I read an interview of several burglars that were in jail serving time that they would rather face a cop then a homeowner with a gun. They know a cop has a whole set of conditions he has to meet before he can draw and fire his gun. A homeowner is not restricted nearly as much. Homeowners are more likely (at least in the criminals mind) to shoot the criminal then a cop.

So I disagree that it’s a bad idea to let the bad guy know you have a gun and offer up proof by working the action of a shotgun. If it can defuse the situation and get him to stop and run, you are better off.

I have never shot anyone with a firearm, I have no question I could if my life was in danger. But at the same time if I can convince the bad guy to run off and then let the cops deal with finding him it’s better then shooting him.


I don’t see letting him know that I’m aware he’s in my home, and I know it and have a gun and I called the cops as a bad thing to do. No normal person wants to kill another, even if it’s a criminal.