Good work HT. One never knows who is at the door these days.

Rich I give ya credit for restraint- many here have one version or another of your locker and when someone who just left a stolen car after the 'demonstrations
is trying to push into your castle -welll give ya credit.
Thats the situation most of us hope will never happen but we try and prepare for it to one degree or another.
 
Just wondering- was that alarm a coincidence or something you triggered.
Likely they were looking to get another car--

Agree with the 00- have the 45 in a ready place but only 4 and 5  shot and slugs for one of the big guns
- looked a day or two ago for the 00 I thought I had- none.
gotta get a few,

I’m not sure shot size is even a consideration. With plastic wads, the shot pattern, particularly out of any shotgun not choked straight cylinder (no choke at all), is less than about 6 inches at under 10 yards, so basically a slug of lead.

When I used to guide for pheasants and looked at thousands of hunting photos I took, other than head off the stock and feet all tangled up in the wrong position, the cause of most missed was shooting too close before the pattern had a chance to open up. I did a lot of pattern demonstrations and with a 12 gauge and modified choke, at 8-10 yards, the pattern was basically a single hole about 2-3 inches in diameter for the shot and another hole for the wad. And that was with 6 shot.

Also, while smaller shot does not keep the kinetic energy of larger shot (at that distance it doesn’t matter), it does penetrate soft tissue easier and deeper.

If the distance is over 10 yards, there is no need for deadly force because escape is possible. If the distance is less than 10 yards and there is a barrier, like a door or a window, something that requires heavier shot to breech, there is no need for deadly force because escape is possible.

The caveat would be if the other person is armed as well. Then all bets are off, but still not sure shot size matters at that point.

Within 10 yards there is little discernible difference between full choke (extremely constricted) and cylinder (no choke or sawn off). Beyond that distance, there is a tremendous difference.

Back in my sporting clays days, I had chokes (Listed open to constricted) — cylinder, skeet, modified skeet, sporting clays 1, sporting clays 2, improved cylinder, light modified, modified, improved modified, light full, full, extra full, and extreme full. They all had their place and purpose, at least mentally. But under 10 yards, no difference.

Dar is correct-I  have seen the results of both heavy and light shot at close range- not much difference.
Even low bras at close distance gets it done.
But if your getting shot at at a longer distance may as well use what decent for further out -just in case.
Neverknow what situation ya may be confronted with.

I would take my chances on a firearms violation if it means a gun with stopping power and reduced aim needed, especially if I was looking for someone with diminished arm strength or shaky hands. A 22 with a laser site is easy to use but not much stopping power, yes they are lethal (I have seen the results firsthand) but not really quick.
I would say it comes down to having a shooting range and a variety to test out to find the weapon that matches the person's ability and comfort zone.
And I carry a knife with me most times, legal or not. If someone is close enough for me to use it I will take my chances on explaining why or paying a penalty for carrying it.

HT "Watch out for your top knot."
 

One of my hunting buddies was the PSP expert witness on shootings, so he got to interview lots of folks who ended up getting shot. The statistic that he provided that really jumped out was that 77% of people shot with a handgun survived. That goes to the point above where a shot person is still dangerous, especially after they fall because blood no longer needs to flow vertically to the brain, just horizontally, which often makes the shot person viable again.

Thanks HT.  Get to see my new granddaughter for the first time later this afternoon.  A new fishing buddy in the making.
 

Well- might not be on the SR this upcoming season-
After well over 30 consecutive seasons its not a happy thought-
even skipped a Steel run-
Too darned old for a one day death swoop-- not inclined to sleep on the ground anymore ( used to be a Scoutmaster and loved it)--Wont sleep in a room where ya don't know who was there last and don't trust cleaning procedures with Covis around--
don't mind fast food but wont go into a diner or bar because of Covis either.
Yea- with my age and general respiratory health am fearful of Covis--
 
Disclaimer- am 50/50 that I may well have had it already last Feb and have yet to get tested. 
If a test says I already had it -- FISH BEWARE--
Wishful thinking---

Well, Rhode island did just that for about 2 1/2 months.
I don't think Cuomo has any worries because he's the main reason people have been moving out of new York for years.
Thankfully I won't hear him spewing garbage on tv everyday at 11:30 anymore.

3 grandkids, wife and my sister . I sure hope the truck will pull all the stuff they keep putting in the camper. My gosh can women bring stuff..
Someone is excited for some fun.

Fantastic picture. I think grandpa is just as excited. 😊 Have a great time HT.

Day 1 clamming. With 5 others on board it was a bit challenging. Low tide was 8am, we got there at 11am. I was basically digging solo but in rising waters . Fared about 3 dozen little necks and kept a dozen chowders. Threw a dozen chowders back.
By 2 pm the waters got deeper and everyone was ready to retire from sitting on shore/ playing in water.
I now have an idea how things will proceed with me getting up early and the family coming later. All good as everyone is having fun. Hopefully the weather holds. Expecting heavy t storms, high winds towards evening so we'll batten the hatches.
Thursday and Friday will be lobster day.
No pictures due to not having a inflatable raft to haul gear. Go figure, none available anywhere. Been trying for weeks to get 1.