It was quite a while ago, but I see the thread still generates some friendly advise! The deal is, guys, the wife and I are older, can't hardly stand up, let alone defend ourselves. Next, is the law enforcement and "protocol" here in the Bam. Sherrif told me, in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS, if they return, in a group, or alone, kill them, they are dangerous men. Now I'm not a violent person, nor do I WANT to shoot someone. Heck, I don't even kill animals! Anyway, I knew the actual LAW, before I spent the money on handguns. I have training, I also have a permit for CCW.
Now what I believe is the problem today is, the crooks feel safer and protected to some degree, by the LACK of a "Castle Doctrine" in most places. Alabama will not prosecute you for defending your property, or your life. In my situation, these guys were already wanted, and they were armed. Now if I would have shot somebody, I'm sure it would have been a harrowing experience, but I'd have done it in a second, if I needed to. I understand that possesions are NOT worth a life. But if someone is in your house, shop, or garage, and you stumble on a punk with a Mac 10, would you just go back in the house? Would you turn your back to the guy and his weapon? I choose to stand my ground, and kill you if you push my hand. JMO jimsjinx