Can I rig a Shotgun in my hallway to deter burglers?

Question

First off, I have only one entry to my trailer(the windoes are shuttered) and once in the door u have to go down a halway to the living area kitchen and bedroom. I have been broken into three times in less than a year(I works a night shift) and want to rig up somekind of trap to get the thieves. I live in South Carolina. Thanks.

Answer 1

Oh, you are playing with fire.  If someone comes in who is not a thief, they get shot and killed, you are the one paying for it.  I wouldn't do it on a bet.  It's a whole lot safer to just pick up and move.

Answer 2

Nope illegal, one can not set a deadly trap upon their land ever, the reason being : what if the police are called to the home and enter because they believe something is afoul, then  your trap would kill a police officer who was legally in your residence you are going to get the chair  

Answer 3

Not only illegal in most jurisdictions it is also dangerous. My grandfather did something similar at his home in Michigan and one night let the dog out forgetting his "trap."  Walked back in and the gun went off killing his dog and blowing off most of his left leg(balls and p****r too.) I would strongly advise against it. Burglar alarms and floodlights are safer and probably just as effective.

Answer 4

Do you want to kill someone? what would you do if you forget that you have rigged the trap and you or someone quite innocent walks into it?. I know you are angry, but don't complicate your life by murdering someone. Anyway booby traps are very much illegal and you will be in big trouble just for rigging one. Forget it, buy an ugly mean dog instead.

Answer 5

It might be illegal but a jury will be hard pressed to convict you if some scumbag burglar was exterminated on his 4th break in of your home. There was a case in Miami where a Haitian storekeeper rigged an electric trap after multiple burglaries resulting in the death of a burglar. He was charged with manslaughter though the jury acquitted him. It's a sad day in America when a person cannot defend themselves and their property. I guess we are supposed to be like sheep, just pay our taxes and when comes time for slaughter roll over and take it.  

Answer 6

Nope, sorry. Believe it or not, you owe a duty of care even to burglars who are on your property trying to steal from you. Crazy, but true.

Answer 7

You can only use deadly force if your are in reasonable fear of your safety. If you are not there when the shotgun goes off, you could not have been in reasonable fear of your safety.

You cannot set a deadly trap.

Use a security camera.

Answer 8

houNope it's illegal- best to do it yourself, but make sure the perps come into the house 1st. Best to get an alarm system if you have something valuable & can't be with it all the time.Get a safe. You can lay down plywoodd lined with nails- it's not deadly, but painfull.Try deadbolts too.I'm originally from the south too & I have gotten hit many times, but up north by all the wiggers& pillheads. I know the law won't do much & it's frustrating as H---!  Gun's will just get you into trouble & give the liberal politicians another excuse to weaken our 2nd amendment.Do you have any body you trust to housesit a few days out of the week?

Answer 9

Setting up a trap, can mean you where doing premeditated murder. Normally if you shoot a bugler it well be seen as self defense.      

Answer 10

I think its different in some states.You could call the cops and straight out ask them.

Answer 11

watch Death Wish or Home Alone they will give you some good ideas for traps, without killing a man.

Answer 12

as long as you have a gun permit its free game!

Answer 13

Using a booby trap to inflict deadly force is Totally illegal. Don't do it.

If you really have to, go with a Pepperspray Booby trap;

http://www.defensedevices.com/terminator...

But check to see if this is even legal in your state.

Answer 14

Doesn't matter what state. The US Supremes say NO, many years ago. And it is foolish anyway.