Quote:
Originally Posted by Kerbouchard
There are a lot of people who are still alive today because they took action when they sensed something was wrong. With your situation where you have 2 or more people in the house and you come in at different times of the night, it is paramount that you identify your target before you fire.
In your second story, where the wife was 'due to be home soon', I don't know how many times my wife has changed her plans and been home when I did not expect it. 99% of the time there is going to be normal explanation for any abnormal noise you hear. You have to balance it so you are ready for that 1% and do not cause a tragedy during the other 99% of the time.
I would not call you paranoid. I would call you prepared, and maybe a little anxious with a wife and new son to protect. Instinctively coming to a crouch/low ready is nothing to be concerned or worried about.
On the other hand, if by instinct you came to low ready, took safety off, and had your finger on the trigger, then that could easily result in a tragedy.
Being prepared is not being paranoid, and even if it was, paranoid people are right some of the time.
Stay safe out there!
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+1
Let me emphasize that other people live in the house and there is the potential for a serious (deadly) accident if you "jump the gun" and react before you are
100% sure of your target and
ensure that it is a potential BG. Make sure your wife is aware of your reaction to strange noises as well. You need to work out a routine or scenario that you both follow to the letter to avoid accidents if she returns home after you or wakes and finds you're not in the bed at 2 A.M. When your child and/or children are older you'll need to do the same with them.
One other thing, make sure your wife informs anyone that may come home with her at night (like a friend or relative) that they are not to wander your house alone until you are home and you know they are there. It would be a sad day - and not do much for your marriage or standing with the local police either, I'd bet - if you drew down on a member of her family or your wife's best friend because you didn't know they came home with her to see she got home safely... and got shot for their effort.
