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An armed burglar will likely have his piece concealed. After all, he didn't want to be seen with it before he entered my house. Once he's searching for stuff to take, he'll want to have his hands free. So his pistol will probably be in a holster or pocket. If he's got it out, it means he's alerted to my presence, and is willing to use his weapon, which is all the more reason for me to shoot immediately.

So I'm thinking about the case where I don't see a gun, but he may well have one. I don't think I'm ready to shoot immediately in that case, as long as he doesn't make any threatening moves, and complies with my commands.

Every instinct I have is going to be to focus on him, watching intently for any sign of a threat. But this is going to make me vulnerable to his accomplice(s). I'm appreciating the importance of quickly moving to the position that offers the best possible cover, and allows me to face any doors. And then I'll need maintain a fast scan, watching both his hands and any directions from which another threat could come. Then while maintaining this condition, I'll have to call for help, and instruct family members. It won't be easy.

Speaking of family members, what should they plan to do? My adult daughters have a 38 and know how to use it. Should I tell them to retreat to a safe room, arm themselves, and call for help? Or should they come try to help me? What about the wife and other daughters?
Scott

A man comes home to find an intruder rummaging for stuff to steal. He holds him at gunpoint. But the BG's buddy, who had been upstairs, comes in and takes a shot. The first BG then goes on a rampage and kills all seven family members.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/06/06/indian ... index.html

If the first BG had a weapon visible, should the homeowner have shot him without warning, and then assumed a defensive position while clearing for others? What if he didn't have a visible weapon? Could he have found a position with better cover while attempting to hold the first BG? Could other family members have armed themselves, and contributed? I'm reminded that "wolves run in packs."

I'll be thinking about this for a while. I may need to discuss it with my family.

Scott