SHOOT OR DONT SHOOT

  • SHOOT OR DONT SHOOT

    Posted by LocalPrepper on March 13, 2023 at 9:28 pm

    As a prepper, the decision to use lethal force against someone trying to take my preps during a SHTF situation is not one I take lightly. I have spent countless hours preparing for various scenarios, including defending myself and my family if necessary. However, the thought of having to shoot another human being is a difficult one to bear. In a SHTF situation where resources are scarce, some people may resort to violent means to obtain what they need. If someone were to try to take my preps by force, I would have to make a split-second decision to protect myself and my loved ones. While I believe in using non-lethal methods to defend myself whenever possible, I also understand that in some situations, the use of deadly force may be necessary. It is a sobering reality that every prepper must face, and one that I hope I never have to experience again.

    Thoughts?

    Myst replied 1 week, 3 days ago 6 Members · 8 Replies
  • 8 Replies
  • AiNt-RiTe-Acres

    Member
    March 14, 2023 at 3:21 pm

    It’s not a venture any sane person would desire but as a prepper it’s a necessity. Personally I help anyone I can, most especially if they ask and I have the ability. Unfortunately there are those who are subject to ask with violence. All we can truly do is work to perfect a skill we hope to never use.

    • LocalPrepper

      Community Leader
      March 14, 2023 at 4:59 pm

      👍

  • Ark-Rose95

    Member
    March 14, 2023 at 3:55 pm

    I purchased a hand gun last year, my husband has not taught me how to use it yet, guess I need to try to find a handgun class so I can learn to use and clean my weapon. I think in an SHTF situation, self preservation would kick in, then regret, but all situations are different so one never really knows how they will react until they are in the situation. Being prepared is the most important step.

    • LocalPrepper

      Community Leader
      March 14, 2023 at 4:59 pm

      👍

  • Sojourner

    Member
    March 14, 2023 at 4:11 pm

    I just had to use deadly force on a new neighbors dog. This is the 3rd time after 3 or 4 months this dog shows up in my yard and growls at me.

    I could have shot it the 1st time, but knew the people have children and were just getting settled in. So I waited, I know things like that can happen to anyone and thought in time they would get their fences up.and control their animals better.

    Then the last straw finally broke yesterday. I go out my back door and this dog runs me back in my own house.

    So, I get the 20 gauge and the 9mm. Go back outside and thankfully he was not there! So I patrolled the property and encountered some of the family on the road by my gate.

    I told them calmly as possible, that I didn’t want to shoot their dog, but I’d this happens one more time, I would be forced to. They tried to make some excuses about only being here 6 months and hadn’t got a round to it. I just calmly said, “Hey if you have animals toy must take responsibility for them. I also told them it didn’t have to cost a lot to build a dog pen and where they could get free pallets to do so.

    So, having surveyed the property and not seeing the problem animal, I headed from the gate back up my driveway. When I got to the front yard there he was inside my fence growling at my dog and acting aggressive.

    Now, I could have hollered back at these folks and told them here he is come get him. But honestly after speaking to them and seeing they were of the ever popular, it’s not my fault mentality, I leveled the 20 gauge at the offender and took care of that problem once and for all.

    Now the dad sends his 12 year old son up my drive way, as my gate was open (rather than come himself) to look for their dog. I see the boy and he says he’s looking for their dog. I told him, I’m very sorry, but I had to shoot him. About this time His dad is walking up the drive towards us. When I tell him, I’m very sorry but I had to put your dog down. The 1st thing he does is start screaming at his 12 year old son, It’s ALL YOUR FAULT, after telling me it was his (the dad’s animal and how much he loved him.

    I said, “I don’t think you should be blaming your son, for not taking care of what should be your responsibility. ” You should have built a dog kennel. Not him.

    He’s very emotional sobbing a d carrying on (understandable) but keeping himself under control after that outburst. I told him, I’ll open my front yard gate and let you come inside and retrieve your dog from where he lay.

    It’s a big dog, like a coon hound size. So he scoops him up in his arms and heads towards the front gate. Half way up the drive his wife drives up and literally all hell broke lose. I’ve been cussed out before, but never like that in my whole life! She was insanely mad and only blaming me for everything.

    I knew better than to try and speak to her, expecting a gun to come out at any second, I turned my back to her (it’s harder to shoot someone in the back walking away from you and I was a few steps from some cover) and walked away. I could here her husband saying. come on we need to get off this mans property.

    So, all night I was sad and prayed for this family especially the children and mother. I got up with peace this morning, but concerned I’ve made my 1st enemy after living here 6 years.

    We have lots of new people moving in around us as lots are cheap and owner financing. I hope I don’t get many more like this family. 🤫

    But if i do we’ll deal with them on a case by case basis.

    These situations are good live training for things yet to come.

    Do any of you face these problems where you live? We have lots of problems with stray dogs running in packs, so when necessary we go out and deal with it.

    • This reply was modified 1 week, 4 days ago by  Sojourner.
    • BiggKidd

      Member
      March 14, 2023 at 4:26 pm

      Sorry you had to go through this. Glad it didn’t get worse.

      • Sojourner

        Member
        March 14, 2023 at 4:33 pm

        Thanks, it sure could gone south real fast. But you know I believe things have gotten like this in our world partly because people will not confront any one about anything anymore.

        Its either fear of being sued, fear of retaliation, or folks are just so spineless they’d pee their britches before facing anything down that needs to be dealt with.

        • This reply was modified 1 week, 4 days ago by  Sojourner.
  • Myst

    Member
    March 15, 2023 at 11:40 am

    That’s a loaded question for sure! There are so many scenarios possible – when I do start hearing the news of what’s going on, my head spins with possibilities, all fear based. My first reaction would be to try to work with someone first, do my best to help when I can, but – I know how people are, and how hungry or scared people can be. I am also aware that I’m one of those who tends to react calmly to emergencies, staying rational and apparently thoughtful…. up until the emergency is over and my own reactions catch up. I don’t panic easy, and I consider that a good trait – believe me, it’s been tested by Life.

    If it comes down to it, and I’m left with few other choices, yes, I absolutely would protect what we have here, or even myself if on the road. That sort of thing is never an easy decision or choice. But an important one. I no longer have small children to protect. But I do still place value on my own life, and the lives of those few up here on the mountain with me. If the time came, I might hesitate – just long enough to decide. For me, the choice is already made. And if you are approaching me with harmful intent and see me ‘packing’, the first choice is yours. If you see me raise a barrel, now it’s my choice and you better hope you’re faster at leaving than I am at squeezing a trigger.