2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: tim808 on July 03, 2024, 11:00:48 PM

Title: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: tim808 on July 03, 2024, 11:00:48 PM
Couple of my coworkers picked up nicer (to me) red dots and lpvo’s for their multi-role hurricane/shtf/HD/range toy ar’s. (One guy has only one AR, the other has 2 AR’s cause he is a “2 is 1” type)

I have my AR’s split into 3 groups
- range toy (4-12x42 scope, no buis)
- pig (Grendel, 7.62x39, lpvo’s, buis)
- HD/shtf/hurricane (iron sights only)

For the HD/shtf/hurricane AR’s, they are simple/lightweight
- pencil barrel
- iron back sight / FSB
- elzetta FSB light mount
- streamlight polytac
- cvlife quick adjust slings

For the folks that have ar’s set up towards HD (not dual purpose HD/range toy….so your HD ar only sees the range only in a blue moon to check function) are you using red dots?

Red dots are great but I’m pake.  And I feel stuff with circuits tend to be the first to go.  Which is why i bought lpvo’s for the pig ar’s.  Even when the circuit goes kaput, it still has an etched reticle and still usable for decades

So I’m thinking iron sights are adequate for 15-20 feet and red dots won’t make much of a difference for the average Oahu person who is unlikely to get into a HD shoot out…..where shoot outs nationally average like 2 shots

At 15-20 ft, I’m thinking almost dont need sights….can just shoulder and aim down the hand guard….or just put the light on the BG to aim

But I could be wrong in my thoughts about nice red dots on HD longarms that only see the range maybe twice in a decade to check function)

We love the cheap red dot on our Ruger Mark III….surprisingly accurate at silhouette.  My friends love their cheap Bushnell red dots on their Ruger 10/22’s.  Based on our experience and experience of friends, cheap red dots (Bushnell TR25, etc) are fairly durable, hold zero and great for range toys

Forgot to mention that I hate cleaning ar’s so they only go to the range if we have a friend/relative coming along.  For me, I’m fine with a 22lr bolt action at the rifle range.

Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: QUIETShooter on July 04, 2024, 06:56:55 AM
In my home, if an intruder breaks in, there is nowhere in my home where the intruder and myself will be at a distance more than 7 yds when I confront him (them).

So for me, no.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: zippz on July 04, 2024, 07:32:20 AM
When most people think of home defense, they equate it to their time at the range.  For self defense its usually the opposite

1. Well lit. -->. Dim with shadows
2.  No stress. -->. Extreme stress
3.  Take your time. -->. Split second actions
4.  Clear target. -->. Target obscured by cover/concealment/movement
5.  Feeling good. -->. Just fell out of bed groggy
6.  warmup shots. -->. None
7.  comfortable. -->. Shooting from a cramped doorway with your rifle banging into stuff.
8.  Safe downrange -->. Family and neighbors in the way.
9.  Safe -->. Getting return fire.

It's easy to.miss with a rifle at 10 to 20ft under those conditions.  Especially if they take cover with only a half head exposed in the dark and shooting at you.

That is why red dots rule in extreme conditions in close quarters.  You don't need a $900 aimpoint.  They got durable reliable stuff for $200 or so nowadays.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: ren on July 04, 2024, 07:39:52 AM
yes
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: zippz on July 04, 2024, 08:09:56 AM
For the majority of home defense situations, youre facing intruders with a knife or unarmed and likely to run away.  Red dots give you an advantage.

For the less likely scenario where you face intruders with a firearm and basic skills, and who are determined to win.  Red dots are a significant advantage.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on July 04, 2024, 01:06:15 PM
At Front Sight, putting 2 rounds in a bad guy target center mass within 2 seconds was the standard when stationary at 7-12 feet.

We also practiced clearing a room.  That upped the stress of staying behind cover while trying to identify and pop the bad guy targets -- without hitting the good guy targets. 

Then there was the hostage exercise.  We had to attach a silhouette cutout over the face of the bad guy target which represented our loved one being used as a shield.  There was enough room to hit the bad guy in the noggin, but the idea was to take your time, get a good sight picture, and squeeeeeeeeze the trigger so you don't miss.

