What’s Your Home Defense Setup? Looking for Tips!

Seeking Advice
1

When I took a home defense class, they emphasized it’s more than just having a gun ready. They talked about things like having a first aid kit, a prepaid phone for emergencies, an escape ladder for upstairs, and even having solid cover.

I’m getting paid this Friday and plan to upgrade my setup. I’m curious: what does your home defense plan look like? I’d love to hear creative ideas or things I might not have thought about. Let’s share tips and help each other out.

Edit: You guys are awesome—seriously, the advice has been so helpful. Keep the ideas coming, and thanks for sharing!

2

Gotta love it when people think pole vaulting into their own house is part of home defense.

3

Quill said:
Gotta love it when people think pole vaulting into their own house is part of home defense.

OP said home defense, not a track and field event.

4

Vale said:

Quill said:
Gotta love it when people think pole vaulting into their own house is part of home defense.

OP said home defense, not a track and field event.

Imagine defending your house with pole vaults—next class: ‘Home Defense for Olympic Athletes’.

5

@Elliot
That sounds more like ‘Jackass: Home Edition.’

6

Whatever else you do, make sure your gun has a light. Doesn’t matter the model—just get a good one like a Streamlight TLR1. I learned the hard way during a home invasion a few months ago. Didn’t have a light, and it nearly cost me my life. Bought one the next day.

7

@Dakota
What happened? Care to share the story?

8

Jae said:
@Dakota
What happened? Care to share the story?

Sure, quick version: I was in bed, heard someone trying my neighbor’s door, then mine. Called 911, grabbed my shotgun (didn’t have a round chambered—big mistake). A guy started climbing through my window. I racked the shotgun, yelled at him to leave, and he didn’t care. He stayed there for like 20 seconds before walking away. Cops said I’d have been justified to shoot.

Lessons learned:

  • Always have a light on your gun.
  • Keep your gun chambered.
  • Cameras and alarms help, but don’t count on police getting there in time.

Stay safe, everyone.

9

@Dakota
Damn, man. Glad you’re okay. Thanks for sharing—definitely learning from your experience.

10

Here’s my list:

  1. Reinforced door frames and hinges.
  2. Window locks and security film.
  3. Driveway alarm.
  4. First aid kit.
  5. Escape plan and routes.
  6. Fire extinguishers.
  7. Primary and secondary weapons, both with lights.
11

@Devon
Good list! I should probably add a secondary weapon for my partner. Also, what’s a driveway alarm?

12

Elliot said:
@Devon
Good list! I should probably add a secondary weapon for my partner. Also, what’s a driveway alarm?

Driveway alarms are motion sensors that alert you when someone’s approaching. Look up Dakota Alarms—they’re pretty reliable.

13

Number one thing for better home defense? Get a reinforced door. A solid door and frame will slow down most intruders, giving you time to act.

14

Greer said:
Number one thing for better home defense? Get a reinforced door. A solid door and frame will slow down most intruders, giving you time to act.

What about windows?

15

Hayden said:

Greer said:
Number one thing for better home defense? Get a reinforced door. A solid door and frame will slow down most intruders, giving you time to act.

What about windows?

Security film or bars on windows work well. If you’re renting, you could try removable options.

16

My setup:

  1. Motion lights around the house.
  2. Cameras linked to my phone.
  3. Reinforced doors and frames.
  4. Two dogs—one small and loud, the other big and protective.
  5. Glock 19 with a light by the bed.

If something happens, I check the cameras, let the dogs investigate, and only grab the gun if it’s serious. Works like a charm so far.

17

Don’t forget these basics:

  • Fresh batteries in your flashlights.
  • Strategic mirrors to see around corners.
  • Window locks.

Also, have you thought about getting a dog?

18

Addison said:
Don’t forget these basics:

  • Fresh batteries in your flashlights.
  • Strategic mirrors to see around corners.
  • Window locks.

Also, have you thought about getting a dog?

No dog yet, but I like the mirror idea. Might try relocating a few around the house.

19

Layers of defense are key:

  • Motion lights outside.
  • Cameras covering all entry points.
  • Reinforced doors and window film.
  • Good relationship with neighbors.
  • Guns with lights near the bed.

Our two dogs patrol at night, and our bedroom is basically a fortress. Plan for worst-case scenarios, and you’ll sleep better.

20

I keep a loaded Glock 26 on my nightstand with night sights so I can grab it in the dark. Only had to use it once to scare off a guy trying to steal my car battery. Thinking about adding a shotgun with a light, but the noise worries me.