teclis22
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Don't worry - be happy !
Posts: 250
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Post by teclis22 on Aug 21, 2010 12:22:20 GMT
Hi all !
By the time you read the title of the post you most likely rolled your eyes :"not that again " and thats.. GOOD because i think its time to add a twist to that.
We like pointy stuff (no matter of the flavour and style) that is why most of us are here. And we all spend money on it. More or less but for the purpose of this thread lets focus on the sites main budget of 300 USD.
Now that the prelude is done lets move to the : what this is about part.
Those that dabble in weapons should consider the implications of their use and safety and security as well. I leave the safety part of weapon storage, handling and similar to a different thread author so herei would like to focus on :
Security.
Not in weapons, but in options, possibilities etc to make your home more secure. To live in, for your family , your sleep etc.
What options are there in a 300 USD range ? To clarify, instead of buying a sword that -could- only be used when the things have already turned form semprini to ultra semprini, how can the budget of 1 sword buy be used to -more effectivly- secure ones home ?
Maybe someone has some good ideas they would like to share. I think it might at least make an interesting read to all of us, and especially those that concider buying a /weapon/ for home defense.
A few thoughts from me to start off the thread:
a) new lamps around the house combined with cutting back the trees and bushes to make things visible from the street and sorrounding houses
b) better relation with your neighbours, communication and looking out for each other. Does not mean you shall run over guns blazing when something is odd, but maybe look over the fence and think over what you see. People carrying out computers and TV? Maybe call neighbours cell phone to see if everything is alirhgt
c) Extra locks on windows and doors ? Or at least the most "dangerous" doors.
d) brief your family, what to do in an emergency. Make a roll play.
e) use of terrain of your house. Maybe when you have sleeping quarters in one part of the house, agree not to charge an intruder but bunker down at the strategic access part and wait for police to arrive
f) discuss what is more important. The oil painting and grand mothers silver or your beeing able to hug your family with all limbs attached. Talk, see what others think and feel.
g) maybe a few good book recomendations or references to other online material
Something like this, i am sure you all come up with new and good ideas. And i for one look forward to read them. Be as detailed as you feel like. Some Do-it-Yourself options are surely welcome as well. Or maybe post your options and suggestions to the points outlined above. That way we could add another resource thread that can be of use to people looking for information.
Best regards
tec
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 12:48:25 GMT
I don't need a gun, or a sword, or any other weapon for home defence, because I've got a Spud. The best home protection money can buy.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 14:08:14 GMT
I had a break in, once, years ago over the Christmas holidays. My wife and I lived in a sketchy apartment building in Kingston, directly across the hall from some coke heads. We came home in the middle of the holiday to feed our cats only to find our door open and our stuff completely riffled through. Movies and C.D.s were in laundry baskets ready for storage. Swords and guitars were placed near to the door as if they were just about to move them. The entire house was completely invaded. Everything that was in a cupboard or droor was on the floor. or on a table surface. Needless to say that I was fuming mad and my wife was terrified. In the end the route I took was to further re-enforce the doors and purchase bars for the window that was accessible to break ins. An easy way to keep intruders out is to drill a 1/2'' hole in the floor right in front of the door and then put a 1/2'' piece of bar stock in it at night so that it gets in the way of the door. I also own cheap magnetic proximity alarms. Once the two pieces have been separated, and the magnetic field is broken, they emit a loud wailing alarm that is sure to draw attention and send intruders running. I can't remember the exact pricing of there things, but they were not that expensive. Also motion lights in front of both front and back doors. If you really want to get technical you could place a small camera under the light so when they look up at the light they will see a camera also. Seems like it would be a pretty good deterrent. One 1/2'' drill bit-$10 Two 12'' sections of bar stock- $10 Six magnetic window alarms- $60 Two home security cameras $120 Two motion lights- $50 Cost of knowing your prepared for those squirm-dog-heathen-gutter-snipes- PRICELESS Total cost $250 Either that or you could keep a Gorilla with lice and fleas like Bill Cosby said. Shot at 2010-08-21
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 15:01:54 GMT
I don't need a gun, or a sword, or any other weapon for home defence, because I've got a Spud. The best home protection money can buy. DO want!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 15:57:51 GMT
+1 Teclis for throwing me off, and for starting up a thread that (hopefully) will keep the "Best Home Defense Sword" threads at bay.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 16:23:43 GMT
Hmm for $300-ish personally I'd install safety measures which I already do not have (although the landlord won't like it). A bar across the door like in the good old days - two brackets and a steel bar that falls into place to prevent the door from being opened. Easy to install and fairly cheap. After that I'd put a gate at my back door (which is a huge security risk since its just one big sliding glass door). I know of where I can get a sliding steel gate (like the ones they have in business) forabout $150. Install that myself and that takes care of the back door. All my windows are second floor and there's no way to climb to them so I won't worry much about them... if someone was industrious enough to climb up and into a window they'd meed Shaed - my Pyrenees/Lab mix. 75lbs of "me no likee intruders". My little dog does a great job of barking, growling and puffing up to look nearly twice as big as she really is. Without a stop command she'll corner any intruder and keep'em there till we come to investigate.