A complete miss could mean the bad guy hurts your loved one.  A miss the other direction meant YOU hurt your loved one.  To give it a little more pressure, you had to write the name of your loved one on the cutout.     :shake:

The point being, it's not enough to assume you will only need a sight -- red dot or not -- to hit a target at a given distance.  You may be in a situation where you need to take a shot and be dead-on balls accurate (It's an industry term!).

Given that, a well zeroed red dot on your primary HD gun makes sense EVEN IF you believe your situation will follow the 7-12 foot average distance for self defense shootings.  You still need to take into account over variables.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: Begle1 on July 04, 2024, 04:53:25 PM
I have red dots and lasers for self defense, where I would be shooting at very close distances in conditions that are not conducive to finding an eye box.

The range of an LPVO is irrelevant unless you're worried about being besieged in your hacienda.


Storage and use doctrine is a more important factor than optics. Will you be able to get the weapon into your hand in time? Will you be able to navigate your surroundings with it? If you can do those things, it scarcely matters what type of firearm it is or what sort of optics it has. 22 revolver in hand is better than AR stuck under the bed.

Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: Jaco808 on July 04, 2024, 10:00:40 PM
Every one of my long guns have a optics.  It's almost a requirement. 
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: hvybarrels on July 05, 2024, 12:21:56 AM
HD shotgun with a light that has a spot in the middle is better in tight spaces since we can't have short barrels here. I'd like to find one of those lasers that spreads with the pattern though.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: rpoL98 on July 05, 2024, 12:47:36 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/4PVh1el.jpg)
EOTechs are notorious for draining batteries very quickly, but I like their big TV screen field-of-view.

6 yr old pic.  If I were to break this one out of dormant storage, I'd probably use a Aimpoint CompM4:  big tube red dot, long battery life, built like a tank, reliable as hell.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: changemyoil66 on July 05, 2024, 09:12:54 AM
It depends on how pake you are.  There are RDS that cost a lot and affordable ones.  My SIG Romeo5 costed me $140.  Compare this to an EOTech Reflex or Trijicon type.

Also, RDS have become the new norm on rifles.  I rarely see anyone taking a skill builder in HI with just irons.  They have become much more reliable as well.  but Murphy's an asshole, so things can fail.  Which is why it's important to have back up irons and know how to deploy them.  My battery ran out during an exercise.  I immediately flipped my back up irons and finished.  I welcomed this because there's no real way to practice "unexpected" problems.

An LVPO generally would cost more than a RDS.  And each has it's usages.  Try scanning your home with a LVPO, then with a RDS.  A RDS will be much easier.  But now, try shooting out to 200+ yards.  A LVPO would be easier.  But now if you're engaging at 200yrds, do you have the legal authority to claim self defense?  Just for reference, I can hit a 6 inch gong at 100yrds all day with my RDS.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 05, 2024, 09:50:19 AM
Tim,

Couple of questions:
1) What is your price range for RDS?  Understand that $400-$1000 for Aimpoints, EoTechs, etc are quite a bit of cash for some folks.  However, there are decent quality options for $150-$200 ish range.  I have one (Holosun) on an AR and while I don't shoot it as much as others (mostly a tester gun), it's done great.  I've taken courses where the instructors had the same (maybe older or different MOA) and it is fine.  I've taken many courses with this group over the years and the RDS is on a gun that gets shot often and is def not babied.
2) Why do you consider your "HD guns" as one that "only sees the range only in a blue moon"?  Personally, I shoot and train with mine often, or at least used to.  Since I don't shoot my ARs as much as I used to.  But I'd have no issues with shooting my AR(s) intended for HD.  They have an uber safe life of 5k rounds, and I'd say much more.  I personally have multiple, but I can understand those who have one.  I think having one gun and "saving it for a rainy day" and not training is a recipe for complacency (not quite disaster).

To answer your question, yes, my HD guns have RDS, AND iron sights.  I don't train as often with the irons as I should, but I do train with them.  Recently, I even bought an AR upper dedicated to shooting irons only.  Yeah, I can shoot the irons I have on the guns I have RDS, but I wanted something more basic/simple. 

