When I hear something outside at night, my alarm, cameras, a security-glass storm door and a reinforced door jam give me some assurance that no one is in the house and give me plenty of time if someone is trying to get in. So an invasion won't come with a zero-notice swift kick to the door and a quick sprint upstairs. But I don't feel covered if bad guys sneak up on my wife or me when one of us is coming into or leaving the house unarmed. When walking out the door half awake, there are lots of hidey places someone can squat behind then sprint to us. If aware, I'm confident I can hurt a slow dumb bad guy, but bullets are pretty fast. Maybe I watch too much ID channel.
After having done several home defensive and CQB courses, we developed a plan. It is all about delaying the intruders. We have installed a much stronger and more secure front door. Will always lock the back door, yes they throw a brick through the glass but it will take more time.
Bear spray in the kitchen, which is the central part of the house. Wife and now older son both have done pistol training but don’t feel comfortable using a gun. The bear spray is something they feel comfortable with and it will slow intruders down as they retreat to our safe location. Every door going to the safe location has a wedge or door jams ready, again to slow them down. I have trained both of them that they should only care about their safety and not the material things in the house. By that time they will have passed several small gun safes with the 4 button hand shape. Opening one of those takes 2 seconds, get into the safe room and if you hear anyone tell them, take what ever you want but if you try to come in here you die. Last door again has a door jam ready next to it.
Although we have discussed this plan regularly I want them to go through it, they are hesitant as it makes it real I think. We will get there. Oh yes there is big German shepherd too that will bark like crazy, if you hear that on the other side you will not want to come in.
Don’t think you can just grab your gun and fight it out, you have no idea how many are in your house. This makes it very difficult to safely clear your house. I have done life fire pistol and rifle CQB courses and it taught me it is very difficult and dangerous.
Just my 2 cents