Does anyone have any advice for a defensive weapon i should get? The crime rate in my area has dramatically increased…and i was wondering if anyone knew what type of defensive item was more effective…pepper spray? mace? tazer?
Thanks for the help,
Conti
Not an expert opinion, but I’ve done a lot of reading on the subject, and I’ve had a (very) little training with the Security Police. I recommend reading Combat Handguns (a magazine for law officers, security guards and body guards) for those interested in the use of both lethal and less-than-lethal weaponry. There is a wealth of information, including loads of good advice on how to avoid a confrontation in the first place – the BEST way to protect yourself, IMHO.
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I don’t recommend lethal weapons unless you’re comfortable with the prospect of killing someone to defend yourself or another person (not to mention the possibility of going to jail for defending yourself with deadly force). Many (if not most) jurisdictions have a very narrow definition of what situations justify the use of lethal force. If your attacker (or his surviving family) has a competant attorney, you may be portrayed as a kill-crazy vigilante.
As long as you’re sticking with “less-than-lethal” weapons, I would recommend the highest concentration of pepper spray the law allows. And some track shoes. The main problem with disabling weapons is that they occasionally fail to disable the target. Usually this happens when the target is mentally deranged (high on waaay too much adrenalin) or chemically impaired.
You should, under carefully controlled conditions, practice with the weapon of your choice (or a simulated weapon, once you get a good idea of the effective range and spread of the spray). Under windy conditions, or if the victim is (understandably) flustered, having practiced with the stuff might make the difference between hitting the target and accidentally spraying yourself (it’s been known to happen). [I was going to say why I don’t like Mace, but after a bit of research, it seems that the Mace® brand now offers both pepper spray and CN (teargas) based formulas. I believe the CN formula carries the risk of possible long-term health effects that may not be present with the pepper-only formulations (but I could be wrong).] Check the laws in your state. Some states may require some sort of certification before you are allowed to carry defensive chemistry, and may specify what concentrations are legal for a private citizen to use for personal defense.
I don’t recommend “stun guns” mainly because they are less effective than pepper spray (thick clothing can foil such a device or reduce its effectiveness). You have to be close enough to touch your attacker with the weapon. That means he’s close enough to touch you. I would want to maintain as much distance as possible between myself and a violent person. While the Taser® shoots darts to achieve the same effect as a stun gun (thus providing some distance between yourself and your attacker), you’re connected to your target by two little wires (you can only get so far away from your attacker before it’s useless) and you have to press a button for the stunning effect to continue – time that would be better used to beat feet away from your attacker. In case of multiple attackers, a Taser will only disable one person. Once you’ve fired it, you’ve effectively rendered yourself defenseless against a second attacker. Pepper spray continues to affect the target once applied, allowing you to remove yourself from immediate danger with less chance of effective pursuit. Unlike the Taser®, a pepper spray may be used against multiple attackers.
The best defensive weapon is not something you buy. It’s an attitude. Not the “don’t mess with me 'cause I’m bad” attitude, but simply being aware of your surroundings, staying away from situations where you don’t know you are safe, and carrying yourself as if you are unafraid. Body language tells a potential attacker a lot about a prospective victim. Most potential attackers will avoid a confident target. They can’t be certain you aren’t armed or trained in enough martial arts to be a danger to their health. They prefer victims who look like they will capitulate to their attacker’s demands. They avoid people who look like they might be more trouble than they’re worth. Even better, you, as an alert person, should be sizing up the situation you are in, identifying and avoiding potentially dangerous situations before they develop. After all, you are not a policeman, and if some place or situation strikes you as potentially unsafe, you are not obligated to check things out to see just how dangerous they are. Don’t be there when the sh*t hits the fan.
Take care.
~~Baloo
>>The best defensive weapon is not something you buy. It’s an attitude. Not the “don’t mess with me 'cause I’m bad” attitude, but simply being aware of your surroundings, staying away from situations where you don’t know you are safe, and carrying yourself as if you are unafraid. Body language tells a potential attacker a lot about a prospective victim<<
Agreed. Common sense and attitude will prevent more crime than carrying a weapon. I had mace on my keychain for a while & the only person I harmed with it was me by accidentally squirting myself in the face. duh.
I have two dogs, which I believe to be the best home protection there is; and I live in a relatively high-crime area. They have access to the whole house, yard & garage when I’m gone and sleep in the bedroom (if not on the bed) at night. Whenever practical, at least one of them rides with me on errands. I don’t really do this for protection, rather they love going for rides- but it is a benefit! One of them is large and a serious guard dog, and I’ve had dogs my whole life & feel safer.
A friend of mine carries a “personal alarm”. It’s a really really loud shrieking alarm she carries on her keychain. Seems to me that would be a pretty good deterrent, requires no skill, and can’t be used against you.
Thanks for the help guys! I appreciate it.
Conti
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- Stay out of high-risk areas if you can. Beyond that, a handgun is what the cops use, and what you should too. They may have pepper spray or a stun gun, but how many days do they leave their firearms at home? - MC
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