someone trying to break in your house is my question. Long read but stay with me if you can. Maybe this has happened to you?

Let me explain what happened to me and my family, and then tell me what your approach would be. This past Monday morning at 1:30am we had a little situation at my house. Sometimes I snore at night, and when I do my wife heads to the other bedroom on the other end of the house, where my son sleeps, same side of house as the master bedroom where I was sleeping. So, Im laying there asleep and I hear what I felt like was four taps to the bedroom window (kinda like a finger nail tapping glass...just a gentle tap, tap, tap, tap and nothing else). I opened my eyes and layed there for few seconds, and knew this is not good, then my dog at the foot of bed started barking and raising hell. I knew something was wrong, and son and wife were at the other end of the house as mentioned above. I got out bed half asleep, disoriented looking for my shoes when my wife walks in our master bedroom scared to death, and said someone tapped on her window, and then she said she could tell they were trying push and open the window. Long story short, I saw no one on my property once outside. I was outside till 4:30am but I know someone was there.

What do you think the taping on the window was for? Do you think when they heard the dog that caused them to leave?

Do you walk outside in the cover of dark without a flashlight trying to find the bastard or with flashlight showing off your position? Seriously.

Do you go outside with your pistol or shotgun in the dark and you can't see chit ?

Night vision appartus? Dont know and never thought about till this week.

I have alot things running through my head right now, and very angry that my wife is sad, and my 13 yr old son knows something is up but I have not told him yet. Hell, he and buddies camp behind the house all the time.

I did file a report with the Sheriffs Department, and told them I wanted a paper trail in case something ever happens, and was told that was a good idea ( I hope it was). I have lived here for 15 yrs on this small farm, and never once had a problem or anything stolen. The Sheriff knew the property I lived on so that made me feel better.

I had motion lighting installed today that covers the sides of all doors and windows which is much better than what I had. I have a few other questions but I think said enough.

Any comments about the questions above would be great if you care to share.

I ain't going outside.

The dog gets the search command followd by his dad with the AR I'm not wasting time with NVGs the light on the rifle and the dog will lead my way. I dont care if it's one of my kids friends you show up unannounced and you get bit by the dog or lit up if you dint comply to commands. Forgot to add the wife will call 911 if needed.

They were checking to see if you were home and how you would respond.
Call 911 immediately, do not go outside. I'd be waiting inside with my family
in one room. Holding a 20ga. 870 full of #4 Buck. I'd also place some trail
cameras outside around the house to see WTH is going on.
Anybody comes inside uninvited they get chopped in half.

X a million. No way.

Nope....inside closet with family call 911 with 12guage buckshot pointed at door...maybe install some cams

Okay, I heard you and James say stay inside. I did exit the opposite side of house but looking back I may of made a big mistake. I bothers me to even type shucks.

Stay inside
Stay armed
Stay low
No light to compromise your position you know where your at ( layout of home) they shouldn't or don't
If they come in my house I will do what i feel is necessary to stop the threat and protect my family and property

When seconds count 911 is minutes away always remember that. If you dont feel comfortable clearing your house build a safe room or get some training. Dont let yourself or your family be a victim

Similar situation 2 months ago. At the house I stay at for work. Dad wakes me up st 2:30 and asks if I have my gun. Yes I do. Someone was knocking at the front door. So dad and I are both armed. Dad talks to the guy through the door. Says he's out of gas. I called the sheriff from another room. Our thought is we're safe inside the house. If he comes through a locked door he's going to wish he didn't for the few seconds he lives. If we were to go outside there's no telling what we're walking into. The sheriff showed up. I then went outside. I gave the guy gas and told him never to knock on someone's door at that hour. It ended well, but could have been dangerous.

We’ve had bumps in the night. I’ve always gone out with a light and a gun. It wasn’t a tap tap tap though.

Damn my nerves are shot. Your right.

I’d open a window and use my thermal to find them if possible. They can’t hide from that and you’re less likely to give away your position.

I'd go outside and my first response would be BANG, then maybe a double tap. Anyone messing with windows in an occupied home is up to no good.

Understand. Let me ask you this and hope others see it. When you go to bed do your turn all your lights off inside the house? My wife has lamps that stays on all night but it lights up the inside house a bit.

Hope you dont take a round to the face. Learn how to use a weapons light leave the NVGs and thermal for yotes and hogs

There are no absolute right or wrong answers to your questions. Each situation will be different with no way to predict it before hand. You did right with the lights and the answers about staying inside are probably the safest way to go but sometimes you just have to go with what your instincts tell you. Read "The Gift of Fear" and it will explain the importance of following your gut feelings.

Me and the Wife has went over this several times for when I'm not home. If she hears or sees someone outside, to grab her gun hit panic on house alarm, set the car alarms off, while she's dialing 911 from any of the closets in the house since they all have metal doors.

All lights are off.

All interior lights off. Turn on the big screen where my video cameras are. Put the wife and kids in the safe room with a gun and lock the door. Turn ALL the exterior lights on and have the big dog and AR by my side. If the person tries to make entry, shoot until the threat is no longer a threat, as I will be in fear for my life.