When I lived in Seattle I used a small hand drawn cross bow for home protection. I didn't need a permit to use/own it so it worked great for little ol'me. It had a 30 lb draw and all I needed was a small hand hook to pull the string back. I set up a refrigerator box in my apartment, we're talking the thick heavy cardboard. I put a practice bolt through the box and stuck into the cinderblock wall.
After that I felt confident that this baby would protect me...no worries. And since it is a one time shoot per pull the chances that I would be killed with my own weapon were negligible.
Now the majority of my money goes to purchasing medieval weapons. I never worry that I will run out of ammo.
And you guys thought I was just another pretty face. Hehehhe
DL