As for your point shooting, I THINK I get what you are saying.  I've seen folks who can do amazing with point shooting.  That said, it's one thing if/when it happens versus counting on it to be "guud enuff".  I get you don't like cleaning your ARs, ammo is expensive, and range time is hard to fit in your lifestyle.  I get it, people have priorities.  I def can understand folks that either don't have time or don't want to hit the range to practice and/or train.  But seems like you're looking for an "easy button".

Yeah, I've seen said Bushnells (TR25 and similar) do very well on 22s.  I believe I know at elast one of your friends mentioned.  I've also seen those guns with Bushnells get shot a lot and banged around.  However, the recoil on those are nothing.  Not that the recoil on 5.56 is a lot either. 
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: zippz on July 05, 2024, 10:14:22 AM
Yeah, I've seen said Bushnells (TR25 and similar) do very well on 22s.

Bushnell's can work fine on AR15s.  The problem is it's not bright enough in full sunlight to acquire the dot as quick.  It's a minor point and it can work for HD if that's the budget you have.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 05, 2024, 10:29:58 AM
Bushnell's can work fine on AR15s.  The problem is it's not bright enough in full sunlight to acquire the dot as quick.  It's a minor point and it can work for HD if that's the budget you have.
Just checked Amazon and listed at $57.99.  I thought they were slightly more, like closer to $100. 

I have a Holosun 403B that I thought I got closer to $100, maybe slightly more.  It may have been on one of those once in a while sales, I think Primary Arms.  Where I decided to give it a try for the price, and it's been decent.  Maybe 2k and no issues.  Just checked Amazon and going rate for 403B seems ot be about $150-160ish.  They have so many models though.  I have a Holosun (I think 503) on my AR9, but don't shoot that gun much.  Plan is to shoot it in PCC matches, but haven't yet. 
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: zippz on July 05, 2024, 11:02:55 AM
Never owned a primary arms, but heard good things about them, they're a mainstream value optic.

Red dots are fairly simple with two pieces of glass and dot emitter.  I don't see the point of getting the high end ones.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: changemyoil66 on July 05, 2024, 11:30:09 AM
  I don't see the point of getting the high end ones.

Same guys buy Trijicon RMR for $600.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: macsak on July 05, 2024, 11:43:33 AM
gUud enuFf

Same guys buy Trijicon RMR for $600.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 05, 2024, 11:45:07 AM
Never owned a primary arms, but heard good things about them, they're a mainstream value optic.

Red dots are fairly simple with two pieces of glass and dot emitter.  I don't see the point of getting the high end ones.
I am all about value, and I own a range from what I'd consider mid-budget to high(er) ends RDS.  Say Holosun in the $150-$200 range to Aimpoint CompM5 and EoTech EXPS.  I'd say the Aimpoint and EoTech are on the higher end of RDS.  From my experience, all of the RDS on ARs that I own function well.  However, I do notice differences. 

Discussed this in other threads in RDS.  I think there is a premium placed on name brands.  However, I also think some of that premium is on what goes into the products ahead of the actual product.  R&DTE, QC, etc.  Will it matter to the "average consumer"?  Probably not, but there are some that will pay the premium. 
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 05, 2024, 11:46:15 AM
gUud enuFf
bRaH

Some are GTG with whatever they have, ya know.  B/c one time in skill builder, in a galaxy far far away. . .  :rofl:
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: ren on July 05, 2024, 11:54:22 AM
If you don't have the money to spend on a proven, reliable optic, stay with the always tried and true iron sights. Aimpoints, Trijicons, EoTechs all are proven. There is no 100% guarantees in life but if I'm putting my life on a tool I want it to be trustworthy. The Aimpoint RDS can be had for $400 that includes the mount and tools to mounts it. Out of the box onto your rifle. Went through trials and now its adopted by the FBI.
You can spend less than that on a product that hasn't been through that but that difference is that risk of it failing. Is it worth it? Is it "good enough" to protect you, your family, friends in a situation where everything has gone to sh!t? I cant justify spending a lot of money on a rifle i.e. a Barrett and then put an Osprey on it. It's like getting a brand new 2003 Tacoma and putting bed springs to lift it.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: macsak on July 05, 2024, 12:07:50 PM
brUh

bRaH

Some are GTG with whatever they have, ya know.  B/c one time in skill builder, in a galaxy far far away. . .  :rofl:
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 05, 2024, 12:09:26 PM
For my ARs, EoTech EXPS is on the one I shoot the most and would consider primary defense long gun, or one of them.  Aimpoint CompM5 and PRO are on the other two that I used to shoot often and I guess backups, but could easily be primary.  Then maybe about 2-3 years ago, I tried Holosun for the first time.  Both on long guns and pistols.  For long guns, I'd say Holosun is more training and competition.  For pistols, I have almost equal Trijicon and Holosun. 
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 05, 2024, 12:10:07 PM
brUh
lUl

