recent submitted article over at SurvivalBlog - old guy thinks he has a low recoil solution for the senior set and a solution for the "timid" set .... Dragon's Breath: DIY Nonlethal Home Defense: 12 Gauge "Unfortunately, many people in a situation like this are reluctant to use deadly force even if they stand to lose their possessions and possibly sustain personal bodily harm even death. So what can they do if they have been forced into a confrontation when the time for talking is over? You are in your own home and you must survive the next two minutes and protect family members. I suggest a home defense shotgun load configuration which may deter intruders, even very nasty ones and even if there are several. Yet it could save you from having to use deadly force — at least at first."
Interesting concept. Short of a long term WROL TEOTWAWKI, the legality of its usage will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction depending on the circumstances. Whether such a load has the desired deterrence effect, may depend upon how desperate, disciplined and determined the intruder(s) may be. It's an option worth examining.
I fill 12 gauge shells with cayenne pepper for my permitter trip alarms when I arm them, Don't know if it creates a fireball? Sounds like a trip to the ol range at sundown?
Timid and armed home defense don't end well.. Without lots of training on what to do after pulling the trigger, the novelty would wear off quickly. Do you now treat the intruder for scorch burns? Invite them to stay for coffee? Ask them politely to leave? "Could" prevent accidentially shooting college buddy who came home with the kids for the weekend. May also give a real bad guy a chance to kill you before you could chamber a load of buckshot. What if you run somebody off? Do they come back with a face shield and wet clothes to beat you to death with your own non-lethan ahotgun? I can think of applications where it would be useful, like below the water line in a boat, but only as a specialty round to gain the advantage in a situation that I can't even imagine.
Boy-oh-boy this seems like nonsense to me. I mean, who would risk their life or the life of a loved one on something that might or might not work against a home intruder? If they are coming into your home, then they intend you harm, probably even kill you since you can ID them. No thank you, I will blow their heads off and worry about the consequences afterwards.
***** FOLLOW UP REBUTTAL ARTICLE ***** Letter: Dragon's Breath. Dangerous and legally problematic. Dear Editor, I’m writing you concerning a recent article advocating the use of homemade imitation “Dragons Breath” 12 gauge rounds. This practice is both physically dangerous and legally problematic. Gun writers and attorneys have warned against this sort of thing in the past.
Every time I do a B&E I wear my Nomex clothing, Motorcycle helmet with a full face shield. Welders gloves I'm good
Move to a location where you don’t have to worry about this kind of BS. Load your shotty with Turkey loads if you are worried about interior damage, and buckshot if you are not. This is serious business, and one should not have to worry about some chair bound communist running one thru the legal system for protecting oneself. Jim
I'd never tell you not to do it. You're responsible for your own survival. However, modifying ammo in virtually any way makes you someone who may end up in front of a local prosecutor...non-lethal, or not. If you're someone who is concerned about whether to use deadly force on intruders and worried about their "intent" (even very nasty ones) then OK, you and I differ. I respect your thoughts and intent, and hope you aren't my neighbor. Meanwhile, I fully intend to use my "stand your ground" law in my state for anybody who doesn't belong in my home. I've dualed with enemy SAM sites, and been chased by N Korean, Libyan, and Chinese Migs and flown wing on Soviet and Russian Bears and Migs. I'm not going to get into a "use of force" debate with someone who has never "been there, done that." Best wishes. JC
