[brownie]

Besides a guy I know named Brownie would tell you that from average distance of you being inside front door and him being outside and you having gun in hand at low ready even probably isn't enough space to raise it and fire into BG. A quick step and his hand is now on your wrist as you both fight over gun.
My untrained mind is thinking concealed and element of surprise may be better?

I wish that guy Brownie was around to expand on this.

If the gun was in my hand, it would be concealed from view. The security door is as far as they get to begin with :grin

 

[milkmanjoe]

Do you think there would be any legal issues with answering the door to strangers with a gun in clear sight, either in holster or drawn? Not pointed at anyone, no verbal threats or implication of threat other than the presence of the gun itself. Also being very careful not to step outside, although I believe open carry on own property is ok anyway.

I can think of a number of reasons why it might not be a good idea (letting strangers know there are guns in the house for a start), but asking more from the perspective of legal problems.

By the time someone knocks on our door they have already ignored the 'no soliciting' sign on entry to the neighborhood and the 'no soliciting' sign in my yard. I suppose it would be hypocritical of me to complain that these signs don't carry "force of law" so my wife suggested answering the door a little more 'prepared' might make a point.

I don't think it's a good way to make a point but it did get me wondering about the legal aspect.

The legal aspect and common sense can be on opposite sides of this scenario.
I simply do not open the door to strangers, I click my TV and see who it is via security camera. Depending on what is legal does not mean a person is trained to suffer what might happen. You have your firearm, you are in your home which is your fortress, and you are safe. Why cause a breech in your safety?

 

[2411]

If you feel the need to be armed when you open your front door, I would suggest that you have your pistol in your hand and hold your hand behind your back. This way, the weapon is concealed from a person in front of you, yet it is readily available if needed. In such a situation, it would not be a violation of law. Placing your body between the psitol and a person in front of you also serves to protect the pistol from a sudden grab.

Hmmm.... If you feel the need to be armed (at the front door), maybe you should trust your instincts and NOT open the door??? :dunno

 

[Mac45]

Hmmm.... If you feel the need to be armed (at the front door), maybe you should trust your instincts and NOT open the door??? :dunno

Probably. But the question involved what do do with a firearm when you open the front door. And, it is possible that a person who does not appear threatening may suddenly become a threat.

 

[2411]

Probably. But the question involved what do do with a firearm when you open the front door. And, it is possible that a person who does not appear threatening may suddenly become a threat.

I get that. I guess it boils down to how each of us feels about strangers at the door. My rule is that I never, NEVER open the door to a stranger. I don't care if it's a girl scout or a "uniformed police officer." I'm not opening the door, if I don't know you or am not expecting you... PERIOD.

 

[zukinut]

I get that. I guess it boils down to how each of us feels about strangers at the door. My rule is that I never, NEVER open the door to a stranger. I don't care if it's a girl scout or a "uniformed police officer." I'm not opening the door, if I don't know you or am not expecting you... PERIOD.

unless she has thin mints :grin

 

[Mac45]

I get that. I guess it boils down to how each of us feels about strangers at the door. My rule is that I never, NEVER open the door to a stranger. I don't care if it's a girl scout or a "uniformed police officer." I'm not opening the door, if I don't know you or am not expecting you... PERIOD.

Then you don't have to worry about what to do with your pistol if someone rings the doorbell. It simplifies your life.

 

[2411]

Then you don't have to worry about what to do with your pistol if someone rings the doorbell. It simplifies your life.

haha... exactly.

 

[Xbonz]

unless she has thin mints :grin

:2thumsup:2thumsup:2thumsup

The bottom line is we have become a nation of paranoids if we find it necessary to answer the door armed, or to not open a door to strangers. Granted there is some cause for this, but really have things gotten that bad? If you live in area where you find it safer to answer when armed, I'd suggest moving (yeah, I already know what's going to be said about anytime anywhere). And for those who refuse to open the door, may I suggest peepholes and intercoms to keep the BG's at bay.

jmho

 

[2411]

:2thumsup:2thumsup:2thumsup

The bottom line is we have become a nation of paranoids if we find it necessary to answer the door armed, or to not open a door to strangers. Granted there is some cause for this, but really have things gotten that bad? And for those who refuse to open the door, may I suggest peepholes and intercoms to keep the BG's at bay.

jmho

The vast majority of home invasions were "let in." IOW, the victim opened the door. It's not a matter of paranoia. For me, it's more contempt for those who see fit to come cold-calling at my front door. I feel no obligation to be "polite" to those strangers. I don't know them. I'm not expecting them. I don't answer the door to strangers, just as I don't answer phone calls from strangers. I simply have better things to do, and it's safer to boot.

There is arguably NOTHING to be gained by opening my door to a stranger. Name ONE potential positive outcome, please. And, there is nothing to be LOST by passing on whatever "opportunity" said stranger wishes to present to me.

But, if it placates your world view that most people are good by calling me paranoid... so be it.