What RDS would you own, if you owned any guns?  Or would recommend to "a friend"?
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: changemyoil66 on July 05, 2024, 12:18:19 PM
No forget, when Chyna invades, they will turn off all Holosun optics.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: QUIETShooter on July 05, 2024, 01:08:39 PM
No forget, when Chyna invades, they will turn off all Holosun optics.


Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!......wat I going do now?????!!!


Oh yeah.  Iron sights.....
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: changemyoil66 on July 05, 2024, 02:27:35 PM

Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!......wat I going do now?????!!!


Oh yeah.  Iron sights.....

If those too were made in china, then there's a slight bend in them.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: tim808 on July 07, 2024, 07:43:55 PM
I only have/had 3 red dots:
$70 - Black Friday sale 50k hour primary arms red
$? - Bushnell that I think I gave to a friend
$? - generic rds that came with a Ruger mark 3
I never really thought much about a budget for a red dot for HD longarm until now…..since 2 of 3 kids are out of the house and my son is turning 18 soon.  My current HD is a light, pepper spray and a machete.

I think if I were to buy a rds, I would likely get a refurbished vortex since I believe they have lifetime warranty (not sure).  I think they are about $120 or less on AAoptics…refurbished…..when in stock….so that would be my budget if I were to buy an another rds.

I guess I don’t really train cause
- low probability of an incident with a stranger - we have high windows(post/pier, not on slab), have 2 dogs, thieves tend to go for low hanging fruit….check if doors are unlocked, attacks are more likely from family/friend, we don’t drink, we never invite people to our home cause our home looks like it is from the series “Hoarders”
- time (have other interests and family/grandson)
- none of my other fellow friend preppers train HD.  I think I would go to HD training if my friends went and asked if I wanted to join them
- cost - sort of….but not really.  I would pay for training if my friends wanted to go

Why don’t I take out the HD longarms more often
- I’m not saving the long gun.  I view them as toys/tools that are relatively easy to replace
- my friends and don’t really care for shooting paper….we like trap….i consider our shotguns more as range toys ….none have lights or slings.  But I’m considering putting a light and a sling on a 24” mossy 930.
- we tend to bring out the HD long arms (ar9 and/or ar556) only when we are bringing family/friends.  It’s a twofer.  They get to try a HD longarm and we get to check function.
- none of the guns or ammo are readily available for HD.  Everything is locked 40’ away. So I previously never considered training for what I can’t readily access.  For now it’s just a light, pepper spray and a machete…..and the only training for those is when I have to do yard work

I think if I keep an easily accessible long arm in the bedroom, I’ll be more inclined to do long arm training

When I first got into firearms, I had read about using the silhouette of a hand gun to aim at close range….I think it was developed by the Texas rangers….so I sort of apply that to iron sights on a long gun…..using my light to aim for quick close shots.   But yes, it is not ideal for accuracy or distance.

Saw this on lucky gunner.  Different instructors.  For pistols.  Crude aiming.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wPhl1K6OHwE

I found the primary arms rds, I’ll mount it on the AR9 when the AR9 moves into the bedroom and I put up a lockable rack.   Don’t think that we really need a rds…..but since we already have it sitting in the closet

Just wondering.  In HD shootings in the last 10 years, how many used a rds?  Or had to deal with avoiding the shooting of a gg in a close contact situation? (HD, not active shooter scenario)

I’ve sort of thought that a rds would shine on a pistol for an active shooter situation where the distance is further and the bg is carrying an ar/ak around a mall or parking lot.  A rds could make a big difference on a pistol in an active shooter situation if the gg trained with it and he can engage a bg that is static, isn’t behind cover and hasn’t seen the gg and is not trained.  If I was a bg and had an ar/ak and a gg missed me with a pistol, I probably would fire on the gg while running up on him.  I think the odds would favor the hi cap rifle over a lo cap pistol.   It would have to be better than letting the gg maneuver to another spot and shooting at me again….getting pinched by a gg in back and police in front