So that's what I'd do. Of course I didn't mention guns because I already own guns and have a Mossy 12ga pump loaded with #4 shot sitting beneath the bed, a TaurusP1911a1 loaded with 130gr jhp on my nightstand at night and my wife's got her S&W MP9 loaded with 115gr jhp on her side.
If you did not already own a firearm - well bar the doors and see what you have left over. If you have about $200 or so go get a low cost but used shotgun like a Mossberg 500. These shotguns are plentiful at gun shows and gun shops. They go for between $100 to $200 used - and about $250 new.
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Post by sparky on Aug 22, 2010 0:04:11 GMT
Dogs. They have awesome senses and take their job of protecting their "family" very seriously, at least mine do. Two of my dogs were strays and didn't cost a thing and the Australian Cattle dog we got for less than the $300 mentioned in the title. I conveniently left out dog food and vet bills. ;D
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2010 0:37:58 GMT
Well, they cost a tad more than $300 (the skinny one was $500 and the show dog was over a grand), but they provided security for the entire neighbourhood while they were here. And will again when they get home. Complaints of "Your dogs bark too much!" have turned into "Where are your dogs? My stuff was stolen out of my yard!"
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2010 22:28:20 GMT
;D GODZILLA That, sir, is a gorgeous animal. One fine German Shepherd Dog. He looks very much like my Zeus, who has been in heaven waiting for me for about four years now. He was protection trained and, at 125lbs of muscle in his prime, was serious business. I've always had guns, too, but I never felt an ounce of concern with him in the house. Even the goofiest black lab will protect his/her family. They would probably bring a tennis ball to someone who came in when no one was home, but it's all business when their "pack" is in any danger. Even a chihuahua is okay. Their barking wakes you up with enough time to act, and usually bad guys looking for STUFF will just pick another house without the yapping alarm system! Better to wake up with them in the living room than in your bedroom . I truly hope none of us has to (or has to again) face such a terrifying and dangerous situation. Blessings, ~wp
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Post by YlliwCir on Aug 22, 2010 22:34:53 GMT
I got me this at the local zoo. Hard part was getting him in the bag.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2010 23:10:51 GMT
First, read some books. DeBecker's "Gift of Fear", Grossman's "On Killing" and "On Combat", and Morgan's "Living the Martial Way".
Then for $300-ish bucks, take a class in real defensive tactics, after doing some research on what works best for you, as in your abilities, actual environment, etc...
I teach advanced handgun and soon a "Tactical/Advanced-2" handgun class at my local range, as well as clases in home security, personal awareness, and defensive tactics classes. They run between $300-400 for 4-5 hours. We do it with 2 instructors to a maximum of 4 students, so it's very personalized and strcutired around individual needs. Class I taught yesterday was two instructors to two students. One on one. (The 13 y/o in the class was already pretty sharp. Almost razor. He could outshoot and had better tactical mindset than some of the guys on my SWAT unit.)
Been teaching guns and "fu" to cops and SWAT for almost 15 years, and teaching outside law enforcement for about 5 years. Had the opportunity to train "up close" with former SEAL's, S.F. guys, S.A.S., etc. All were pretty much death on a stick, but I was suprised at how many were sempriniesque teachers, or who wanted to teach 30-something donut-eating cops how to sneak up and eliminate sentries with a straw and a fuzzy toothpick.
That said, classes in home defense and personal security are available all over. Do some "due diligence" on the instructors, look for reviews of the classes, and talk to some people who completed the course you are interested in before you hand over the $$$'s.
