In general, you need to fear for your life and you need to be sure you try to back up and try to avoid shooting the perp. This varies from state to state. In some states you do not need to retreat, but for your own good you should try to retreat before using deadly force. If it ever goes to a lawsuit it can greatly improve your position.
Also don’t use target loads in a defensive gun. Be sure to use hollow points they are safer and more effective.
F the law, protect yourself.
Some good advice here, some bad. You need to study the subject well and take a CCW class with a reputable instructor, even if you don’t intend to carry outside the home. You will get an introduction to the self-defense laws of your state. In general, the law in all states allows some degree for a person to use deadly force (not just firearms either) to protect themselves or another party from imminent grave bodily injury or death. The force is allowed based on the current level of threat...current as in the moment, not last week. Once the threat (not the living being) no longer exists, the ability to apply deadly force legally no longer exists. And the laws are not always identical between home, auto, work and public. Always be prepared for two battles. The first for your life. The second for your freedom.
In all cases, if a reasonable man would be CERTAIN he was going to die, he can use deadly force.
It gets trickier depending on the laws, and especially on the composition of the jury pool, as your level of certainty of death goes down.
Do you have a group of rioters who look like they are about to administer a serious beating to you or a loved one? One which may leave you hospitalized, crippled, or perhaps dead? You may fire, and your decision may be second guessed by the prosecutor, as to why you killed “an unarmed man”, and your legal costs might leave you bankrupt. Personally, I would shoot rather than take a beating, but I’m old and brittle.
Buy some time with a local lawyer to chat. It would be a good investment.
In New York State, when we had our yearly weapons training, the law said that if you had an avenue of egress, you must leave the premises without using deadly physical force. If you were blocked and unable to leave, and felt your life was in danger, then you could use deadly, physical force. An acquaintance many years ago was married to a domestic abuser. She got a restraining order on him, but he would still show up at the home. She’d call the cops, they’d come and tell him to leave. He’d come back. They told her that if she ever shot him, to make sure she dragged his dead body into the house before calling the police. Fortunately she never had to do that.
Here is a good starting point: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_United_States_by_state
Do you often seek legal advice, electrical problem solutions or marriage counseling on line from folks you do not know?
Thought not.
Go to a qualified self protection in /outside the home (NRA.org), pay for a course of instruction, get a proper firearm(s) and commence to train, practice and improve your skills, knowledge and ability to defend you and yours.
The best advice you’re likely to receive on any forum.
Regards
This is a start in your research,
I highly recommend you search bonefide legal sites and state law sites for more details. Do not rely on some dude’s blog.
https://www.stowelawfirmnc.com/when-is-self-defense-actually-self-defense-in-nc/
However, this would most likely be effective:
https://youtu.be/zUpI4ysglAU
If someone is banging on the door, I would not shoot through the door since there may be innocents on the other side. YMMV
In MA, you have a duty to retreat.
Someone taking a TV out of your home? Can’t shoot.
Someone entering your home and coming after you, you have to prove that there was nowhere for you to go.
Although...some guy just got acquitted for shooting a guy kicking in his door. So, there is hope.
But yeah, in MA you better be sure that you are not saving your life, just to spend the rest of it in prison.
You should be comfortable with your gun so if a time of crisis arrives you muscle memory does half the job for you.
I would also add that if you are not practiced in the handling and use of your firearm you are putting YOUR life in danger.
Get it out. Practice. Be proficient.
Or lock it up and come back with another plan.
Yes, each state makes their own laws.
New York is different from Texas.
Also, I don’t think you would do this but don’t kid yourself thinking you can chase a suspicious person down and make a citizen’s arrest using a gun.
He just might call your bluff and then you end up having to shoot him, and your life would never be the same, and his life just ended if that matters.
Your state is probably like mine, generally. Enjoy your guns and stuff, but defense only. Oh yeah hunting and stuff too, if you’re into it.
“Lawful use of force” Class is what you need. Take it in person fir the best interaction. Depending on the State, it may be a class separate from the concealed carry class. Its a good habit to take the courses in each state that you live, as each location is different.
I don’t know about NC. Why don’t you take 20 minutes to Google the gun laws in your state and end your ignorance. Maybe drag yourself to the gun range and practice so you actually know what to do with your gun if intruders appear at your home.
You don’t have a right to shoot anyone. You have a right to defend your life.