The cops could shoot me with a rifle as I try to roll the gg with the pistol…..but I don’t think cops train to shoot a hit a moving target that is staying as low as possible while running behind cars…so odds are I can dump the gg.  Or at least do a 1 for 1

That said, has a private citizen ccw holder with a pistol ever tried to engage a bg with an ar/ak?   Most of the stories I read about, the gg who engages the big has an ar….and gg’s with handguns tend to help other people get away or are ready to defend if the bg heads towards them

Right now the biggest concerns to me are (in no particular order)
high blood pressure
high AIC
Settling my dad’s estate
Setting up a trust for our assets
College for the last kid
Preparing to help buy a 3rd home for the last kid
Those are issues that have 100% probability. 

A homeowner dealing with:
- a bg that has death wish to engage a homeowner armed with a long arm
- and also dealing with a family member being in a close range scenario
Is a very low probability….so that is why I don’t train for that.

I read that for people who live in a home with guns, the chance of getting killed is 50 to 100% higher compared to a home without guns

 https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/07/guns-handguns-safety-homicide-killing-study

Come to think of it….on Lanai, all the killings  I recall involved someone the victim knew
- our neighbor shot and killed his wife with a 22 before committing suicide (getting divorce)
- an underage girl and a 25ish yo guy…..suicides by firearm
- a guy I knew shot a couple of hotel workers who were loud late at night.  I think 2 were killed and he committed suicide
- a guy that I worked with, his younger brother killed his cousin’s husband in a fight.
- my friend’s dad was killed at his garden/farm.  Love triangle.
- I only recall 1 death that was not suicide, not murder, not natural/disease/drugs……a guy was running after a deer and didn’t realize it had jumped over a bush with a cliff behind it….the guy fell to his death.   Sounds surreal.   I still think someone is pulling my leg
Aww poop.   I’m going to do a flip flap and not keep a readily accessible firearm in the house.   Everything is staying locked up in safes.

Cause my wife is full Filipino.   I’m only half.   So it’s twice as likely she will shoot me versus me shooting her.

I’m hiding the machete too.   And put a lock on cutlery drawer. :-)

But seriously, I’m just going to stay with pepper spray.

My HD long arms are really for some peace of mind if a hurricane hits Oahu.  Cause it will be pretty chaotic for a while….my friend has attended joint meeting with the various gov agencies and utilities and he was pretty surprised at how uncoordinated/unorganized they are.   I would think we would learn from decades of watching Florida get smashed.



Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: QUIETShooter on July 08, 2024, 07:28:48 AM
I only have/had 3 red dots:
$70 - Black Friday sale 50k hour primary arms red
$? - Bushnell that I think I gave to a friend
$? - generic rds that came with a Ruger mark 3
I never really thought much about a budget for a red dot for HD longarm until now…..since 2 of 3 kids are out of the house and my son is turning 18 soon.  My current HD is a light, pepper spray and a machete.

I think if I were to buy a rds, I would likely get a refurbished vortex since I believe they have lifetime warranty (not sure).  I think they are about $120 or less on AAoptics…refurbished…..when in stock….so that would be my budget if I were to buy an another rds.

I guess I don’t really train cause
- low probability of an incident with a stranger - we have high windows(post/pier, not on slab), have 2 dogs, thieves tend to go for low hanging fruit….check if doors are unlocked, attacks are more likely from family/friend, we don’t drink, we never invite people to our home cause our home looks like it is from the series “Hoarders”
- time (have other interests and family/grandson)
- none of my other fellow friend preppers train HD.  I think I would go to HD training if my friends went and asked if I wanted to join them
- cost - sort of….but not really.  I would pay for training if my friends wanted to go

