Loud banging noises on back deck, and WE WEREN'T READY...

[the86d]

So we were watching TV and something on the deck started banging, I mean bangin' HARD, repetitive, but not rhythmic... just outside the back doors, the deck was thumped-hard, multiple, maybe 20 times, in 15-25 seconds.
We have to replace the 2 back doors, as the doors have to be replaced (wood and the bottom is going [old worn wood doors inherited from the prior owner], and the cold upon us, so we duct-taped to temp-seal, and to prevent wasp ingress), until we get another renter for the "attached, autonomous studio apartment". (We opted to replace the doors AFTER we get a new renter, since we spent a bunch on the "renter room", and the new vinyl plank flooring installation.) W didn't open those doors due to the duct-taped seal, and the freezing temps this weekend, but went around from the front...

We weren't ready!!!
A few times a year I usually stage things in case of an outdoor outing, such as checking noise outside, however with all the range trips this last 1.5 years, (and the trip the wife just took with her visiting sister) and such, I didn't have anything staged for checking outside, at the ready...
1) Cheap (moderate-bright) flashlight, and a cheap china floodlight we use in the summer to make sure we don't step on copperheads on the way to the cars/truck...
2) No rifles ready with mags loaded, but did grab the loaded shotgun w/heavy hitters...
3) Wife-backup .380 LCP MAX (my carry piece, always loaded with JHPs).

Not adequate light...Regrouped, then went "back out" w/Metabo work light, a GREAT flashlight...
Nothing to be seen, however during the day tomorrow I'll have more light to check trax.
We must have scared it(/them?) off when we first went out with less than adequate (flood/work) lighting, the first check.

Anyways, there was definitely something out there, and the motion lights by the stairs to the deck didn't go on, so nothing human-large was probably coming up the stairs, as I tested them in the last few days by walking near the deck and the sensors worked and lights came on.
I am guessing a buck was rubbing antlers on deck posts, away from the stairs, or a hog, but I didn't see "something nasty in the wood shed" (under the deck).

I'm just saying always have something(, or multiple somethings, rather,) with adequate handheld lighting ready to go... (not some cheap china work lights)
I got caught with my trousers down (the USMC taught me that men wear trousers, women wear pants)...

Lessons learned:
1) The good floodlight and flashlight the wife stages was still in the renter room, the sister in law was using in case of power outage from this last week...
2) My AR's charging handle Ambi-release broke off and bent the last range trip, need to replace...
AND I need to clean my AR...
3) Not sure where the AR-10 mags are...
4) Need to buy another AA/AAA set of NiMH LSD rechargeable batts, and keep them in the better backup flashlights once charged...
5) Loaded 12-gauge shotgun was the go-to, to adapt...
6) All this decreased response time...

Corrections:
AK Mag now loaded with known-reliable ammo, in a known-good, reliable mag, until I find the AR-10 mags, and/or get a new charging handle for my 5.56 AR.
Good flashlights, and Hitachi "lantern" now at the ready, in the house, not in the attached studio apartment anymore, since sister-in-law is no longer in the studio apartment....
Sling went from my AR to the AK.
Response times will be quicker for the next issue...

/shortcomings-bled

[Duck Killer]

Get the 20v dewalt spot light. It puts out a bunch of light and no more buying batteries.

[twinfin]

Glad it wasn’t a two legged predator and you got an easy lesson on where some holes were in your action plan. I could definitely do a better job at having a few high-quality lights strategically placed. There’s always a hand light at the front door but that’s not the only door we go in or out. Thanks for sharing.

[TimRB]

4) Need to buy another AA/AAA set of NiMH LSD rechargeable batts, and keep them in the better backup flashlights once charged...

One comment: for the backup flashlights alkaline batteries might be a better bet since they have such a long shelf life. If you use rechargeables and aren't 100 percent disciplined about keeping them charged, you might find them half-charged or even dead when you need them.

Tim

[XDJYo]

One comment: for the backup flashlights alkaline batteries might be a better bet since they have such a long shelf life. If you use rechargeables and aren't 100 percent disciplined about keeping them charged, you might find them half-charged or even dead when you need them.

Tim

As far as flashlights go: I had a guy trying to get into my front door at 2:00 am (he was drunk out of his mind and at the wrong house for a party). Brightness or lumens is like magazine capacity. You'll never wish you had less. People always make the argument that the light will blind you. In my *experience*, that didn't happen. When I realized this idiot was banging on my front door, I jumped out of bed and grabbed my XD45 and light. I was 100% awake and the light didn't bother me or cause any blindness. I guess it was the adrenaline? While the light did shine thru the colored glass panes that surround the door, it just wasn't enough brightness to really cut thru.

Also, my hands were shaking so bad, I couldn't dial 9-1-1, so I had to use Siri. So, get used to using voice commands. Have a good idea of a script to use when talking with 9-1-1 operators. "I am at 1911 Off Topic Drive in the city of Calguns. Send police. Male trying to get into the house..." etc.

I used to use NiMH rechargeables, but no more. Too much of a hassle to have and store extra batteries and make sure they're always charged up. I've discovered my backup rechargeables totally dead. Now, I have 1 primary flashlight (Fenix PD36-R for those of you following along at home) with Li-Ion USB-C charging and a backup. Wife has a Fenix PD35 Tac and a backup. These flashlights will shine thru any window and all the way across the street VERY BRIGHTLY!!!

We periodically go thru and make sure ALL of our batteries are fully charged and we know what is in our bugout bags. This includes our car jump starters (one in each vehicle), power banks for cell phones and larger 1k WH power stations.

Be safe!

[OlderThanDirt]

I keep a big *** laser excited phosphor light ready. Up close it is blinding and will significantly incapacitate a perp. It will also easily reach out and touch someone blocks away. The Fenix HT30R LEP Flashlight claims a 1640 yard throw. You can find some that exceed 2000 yards. Lighting up a dirtbag from blocks away is good wholesome family fun.

As for batteries, I use lithium whenever possible. The quality of alkaline batteries seems to have gone downhill and they love to leak all over your equipment, or offgas making opening watertight compartments almost impossible. Also, lithium and NiMH batteries have far superior discharge profiles.

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[sonofeugene]

I have a 300 lumen flashlight hanging on every exterior door. And a 4000 lumen monster Fenix light on my nightstand. And my guns and extra magazines are all loaded with hollow point HD ammo.