thanks sa input guys, honestly, castle doctrine or none, I implore to use anything necessary to protect your family. I doubt in that situation I would be able to restrain myself from using lethal force as shooting to maim is often not a good idea, I guess some people have the composure to do that. I have 5 assortment firearms I won't hesitate to use if I have to protect myself and my family. They aren't intended to be just something to ward off people who want to harm. I bought them for their function in those particular situations, though I really hope it won't ever happen. I think in that situation, consequences take a backseat--though it would be ideal if the law was on your side also.