You're wise. Listen, using a legal gun in the USA to kill an intruder in your home could get you in trouble, depending on the situation. Talk to any American attorney and he will tell you. Now what do you think it would be like in the DR, a country with a very questionable legal system? And then you have the "us versus them" mentality that the locals will inevitably show. Even if someone enters your home in the DR illegally, and you're forced to use deadly force, the locals may not see it that way. You could quickly find yourself in a deadly situation.
Using a gun here in the DR for me is a big no no. There are too many unknown variables. Just saying "pay the cops a bribe" sounds too simple to me. As an outsider you will likely be blamed for whatever happens. The family of the people you killed will certainly want to kill you. And they have the resources and local advantages to do it. No way an outsider can win. You could try to leave but..........you think the local cops are gonna let you just up and fly out of the DR? Nope.
Owning a gun? You think your safer now? NOT TRUE! You actually just made your potential situation a matter of life and death for you, your loved ones and whomever comes calling. Your best bet, is to train your instincts!!!!!!!!! Prevention, is protection!!! A fire arm is a false sense of security, and here is why. A gun creates anxiety!!! Your always worried about where it is, who might have access, and is it close enough to me so I can use it if I have to. Generally in a home invasion, kidnapping, or planned robbery situation, the bad guys got the upper hand always always always. They for one, have the JUMP ON YOU. They watched you, they know your comings and goings. They may even know you have a weapon. YOU MUST be either trained in tatical situations or have serious military or law enforcement training if you think your gonna get your gune in time, take the safety off, point and shoot multiple assailants. That's right folks, multiple assailants, oh and remember, GOT THE JUMP ON YOU. 9 times out of 10 your f%%ED! Reaction time is critical and that is a result of training and experience. Most folks will freeze for several seconds before their brain sends a signal that says" hey go get my gun" and in those seconds, you die.
PREVENTION IS THE ANSWER!!!
1. Know your surroundings
2. Watch who is watching you (Counter surveillance)
3. ALWAYS TRY TO BLEND IN AS BEST YOU CAN
4. RE-enforce all doors and windows
5. Big and little dogs(THEY GIVE YOU WARNINGS) (IF THEY GET SICK, THEY HAVE BEEN POISONED)
6. Where clothes that don't say GRINGO all over
7. Know your neighboors
8. NEVER DISCUSS YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION WITH ANYONE EVER
9. ONLY USE A TRUSTED TAXI...Don't fully trust him either
10. Don't bring prostitutes into your home ever.
This is just a start, but if you start here you will adapt other techniques that will compliment these. After a while this will become second nature. You won't feel paranoid, just careful. I am never paranoid, but I am always ready for anything....But most of all.....I am ready to RUN...........................................