[hiredhand]

One loses any tactical advantage by giving away ones position by making noise. The problem isn't the question of whether the sound will drive an intruder away or not. The question is what "class" of intruder are we dealing with? Since the answer to this question is usually a complete unknown, the default and safe stance is assume that the invader is the worst type, and to maintain stealth and keep any advantage that we have by knowing the layout of our areas in the dark. Ditto for weapons lights (SureFire and Pelican type). If you "hit em" with the light, you have a choice to make.

1. ID the target as friend...don't shoot.
2. ID the target as foe...shoot.
3. Obtain no positive ID and relocate because at this point you have completely given away your position to an unknown.

Lest I be critized for over simplifying the above, I know that there are several other things that could happen. The perp could just run away after being discovered. If this happens, then by all means, let them go. The above points apply in home invasions ONLY.

Point #3 brings about another issue as well. Since you don't know the result of lighting up the target, one needs to have a spot pre-chosen to which to move, which maintains the tactical advantage. The light (if used properly) will rob the targets ability to track you to the new spot, and if you're quiet they won't hear you either.

The problem with the idea that we're going to scare zombies away by racking rounds into pump shotguns, and pointing lasers at them is that nobody is prepared for one of these zombies being a predator. Most might be petty thieves, and might be frightened away by the presentaion of mere sounds and light, but that one that doesn't will render the home defender completely unprepared, for it was this person that wasn't considered.

ALL zombies should be considered predators. It's a default safe assumption.

LFOD! :-)

[hiredhand]

Ping to #52. Yeah....r-i-g-h-t. They're going to just run away when they hear the big, scarry noise of the pump shotgun being loaded. :-)

...and if they DON'T?.

I agree with YOU. This attitude will get somebody killed.

[Gilbo_3]

excellent summation...

I would direct you to P8triots # 49 & 55 as well...for added info on parts fatigue/ammo...

[PowderMonkey]

“1. ID the target as friend...don't shoot.
2. ID the target as foe...shoot.
3. Obtain no positive ID and relocate because at this point you have completely given away your position to an unknown.”

Two nights ago, I had an intruder in the house at about 0430 hrs. That's the third time in my life I've had to deal with that situation. My approach is to light the place up like the 4th of July. All the lights go on. I get big and loud. I get angry. I issue simple, direct, and clear commands, and I've done it in two foreign languages. So far the technique has resulted in the sounds of panicked flight, and a perp taken into custody a few blocks away. I'm not interested in effecting an arrest. I would prefer to avoid having some perp’s entrails draped over my new sofa. I don't do “sweeps,” or shoulder rolls into the living room. I don't use lasers or weapons mounted lighting systems. We have too many “innocents” living with us, coming and going at all hours. I don't want a laser guiding the muzzle of my shotty to the chest of a family member. That's the rules of engagement for our house. It will, no doubt, be different for somebody else's. It's all situational.

In my State, you have to be very careful of Nr. 2. It's against the law here to even threaten the use of deadly force if it doesn't involve countering a direct threat to your life. Use a gun to stop someone from stealing your car in the driveway, or the TV from your living room, and the law will put you in jail. Everyone needs to understand that when the Sheriff arrives, you must be prepared to make a credible statement to the effect that you feared for your life.

[gundog]

Great post...most of that can be learned by doing it wrong the first time. If you’re fortunate enough to live. The only thing I would add is that you may be dealing with more than one perp, and developing tunnel vision for one can open you up for the other(s).