Lots of opinions on a touchy subject (for some) I guess. I will give mine. I have been around firearms of all types all my life (35 years), I am comfortable and proficient with just about anything that goes bang. As a hunter I have over 100 big game kills and know what it means to take life. You say that is not a human. Ok, I have fired my weapon at an individual on one occation, without hessitation. Technically we were both in the wrong. The person had attemted to Break&Enter, a family member jumped on the hood of his vehicle to prevent escape as law enforcement was on the way. Then the guy tries to drive off with my family member on the hood. I fired twice hitting the vehicle both times (family member out of the line of fire, mind you). The Deputies came, and I handed over my weapon. My family member was thrown from the vehicle a little over 1/2 mile down the road. The county P/A looked over the case and did not prosecute me. The A-hole that should have been charged with B&E and attemted murder, got off scott free as well. So don't look for the government to protect YOU. It is your responseablity to your children and family, and God who gave you life, to respect your own life and protect yourself. I may have been in the wrong as far as the letter of the law was concerened, but I, nor the prosecuting Attorney felt I was in the wrong in this situation. Would I do it again.....absolutly.
Now as far as my home is concerned, with a person forcing there way in to do whatever; I have two dogs that should deter you. If you are so stupid as to contiue to enter, you will be put down. Period. No hesitation.
What is your life worth to you?
One thing that saddens me today is there are people out there who care more for a damn animal, than for another human being or themselves who are made in the image of God. Love those values. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Any after saying all that, a gun is not the end all and be all of self defense, it is a tool, and a good one at that. Now that I am 10 years removed from my encounter that could have ended with a life lost, I am more consience about avoiding danger, but if danger finds me, so be it.
Only you know what you will do in the face of injury or death. Just be prepared to do it, and live with it.