An investment in protecting the most priceless things in our lives is never "too expensive."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2010 2:04:52 GMT
my chijuajua cost 250 usd and will do bad things to the ankles of any intuder... he is FEARLESS!!! Attachments:
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2010 2:15:36 GMT
my chijuajua cost 250 usd and will do bad things to the ankles of any intuder... he is FEARLESS!!! ...just like any other rat. Just smaller.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2010 4:52:59 GMT
my chijuajua cost 250 usd and will do bad things to the ankles of any intuder... he is FEARLESS!!! ...just like any other rat. Just smaller. LOL
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2010 15:43:01 GMT
We've had one breakin-my next door nieghber caught one of the fellows and put him in hospital for almost a month-the other two were caught later that night when they snuck back to retrieve the truck they'd left in the bush behind the house.I have an old S&W 12 pump that is placed in convienient local outside the house.I wont hestitate to use it-I'll worry about the consiquences later.So lets add up the cost,for the nieghbor 34.59-a 24 of beer.The shotgun and shells-155.00-oh,my nieghbors dog-a jet black rottie named stealth cause he doesn't bark.15.00 a year for treats.I'm covered.
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Post by sparky on Aug 23, 2010 22:15:00 GMT
The good thing about my dogs is they know the sounds my yard and of the neighborhood. If anything is not "right" they alert me. It's really quite amazing because they have different levels of alerting us, from silent to aggressive barking and everything in the middle. And when we are asleep they make their rounds, checking all of the kids and us. One night they woke us up because of a domestic fight across the street from our house, that one was a cold nose in the face while sleeping and like Lassie leading me to the front window. We had to call the police on that one because the lady was hacking the dudes car up with a knife.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2010 0:15:33 GMT
I don't need a gun, or a sword, or any other weapon for home defence, because I've got a Spud. The best home protection money can buy. Damn right, scruffy there is a freaken land shark .......... I mean serious take its head with the long snout, dark eyes and rows of teeth and paint it grey and you tell me it doesnt look like a great white pointer He he seriously dont know I person who doesnt advocate a good dog for home security, next step good locks n doors, what they gonna do come through the walls
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2010 0:41:58 GMT
."I have an old S&W 12 pump that is placed in convienient local outside the house.I wont hestitate to use it-I'll worry about the consiquences later." "oh,my nieghbors dog-a jet black rottie named stealth cause he doesn't bark.15.00 a year for treats.I'm covered." I don't mean to criticize or offend - more like ask questions... feel free to answer them or not as you choose. Ok - the 12ga. placed in a convenient location outside the house... are you sure that's a good choice? Not only is it exposed to the elements and therefore may not be able to function when you need it but if a would-be intruder were to find it before he enters the house he is now armed even if he were not prior to breaking in... right? Now then about the dog - I've never believed in relying on someone else's security system, especially one that doesn't bark. While rotts are known for their protectiveness of their homes and families they are not so well known for protecting their neighbors or their neighbors' homes. Now do you know beyond a doubt that this dog would leave his/her home to protect your property? Is it wise to place a loaded weapon or a weapon with ammo available in a place for someone else to find? Is it wise to trust someone else's guard dog to protect you and yours when they are protecting their own? If you answer yes, please elaborate as to why...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2010 0:47:22 GMT
Well, since it's hard to get a shotgun in Europe, I'd suggest that you go to your nearest GSD rescue and get you one of these: This guy, Zac (AKA Fat Bastard), was only $100. He was a full-blooded, AKC registered GSD that someone did not have the time to train and take care of. I got him, trained him up, and put him to work guarding my home and family. He kept them safe when I was deployed overseas - and that is all that matters. I even took this dog to the Renaissance Faires: Unfortunately, he passed away last year due to inoperable cancer. We've not gotten another one yet, but we will once we get our new fence in. We always go back to the rescues for GSDs, because there is no sense in spending $1500 for these dogs when you can get them for a small $100-$300 rehoming fee. I love GSDs, they are the most intelligent dogs I have ever owned, not to mention they are ferociously protective of their family members. No one could even sit foot in my yard without Zac knowing it. He was alert and intuitive to all that was going on, he never missed a beat. He could even tell footfalls on the porch and who was coming up. He was on guard when he needed to be, and a loving, caring puppy when he needed to be. And the best part? They're GERMAN!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2010 2:06:32 GMT
He was a beautiful dog. I've always loved a GSD as has my wife. We plan to get a GSD when we purchase a home so we're not restricted to 2 dogs. I have Shaed, my current guard dog, all black and furry and quite ferocious when she needs to be. Then I have CoCo, my English Springer whom is my steadfast bird dog.
I agree with you about rescues... I got Shaed from a rescue and she cost me $75 as a 6 mo. old puppy. After being trained she's an excellent guard dog that's very attentive, loving and obedient.
CoCo though is from a breeder. I had to go to a breeder because I wanted to know the history and bloodline of my hunting companion. I needed to know what to expect from her breed and how she will react to training. So I paid a good deal more than $300 for her but I think for the money I got a pretty darn good deal.
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