Pistol Crossbow

[Timelord]

(25 October 2013, 13:54)Skvez Wrote: When discussing a pistol crossbow we're discussing a range weapon.
I can fire off a bolt with a pistol crossbow and still have my "sharp stick / machete / chainsaw" in hand for when they close to melee range.
A pistol crossbow in the ribs might not stop someone dead but it will mean when they close to melee range they're operating at degraded performance. (And unless they're desperate they're probably considering a tactical withdrawal)

As for penetration a 50 lb or 80lb pistol crossbow can penetrate most typical clothing. If you're attacked by a biker gang in heavy stuffed leather jackets; penetration may be a problem but how many attackers are going to have improvised body armour?

Even missing with a crossbow bolt will make someone less likely to pursue the attack than you just standing there and waiting for them.

There are very few scenarios in which a single person can defend against a determined mob irrespective of what weapon they have.

A shotgun blast is LOUD. Many people will run from the sound of one but others will creep towards it to see what's going on and whether there is any opportunity to profit or any leftovers to take. Pistol crossbows are very quiet.

The discussion was about possible weapons that would work well in a domestic dwelling. This alters the suitability of a ranged weapon. A ranged weapon is only any good if you have the range to use it. In an indoor dwelling against intruders, then you may or may not have time to deploy and use the weapon. A ranged weapon in this scenario could be a tactical disadvantage if in the act of deploying it, you find out the intruder or intruders do not wait for your timing or position to be in synch. This could mean you only partially manage to bring the weapon to bear on target in what will be an adrenaline charged, maybe fast moving and possibly badly lit situation. If you get the bolt off in time and it hits and penetrates and if it hits a spot that immediately debilitates the attacker, then all is going the best it can be hoped for (a collection of "ifs & assumptions"). If not, then the time wasted, the distraction of it and the immediate need to deploy alternative weapon force will now be a very pressing matter. If your timing is bad, then it could ruin your day! What if the assailant is battering your door down with a chair or small table before bursting in? Will this obscure the target? What if you actually miss? There will not be time for a reload either.
The pistol crossbow MAY or MAY NOT do the job you expect on the day. Is this the best time to find out? A serious higher poundage, better made one would be preferable but always remember it will probably be a one shot weapon. A full sized crossbow would be much better and seeing as most of the pistol crossbow proponents assume they will be waiting ready for the assailant, with a clear line of sight and the necessary range, then one of these full size crossbows would be far more proficient to do the job.
The assailants may not even know you have fired a bolt at them in the actual situation as it rapidly unfolds, so having confidence that folk are likely to be scared off after having a bolt fired at them is not something I would rely on.
I agree that a single person (without serious firepower) has low odds of defending against a determined mob, but this is towards the extreme end of the spectrum. More than one or multiple assailants as suggested in the text is quite likely to mean 2, 3 or 4 rather than a determined mob. Also their determination can be reversed by the successful and targeted application of force. One person with some preparation, the right kit and some practice can have very good odds against a small group of untrained, predictable hostiles with poor strategy. This is the best prepper counter strategy for unavoidable violent confrontation.
I ask you - Why is it that many posters on these forums always analyse a scenario as though they are the ones to initiate the weapon discharge or to be waiting in the right place at the right time, in full control of the situation - in the right lighting conditions and usually in a known pre-prepared location? is this a comforting notion?
If as above, the scenario gives you the luxury of having everything "just so" and with time to prepare, then what about simple obstacles to impede or trip the assailant. String taught across the floor as a lattice of trip wires or floorboards (pre-prepared trap doors) removed inside doorways or windows. This could give a massive advantage for little effort. Why not use the choke effect of a doorway, so that one attacker faces three expedient spear points held by family members, preferably at different heights and in sharp thrusting movements as the assailant attempts to advance through the opening. Simple but effective tech.
Another simple measure is to have some door wedges or stops. Temporarily nail one to the floor so that the likely intruder access door can only open maybe 18 inches. In the event of the assailant attempting to barge through the door, it will initially swing open under their own bodyweight and then suddenly stop part way or if kicked, then jam ajar or bounce back. If kicked and bounced back, then they will next probably try to barge it open with their bodyweight as they would not expect it to be a wedge or door stopper. As they do this and attempt to squeeze through, they are in a vulnerable, canalised, constricted position. Take advantage of it there and then. One lateral method would be to have already checked if an expedient spear or similar slim sharp pointy thing could be shoved clean through one of the door panels. If it can be, then now is the time to do it side on to the assailant while a partner impedes the assailant's access through the restricted door aperture. This would be a most traumatic experience for the assailant and IS one way likely to reverse any of his cohorts determination to pursue their objective.
Another - Bungie nets with jingly items attached over the inside of window frames with curtains closed. This will be a pain for any intruder to access quickly or slowly while you are there.
Caltrops.... nasty nasty indeed. Much underrated. Easy to make, deploy and reuse. Can even be thrown into a confined area or corridor just prior to contact. Collect and reuse later.
Similar - Planks with large nails hammered through sticking upwards. carefully sited to impede progress at advantageous points or as automated night time sentries. lol.