The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

BillCA · July 25, 2009, 03:45 AM

I think you did well from your description. Not much to criticize that you haven't thought of already.

18 seconds is too long from the point of "alert" to acquisition of the firearm. But you explained why.
Did the wife check for dial tone as one of her tasks? Should do. Only if no dial tone does she need to say anything - like "phone's dead". That would change my tactical mindset fast.
Wife should have a simple wheelgun near her side of the bed... unless she can't/doesn't/won't shoot.
I use nightlights around the house (to avoid stepping on cats) and they're set up to throw shadows where I can see them from the bedroom door. (food for thought).

Re: Light fumbling - been there, done that. Also have had the spousal unit "borrow". Here's other solution - keep a back-up light handy. It doesn't need to be a tac-light, but a decent flashlight. If it has a lanyard, hang it on the bedroom/closet doorknob so you know where it is. If you fumble the tac-light and it rolls under the bed, grab the other one. I have two. A cheap green D-cell plastic light with a hardware store name on it and a six C-cell "lantern" that puts out a very bright beam.

July 25, 2009, 03:45 AM	#25
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	I think you did well from your description. Not much to criticize that you haven't thought of already. 18 seconds is too long from the point of "alert" to acquisition of the firearm. But you explained why. Did the wife check for dial tone as one of her tasks? Should do. Only if no dial tone does she need to say anything - like "phone's dead". That would change my tactical mindset fast. Wife should have a simple wheelgun near her side of the bed... unless she can't/doesn't/won't shoot. I use nightlights around the house (to avoid stepping on cats) and they're set up to throw shadows where I can see them from the bedroom door. (food for thought). Re: Light fumbling - been there, done that. Also have had the spousal unit "borrow". Here's other solution - keep a back-up light handy. It doesn't need to be a tac-light, but a decent flashlight. If it has a lanyard, hang it on the bedroom/closet doorknob so you know where it is. If you fumble the tac-light and it rolls under the bed, grab the other one. I have two. A cheap green D-cell plastic light with a hardware store name on it and a six C-cell "lantern" that puts out a very bright beam. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)