[rdrader2002]

"I'm really thinking of taking my Rem 870 express mag and creating a tatical home defense system weapon"

Just make sure the barrel is at least 1/4 inch beyond the legal limit, just for giggles and grins. #4 birdshot (from what I've read) will tear up any home intruder, but isn't supposed to penetrate drywall in most homes.

I keep my varmint gun -- .30 cal M1 carbine -- behind the bedroom door for varmints, 2 or 4 legged. Have a Springfield XD in .40 cal and a Model 1911 in .45 ACP nearby for backup.

"its hard to mistake the sound of a shotgun's slide closing"

Now that comment brings back memories of guard duty in Korea way back when. I had a Winchester 12-gauge pump with 00 buck for shells as my primary weapon when I heard a twig snap near my guard post. Working the slide, I spun around to face my "attacker" only to see the sergeant major turning a curious shade of pale with his hands high over his head. I guess he thought I was asleep at my post, only to find that I was quite awake. It's another fond memory of my days in uniform.

 

[rdrader2002]

I have a poodle -- not the kind of lapdog poodle everyone thinks about. My poodle weighs in at around 65-70 pounds. She's a great watchdog and is virtually invisible at night -- since she has black fur. About the only thing that you would see would be her white teeth right before she sinks them into your behind.

Can't find a better burglar alarm than a good dog, that's for sure.