Why don’t I take out the HD longarms more often
- I’m not saving the long gun.  I view them as toys/tools that are relatively easy to replace
- my friends and don’t really care for shooting paper….we like trap….i consider our shotguns more as range toys ….none have lights or slings.  But I’m considering putting a light and a sling on a 24” mossy 930.
- we tend to bring out the HD long arms (ar9 and/or ar556) only when we are bringing family/friends.  It’s a twofer.  They get to try a HD longarm and we get to check function.
- none of the guns or ammo are readily available for HD.  Everything is locked 40’ away. So I previously never considered training for what I can’t readily access.  For now it’s just a light, pepper spray and a machete…..and the only training for those is when I have to do yard work

I think if I keep an easily accessible long arm in the bedroom, I’ll be more inclined to do long arm training

When I first got into firearms, I had read about using the silhouette of a hand gun to aim at close range….I think it was developed by the Texas rangers….so I sort of apply that to iron sights on a long gun…..using my light to aim for quick close shots.   But yes, it is not ideal for accuracy or distance.

Saw this on lucky gunner.  Different instructors.  For pistols.  Crude aiming.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wPhl1K6OHwE

I found the primary arms rds, I’ll mount it on the AR9 when the AR9 moves into the bedroom and I put up a lockable rack.   Don’t think that we really need a rds…..but since we already have it sitting in the closet

Just wondering.  In HD shootings in the last 10 years, how many used a rds?  Or had to deal with avoiding the shooting of a gg in a close contact situation? (HD, not active shooter scenario)

I’ve sort of thought that a rds would shine on a pistol for an active shooter situation where the distance is further and the bg is carrying an ar/ak around a mall or parking lot.  A rds could make a big difference on a pistol in an active shooter situation if the gg trained with it and he can engage a bg that is static, isn’t behind cover and hasn’t seen the gg and is not trained.  If I was a bg and had an ar/ak and a gg missed me with a pistol, I probably would fire on the gg while running up on him.  I think the odds would favor the hi cap rifle over a lo cap pistol.   It would have to be better than letting the gg maneuver to another spot and shooting at me again….getting pinched by a gg in back and police in front

The cops could shoot me with a rifle as I try to roll the gg with the pistol…..but I don’t think cops train to shoot a hit a moving target that is staying as low as possible while running behind cars…so odds are I can dump the gg.  Or at least do a 1 for 1

That said, has a private citizen ccw holder with a pistol ever tried to engage a bg with an ar/ak?   Most of the stories I read about, the gg who engages the big has an ar….and gg’s with handguns tend to help other people get away or are ready to defend if the bg heads towards them

Right now the biggest concerns to me are (in no particular order)
high blood pressure
high AIC
Settling my dad’s estate
Setting up a trust for our assets
College for the last kid
Preparing to help buy a 3rd home for the last kid
Those are issues that have 100% probability. 

A homeowner dealing with:
- a bg that has death wish to engage a homeowner armed with a long arm
- and also dealing with a family member being in a close range scenario
Is a very low probability….so that is why I don’t train for that.

I read that for people who live in a home with guns, the chance of getting killed is 50 to 100% higher compared to a home without guns

 https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/07/guns-handguns-safety-homicide-killing-study

Come to think of it….on Lanai, all the killings  I recall involved someone the victim knew
- our neighbor shot and killed his wife with a 22 before committing suicide (getting divorce)
- an underage girl and a 25ish yo guy…..suicides by firearm
- a guy I knew shot a couple of hotel workers who were loud late at night.  I think 2 were killed and he committed suicide
- a guy that I worked with, his younger brother killed his cousin’s husband in a fight.
- my friend’s dad was killed at his garden/farm.  Love triangle.
- I only recall 1 death that was not suicide, not murder, not natural/disease/drugs……a guy was running after a deer and didn’t realize it had jumped over a bush with a cliff behind it….the guy fell to his death.   Sounds surreal.   I still think someone is pulling my leg
Aww poop.   I’m going to do a flip flap and not keep a readily accessible firearm in the house.   Everything is staying locked up in safes.

Cause my wife is full Filipino.   I’m only half.   So it’s twice as likely she will shoot me versus me shooting her.

I’m hiding the machete too.   And put a lock on cutlery drawer. :-)

But seriously, I’m just going to stay with pepper spray.

My HD long arms are really for some peace of mind if a hurricane hits Oahu.  Cause it will be pretty chaotic for a while….my friend has attended joint meeting with the various gov agencies and utilities and he was pretty surprised at how uncoordinated/unorganized they are.   I would think we would learn from decades of watching Florida get smashed.

