. She also prevented me from being able to hear where the potential intruder was. In other words, if there was an armed intruder in the house, I would have been a sitting duck and might as well have been wearing a bullseye the moment I came out of the bedroom. Hopefully, if there is a next time, she will keep her mouth shut so that, hopefully, I will be able to figure out where the intruder is before they figure out where I am. I am already at the dissadvantage of having to identify my target whereas an intruder does not.

kwo51

Let the dog do it.

oppo

I agree that the right dog can be an asset. If I still had my Rott, I would let him lead the way. He kept my atv and my neighbor's truck from being stolen as well as my grandparent's house from being broken into. He even broke up a fight at another neighbor's. He would definitely let me know if there was an actual intruder there or not and he was very capable of doing something about if there was. Unfortunately, my lab has never met a stranger and the little dogs wouldn't even get their worthless little butts up.

kwo51

Try sneaking up on the dogs one night. You might be surprised. My kids lived in our house that was a split plan,all five of us in 4 bed rooms. My wife and I on one end of the house and kids on the other. All rooms had windows so my clearing would be from outside through window. Planning is the first step. Now they clear for me.

oppo

I have, plenty of times. The pug will bark during the day but at night, she is too lazy and doesn't care. The lab just loves everybody. I don't know if I have ever heard the chihuahua bark and if anything, she would just hide under the bed.

Mockstar

Only had to clear my house once due to suspicion. The wife, kids and I had come back home at night from an all day outing. Upon getting closer to the house I notice my youngest sons bedroom light was on upstairs. Normally we are pretty good at turning everything off before we leave, so I didn't remember if we left it on or not.

Main entry points are a rear patio door, and the front door and garage door on same side of the house. 3 ground level windows out front, and only second story windows in the rear. If the HEMI with flowmaster coming up the road didn't notify them of impending doom, the opening garage door would have.

I parked the truck with High beams engaged about 50' from the garage door as I pushed the automatic opener. Told the family to stay in the truck till I came back out. I went thru the garage door, and the dog greeted me as usual, but I still cleared the main level rooms first then proceeded upstairs. Lighted bedroom was first and clear........as were the rest. Turned out be a false alarm, but it's something I had never really thought about before. Stress level wasn't too high, but still enough to get the heart racing.

RangerDanger

Things to think about

You have home court advantage.
Identify targets before engaging.
Keep moving (if you do stop do it in a spot where you have cover).
Never stop or pause in front of doors/windows.
Never stick a barrel through a window or door unless you intend on entering.
Have a plan laid out where you can clear from one end to the other without skipping any areas.
I prefer no flashlight (gives away position).

I'll think of more

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Sua Sponte

oppo

I completely agree on the flashlight right up until you find someone. Then, the flashlight could prevent a tragedy.

My plan has always been to listen and hopefully identify where the intruder is before exiting the bedroom.

I have also told the kids to go ahead and turn the light on if they get up during the night and to say their name if they hear anything.

Silver-Bolt

Pre-plan a search pattern so you do not miss an area. Do more than just look into a room. Search all potential hiding areas. If you have other family members/friendlies in the house try to gather them into one location. Practice with your kids on what they should do in the event of an intruder. Look, listen, and feel as you search. Do you see anything out of place? Do you hear anything? Do you feel a draft of an open door/window? Have a plan and practice it. You don't want your first time to be a live run.

MrMarty51

If using a pistol.
Do not hold the pistol out in front of You, hold that pistol, firmly tucked against Your side with Your shooting hand.
Use the other arm/hand, as a shield, like You are going to block a punch, that way, if there is someone hiding in a close quarters situation, they can not just reach out and grab Your firearm, spin it around and use it on You, and, if they do reach, You have that free arm to block them off.
Practice, in the dark, moving around Your house, get to know each and every step, where the creaking boards are or that uneven spot that could cause You to make a mis-step that could give away Your position, oil them creaking doors of Your bedroom, if You sleep with them closed, silence and stealth.

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