Slight disagreement: Always shoot to end the threat — and after your lawyer shows up make sure that’s what he or she says.
Don’t say ANYTHING (except legally required information about identification) until you have a lawyer present. Then let him or her do the talking. I know, everyone hates lawyers, but it’s a funny thing: most people don’t hate THEIR lawyer, esp. if he or she is good.
If you happen to kill the vermin in the process, oh well...
I've been told by 2 LEO's and 2 range experts to call 9/11 and say "experiencing a home invasion...we are in fear for our lives". Those words even work in Commifornia. And to stay on the line...
I think our home invasion protocol is sound. We've even practiced on both storys of the house and in different rooms, including crawling along the living/family room floor to a lockable room and whispering to 9/11 as the Wife hides her best and I point the 870 at the door.
I was also told that if hearing the intruders just outside the door it usually helps to let them know the police are on the way and have a shotgun pointing at them. Of course that depends on how determined the intruders are and can piss them off and fire at the door. Of course, we would be prone and off axis to where he/they most likely shoot. What do you think?