If SHTF, Could You and Would You Shoot Someone?

Backdoor Survival ^ | Survivalwoman

[djf]

For most of us, our home is our refuge. There is even an old proverb: a man’s home is his castle. But what happens if there is an intruder? Or worse, an intruder whose intent is bodily harm toward you or your family members regardless of the reason? How would you defend yourself and, more specifically, would you shoot someone? Could you shoot someone?

I have struggled with the answer to these questions and more, because, if there were a collapse of society – a true SHTF situation – there is a strong likelihood that I would be placed in a position to defend myself, my homestead and my stuff. And therein lies the problem. I am not at all sure I could shoot someone. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure I could not.

There, I said it. For in spite of the fact that we have shopped for a suitable weapon for someone of my size and gender, and in spite of the fact I have researched classes and shooting ranges where I could practice and become proficient, I personally do not think I could not do it.

And you know what? My informal poll of others – both men and women – has told me that about 50% of us – if we dig down deep – feel the same way. I could not shoot with the intent to harm.

Sure, I know that shooting someone is not the question. The question really is “Can you safely defend yourself and your family against a life threatening situation or attack?” And if the answer is “I don’t know” or even “No”, then you have a problem. I know I do.

From the way I see it, we have three basic issues:

What are the circumstances where we should use extreme force to defend ourselves? Will I end up in jail or prison for exercising my right to defend myself and my family? How do I defend myself especially if I am uncomfortable around guns?

What are the circumstances where we should use extreme force to defend ourselves?

In my mind, you are justified in using force – lethal or otherwise – against another human being if, and only if, there is immediate and unavoidable danger of death or grave bodily harm to an innocent person. So by my definition, someone stealing my stuff does not qualify. Neither would revenge for something that happened yesterday.

Breaking this down, this means that the threat would have to be now, not yesterday and not tomorrow. “I am going to come and get you tomorrow” would not qualify by my definition.

Will I end up in jail or prison for exercising my right to defend myself and my family?

Good question. The answer is maybe. There is something called the Castle Doctrine that dictates, on a state by state basis, the circumstances where you can legally defend yourself from bodily harm. Notice that I said bodily harm and not destruction or theft of property.

Castle doctrine derives from English Common Law, and broadly affirms that the lawful occupants of a dwelling has the right to use force, up to and including deadly force, to protect against attack. Depending on individual state law, Castle Doctrine generally applies only if you have a “reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm” to yourself or to others.

Like I said, Castle Doctrine varies from state to state and some states have something called “Stand Your Ground” instead. Still, as a generalization, protections offered include the following:

Reinforced right to use deadly force: You have the right to use deadly force if you have an immediate and reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily harm. In some cases, the “reasonable fear” is presumed if someone attempts to make a forcible and unlawful entry into your residence or, in some states, vehicle.

No duty to retreat: The laws generally reinforce your right to “stand your ground” when attacked, rather than having to attempt to flee, provided you reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury and provided you are lawfully in the place you occupy.

Immunity from criminal prosecution: In cases of justifiable use of deadly force, police or other law enforcement authorities may generally investigate but not arrest you unless they find probable cause that the force used was unlawful.

Immunity from civil action: In cases of justifiable use of deadly force, a plaintiff (e.g. the family of the perpetrator) is barred from civil action and may be required to pay attorney’s fees and court costs from bringing such action against you.

How do I defend myself especially if I am uncomfortable around guns?

Okay, here are the choices that I have come up with in no particular order:

Chemical Sprays (pepper spray , bear spray, wasp killer) Martial arts Firearms (shotgun, rifle, pistol) Battering devices (batons, fireplace pokers, baseball bats) Stun Guns If SHTF, Could You and Would You Shoot Someone? Knives Avoidance (hiding, running away)

6205322443 31d7429d25 If SHTF, Could You and Would You Shoot Someone?I do want to note that most self defense instructors will say that avoiding, or running away or even hiding from the danger or confrontation is by far the best thing to do. Unfortunately, that may not always be a viable and safe option.

For me, having a combination of these self-defense mechanisms is best. This will allow both Survival Husband and myself to choose the very best option particular to the threat and our personal comfort lever (again “to shoot” or “not to shoot”).

Summary

Ask yourself if you are ready for the chaos created by SHTF, in whatever form it might take. Also think about putting together a “SHTF Self Defense and Intruder Safety Plan”.

Here are some tips to get started:

1. The first step is to talk to your spouse, partner and/or other family members about your individual feelings a toward guns, knives and other self defense weapons. This is not the time for BS. It is best to be honest with yourself now, before the need to defend yourself is called in to action.

2. Examine some what-if scenarios and think about what additional information you need in order to become comfortable with your plan and with a possible “shoot” or don’t shoot” decision.

3. Invest in the gear and the skills you know you will use and then learn how to use them. The gear and skills that you select for one family member may be different than those chosen for another family member. One may choose a firearm and the other may choose a combination of chemical sprays and martial arts.

4. Respect the skills and mindset of your family members or others in your household. There is no right and no wrong.

5. Educate yourself regarding the Castle Doctrine Laws in your state and use them as a guideline in formulating your plan. Keep in mind, however, that if there is a SHTF situation, there may no longer be a government so any existing laws or rules may not apply.