 

[zukinut]

:2thumsup:2thumsup:2thumsup

The bottom line is we have become a nation of paranoids if we find it necessary to answer the door armed, or to not open a door to strangers. Granted there is some cause for this, but really have things gotten that bad? If you live in area where you find it safer to answer when armed, I'd suggest moving (yeah, I already know what's going to be said about anytime anywhere). And for those who refuse to open the door, may I suggest peepholes and intercoms to keep the BG's at bay.

jmho

You don't like thin mints? What is wrong with you :aarg

 

[Xbonz]

You don't like thin mints? What is wrong with you :aarg

Didn't you notice my triple double thumbs up?

 

[Xbonz]

The vast majority of home invasions were "let in." IOW, the victim opened the door. It's not a matter of paranoia. For me, it's more contempt for those who see fit to come cold-calling at my front door. I feel no obligation to be "polite" to those strangers. I don't know them. I'm not expecting them. I don't answer the door to strangers, just as I don't answer phone calls from strangers. I simply have better things to do, and it's safer to boot.

There is arguably NOTHING to be gained by opening my door to a stranger. Name ONE potential positive outcome, please. And, there is nothing to be LOST by passing on whatever "opportunity" said stranger wishes to present to me.

But, if it placates your world view that most people are good by calling me paranoid... so be it.

Yeah, you're right. No chance it could be the new neighbor introducing him/herself. Couldn't possibly somebody needing help, looking for a lost pet, or child, or parent. No chance it could be.. nevermind, not worth pursuing this. As for placating my world view, I couldn't give two sh*ts about whether or not you are paranoid.

 

[notalawyer]

Since the OP asked about the legality, I'll respond to that only.

Perfectly legal to have an openly visible firearm in a holster or in your hand when you answer the door at the place you live, PERIOD! Handgun or long gun, knife, machete, ax, chainsaw, broken bottle, etc. it make no difference.

Of course it goes without saying that you could not lawfully point it at them or make any statements/gestures/actions that would be covered under the Aggravated Assault or Improper Display of a Firearm statutes.

 

[zukinut]

Didn't you notice my triple double thumbs up?

ok got worried for second there bud :grin

 

[2411]

Yeah, you're right. No chance it could be the new neighbor introducing him/herself. Couldn't possibly somebody needing help, looking for a lost pet, or child, or parent. No chance it could be.. nevermind, not worth pursuing this. As for placating my world view, I couldn't give two sh*ts about whether or not you are paranoid.

No need to get snippy.

In my neighborhood (semi-rural), I'd know if a new neighbor was moving in. I'd know who they are / what they look like before they showed up at my door. But, everyone on my street has been here a long time.

As for someone looking for a "lost pet," yeah... I wouldn't open the door. My kids are also familiar with that ruse that is used to gain their confidence before abduction. Call me crass. Good luck finding your dog.

As for someone looking for a lost child or parent... they should be talking to the police, not knocking on my door. Again... good luck.

Call me paranoid, crass, unsympathetic, heartless... whatever. I've taught my kids not to talk to strangers. I like to lead by example.

PS.... I get my thin mints out in front of Publix.

 

[Riverpigusmc]

I'd hang a claymore on my door if I could. I live in the middle of the scrub in a pine forest on a dead end dirt road. You either have to be lost or know me or have a reason to come to my house. Yup, I answer the door with a 1911 on my hip in plain view. Don't like it, don't come to my door..we'll both be happy. I probably won't like you, anyway. On the other hand, I DO answer the door for Jehovah's Winesses, just coz it irritates my wife.

 

[jitzy]

The vast majority of home invasions were "let in." IOW, the victim opened the door. It's not a matter of paranoia. For me, it's more contempt for those who see fit to come cold-calling at my front door. I feel no obligation to be "polite" to those strangers. I don't know them. I'm not expecting them. I don't answer the door to strangers, just as I don't answer phone calls from strangers. I simply have better things to do, and it's safer to boot.

There is arguably NOTHING to be gained by opening my door to a stranger. Name ONE potential positive outcome, please. And, there is nothing to be LOST by passing on whatever "opportunity" said stranger wishes to present to me.

But, if it placates your world view that most people are good by calling me paranoid... so be it.

So your feelings have nothing to do with safety but your contempt for those people. So do you make sure they see the gun to intimidate them?

 

[2411]

So your feelings have nothing to do with safety but your contempt for those people. So do you make sure they see the gun to intimidate them?

Hahaha... I said nothing of the kind. I said it's a combination of contempt for rude strangers and concern for the safety of my family. Rather than the "paranoia" that has been proffered as a label, I prefer to think of it as contempt.

And, I have not said anything about whether or how I practice "home carry." I will say that I have never ever used or displayed a gun to intimidate anyone in any place at any time. That's not how I roll. I think you are combining the points being made here (in other posts) and mis-attributing them to me. I don't answer the door with a visible gun on my hip.

 

[notalawyer]

No body knocks on my door. :cry

Perhaps it's because of the fence and locked gates, or the signs, or perhaps the dogs in the yard, or because I open carry on my property daily, or because I clean my guns and sharpen my knives on the porch. :dunno

But most likely it's just because of my sparkling personality.:grin