I like your post.  Kinda where I am right now.  A wonderful, beautiful, innocent and loving grandson and great-grandson has recently entered the empty nest of me and my wife.  We are baby-sitters now and loving every moment of it.

As they grow older, my concerns gravitate to if my firearms are secured safely enough.  Especially when I see how inquisitive and smart my grandson is getting at 10 months old.

Training, especially for WROL situations and how I can protect my family is still something I plan to work on.  It's different for everybody as far as how intensive they want to train to feel that they can adequately protect their loved ones.  What kind of neighborhood and community you live in is probably the biggest factor.

Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: zippz on July 08, 2024, 08:05:03 AM
Instances where you need a firearm when pepper spray won't work for defense is very small.  And criminals will mostly run when confronted with a firearm.  It's when you confront the crazies, active shooters, cornered criminals, or hardcore ones it can be a fight for life and limb.

Best experience you can have to get the combat mindset is to play airsoft.  Win without getting hit like how it would be in real life.  You'll see how split seconds count and how using irons puts you at a disadvantage
 Trying to hit an exposed hand in a split second.  And how something as simple as not placing toes behind cover will get them shot.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: ren on July 08, 2024, 08:12:05 AM
Instances where you need a firearm when pepper spray won't work for defense is very small.  And criminals will mostly run when confronted with a firearm.  It's when you confront the crazies, active shooters, cornered criminals, or hardcore ones it can be a fight for life and limb.

Best experience you can have to get the combat mindset is to play airsoft.  Win without getting hit like how it would be in real life.  You'll see how split seconds count and how using irons puts you at a disadvantage
 Trying to hit an exposed hand in a split second.  And how something as simple as not placing toes behind cover will get them shot.

I believe you should be in a defensive mindset vs combat. If you were to go to court they would grill you as if you were an SFDDS. They will question your offensive skills I.e. why did you do something out of FM7-8.
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 08, 2024, 08:17:03 AM
I like your post.  Kinda where I am right now.  A wonderful, beautiful, innocent and loving grandson and great-grandson has recently entered the empty nest of me and my wife.  We are baby-sitters now and loving every moment of it.

As they grow older, my concerns gravitate to if my firearms are secured safely enough.  Especially when I see how inquisitive and smart my grandson is getting at 10 months old.

Training, especially for WROL situations and how I can protect my family is still something I plan to work on.  It's different for everybody as far as how intensive they want to train to feel that they can adequately protect their loved ones.  What kind of neighborhood and community you live in is probably the biggest factor.
Priorities can and do change, totally get that.  For over a year, I didn't shoot as much as I used to mostly because KHSC was closed, but also because I got into other things.  I am on a break from a couple of the other things due to injury, so have been shooting a lot more in the past 6-8 months.  I hope to have a good balance if/when I can return to the activities that I'm on a break from now.  I also totally get that folks make time for what's important for them, and for many, firearms isn't even a thing or much less than it used to be.

One thing to consider is that folks will "act strange" or do what many thought unthinkable when pushed to the limits and beyond.  I also hope that Hawaii isn't like many parts of the mainland when it comes to riots, SHTF, etc.  I used to read a lot of books about life in anarchy (post EMP and the like) and maybe extreme, much of what happens in those fiction novels I could definitely see as realistic. 
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: drck1000 on July 08, 2024, 08:24:55 AM
SNIP

But seriously, I’m just going to stay with pepper spray.

My HD long arms are really for some peace of mind if a hurricane hits Oahu.  Cause it will be pretty chaotic for a while….my friend has attended joint meeting with the various gov agencies and utilities and he was pretty surprised at how uncoordinated/unorganized they are.   I would think we would learn from decades of watching Florida get smashed.
That you own some and have some experience before is good.  Yeah, if you're depending on help from Gov't post disaster, good luck. . .
Title: Re: Anyone using red dots on their HD longarms??
Post by: QUIETShooter on July 11, 2024, 08:26:13 AM
I mentioned earlier and said no.  But after I revisited this thread I realized the subject is long arms.

And we are talking Home Defense.

Some of you must live in mansions.