The Final Word

The more you think about these things in advance, the more confident you will become in your ability to make a good decision under stress when defending yourself and your loved ones is the only choice your have.

To learn more about the Castle Doctrine Laws specific to your state, visit this link: The Castle Doctrine.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

[CodeToad]

Those that hesitate might get killed. Those that don’t might kill an innocent person. Tough call most times. I’ve been real lucky that in the several times I have fired I was attacked first and there was no question about the situation. In TEOTWAWKI I expect situations that we normally might want to investigate further before firing will get us into trouble but we had better be safe than sorry and shoot if the situation is questionable. In times of peace we have the luxury of maybe waiting to shoot, but in bad times we will be placing ourselves and families in danger if we do. People will learn quickly not to approach others in hostile or questionable manners or else they will get killed. IOW, people will learn manners fast.

[DCBryan1]

The only real concern I have is getting rid of the bodies.

Easy problem to solve with prior propper planning private!:

1) Own a chipper-shredder and a catfish farm, or
2) Store a couple hundred lbs of lye and pre-dug graves off-site;
3) An old cast iron bathtub and 50 gallons or so of 99%+ pure sulfuric acid;
4) A large pond, 5 gallons of honey, 5 gallons of milk, and a hollowed out tree trunk if their actions are greivious enough to be killed by Schaphism
5) An oldy but goodie is simply own a pig farm. Not a modern, "clean" pig farm like today, but pigs that are used to eating bones and flesh. Basically, they have to learn to love eating your table scraps:
6) and if you need to make a spectacle of it, alot of rope!
7) If you want to get your hands dirty, do a Tibetian Sky Funeral. <----WARNING: GRAPHIC!

I hope this helps, and after SHTF, that you remain on good terms with me!

[absolootezer0]

And you know what? My informal poll of others – both men and women – has told me that about 50% of us – if we dig down deep – feel the same way. I could not shoot with the intent to harm.

Me neither. i'd shoot to kill.

[Silentgypsy]

“I lied.” That’s worrisome.

Ceteris paribus, seems like not too good an idea to advertise one’s willingness to ice another. I’m curious about the motives for initiating such a discussion.

[Little Ray]

This guy thinks too much.
Worry about the law later. Is your family safe and secure? That is all that really matters. I’d go to jail to protect my wife and children and never regret it. There is no limit to what I’d do to protect them and the “law” be damned.

[Library Lady]

Castle Doctrine in Virginia
http://www.galaxgazette.com/content/crockett-stark-brings-down-house-during-self-defense-debate

[Iron Munro]

Ten Rules For Survival

1. You cannot save the planet but you may be able to save yourself and your family.

2. Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

3. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won’t work.

4. Never let anyone or anything that threatens you get inside arms length - be aggressive enough, quickly enough.

5. Distance is your friend. Move away from your attacker - laterally and diagonally.

6. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect your own flank.

7. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.

8. If you’re not moving you should be shooting. If you’re not shooting you should be reloading.

9. Ammo is cheap. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice.

10. The most important rule in a gunfight: “Always win - cheat if necessary.” In ten years nobody will remember the details, they will only remember who lived.

[JimRed]

The Catechism (2265) states: “Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another’s life, the common good of the family or of the state.”

That seems to make a case for taking out any domestic enemy within reach. I have a couple in mind...

[SgtHooper]

Agree! It has the most to do with avoiding the senseless killing of things. People who just arbitrarily kill a spider, or some other critter, because they hate em, without trying to understand their own fears, I respect less. Same with snakes, mice, and other critters. Now, that’s not to say that some seem to not have any benefit, like roaches, but for the most part, each has its own purpose, and I offer up a chance to fulfill that purpose.

The reason I am where I now am, is because I put my trust entirely in God’s hands, and I have NOT been disappointed!!

[SgtHooper]

All you have to do is shoot em once in the front, and you a defender. Who knows which came first?

[JimRed]

But bottom line will be that EVERYBODY will have to bring something valuable to the table.

Whiners will need not apply!!

Nor anyone with a university degree in anything ending in "studies"!

[OriginalChristian]

Please accept my apologies for the triple post this morning. My tablet was acting up at home.

[teenyelliott]

I have children. As a parent, it is my duty to protect them.

I will do what it takes to keep my children safe and healthy.

[teenyelliott]

I would be more likely to shoot/kill someone one who might harm my grandchildren, children or husband than myself.

Ah, but you see if any harm comes to you that would be harmful to those who love you.

[teenyelliott]

: ) That is awesome.

[hattend]

BFLR

[Squantos]

At least you make an effort....:o)

Stay Safe Laz

[Lazamataz]

Dammmmmmmm

I been DISSED.......

lol

[Squantos]

Not....even.

[Hugin]

That person running away could come back later to exact revenge or, find another easier target to prey on. It may not be you and yours but their escaping almost guarantees someone else will have to suffer because he got away.

I agree. I was only speaking as to the current legal situation, not moral justification. And as I noted if there is still a functioning legal system. In a true anarchic situation shoot, shovel and shut up would probably be best.