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I posted in another thread how I wound up briefly pointing my .45 in my wife's general direction (still on safe, finger outside trigger guard) one night recently when I thought she was a home invader*. Although my point was simply to illustrate the importance of knowing one's target before shooting, several members subsequently offered constructive criticism as to my threat perception being too high.
Although I appreciate the perspectives that have been shared, I can't help but think that if the footsteps in the hallway really had been an intruder, I'd have been praised for being alert and quick enough to protect my family.
So my question is: If you're awakened by noises in your home at night, headed toward you and close enough that you have mere seconds to choose a response, just what *is* an appropriate threat level?
More broadly, what is an appropriate threat level under other "bump in the night" scenarios? Is there ever a time to just yawn and roll over? Should getting the gun ever be one's first thought? When and why?
* Yes, I checked to see if she was still with me before I grabbed the gun. "She" turned out to be the pile of blankets she'd shoved aside when getting out of bed - it's hard to tell the difference when she always sleeps under a blanket factory.
Although I appreciate the perspectives that have been shared, I can't help but think that if the footsteps in the hallway really had been an intruder, I'd have been praised for being alert and quick enough to protect my family.
So my question is: If you're awakened by noises in your home at night, headed toward you and close enough that you have mere seconds to choose a response, just what *is* an appropriate threat level?
More broadly, what is an appropriate threat level under other "bump in the night" scenarios? Is there ever a time to just yawn and roll over? Should getting the gun ever be one's first thought? When and why?
* Yes, I checked to see if she was still with me before I grabbed the gun. "She" turned out to be the pile of blankets she'd shoved aside when getting out of bed - it's hard to tell the difference when she always sleeps under a blanket factory.