Ways to defend yourself/Gun Alternatives

While I dislike guns, I recognize that there are times where we really do need to be able to defend ourselves in certain situations(be prepared for anything I suppose). What would be the best way to defend yourself? Despite the title, it's inclusive of firearm and non-firearm related methods(though preferably the latter).

edited 16th Nov '12 8:37:00 PM by blueflame724

That's a pretty vague question. Defend yourself against what and where? The options that may be available to you depend greatly on your attacker(s), how they're armed, and what their goal is.

If you're asking for a way to defend yourself from guns, you're going to have to basically find a way to get superpowers unfortunately.

edited 17th Nov '12 1:34:13 AM by joeyjojo

I'm curious as well, but I think it could also mean like...what would be a good way to protect you and your family if you think someone was trying to break in?

The best and most dependable weapon available to anyone is their brain. Everything you have beyond that is gravy, and nothing will be effective if you don't use your brain first.

Baseball bat.

Or a tomahawk, tomahawks are good. I've got an unsheathed trench hawk that leans against the wall in my closet.

If you live in an area with lots of gun crime, and you're honestly afraid of a breakin, arrange your furnishings around the house in order to provide maximum cover and minimize lines of sight. The closer they have to be to shoot you, the better the odds. Sure, it'll be a pain in the ass actually moving around your apartment, but that's the price you pay

edited 17th Nov '12 8:12:35 AM by RadicalTaoist

We'll just try to think of every possible scenario then; defending your family, finding yourself with some unsavory folk, being in a tough neighborhood etc.

Meh, irrelevant since I got my CCW, but semi-relevant.

I used to carry either my ASP or a knife as part of my every-day-carry. In a hand to hand fight, if I could have any weapon, I'd choose the ASP.

The most interesting recommendation I've seen on the internet is a heavy, high-beam flashlight that can be carried around easily in day-to-day hand carry, like a tote bag for instance. Because the light is high beam you can use it to momentarily blind people in a night setting and it can be used as a bludgeon due to its weight, without the need for much finesse.

The trusty multi-D Cell Maglite club?

In this country it would more than likely be called an offensive weapon by the police officer who comes to arrest you for defending yourself from a mugger as you have breached his civil rights by smashing his skull in.

@Maddy - It's kind of hard to pull out your brain and beat someone to death with it, though. Though I did that with a super-villain once ...

Ah yes, the maglite.. My dad had a pretty big one when he was a patrolman. Always used to ask him what the scuffs and scratches on the end of it were from, obviously crackhead skulls.

Well what about something that isn't Melee? Like a stun gun?

If I didn't lose track of it,I would've packed my schindu [sock knife] (which still fits the size limits for knives around here).

It's useless once the gun is out,but it's very good for a sneak attack or a desperate last resort.

Back at home,I'd always carry it around in one of my socks just in case.

Thorn, stun guns/tasers may not actually incapacitate the goblin du jour, and in fact may well just piss them off.

Granted, regular guns aren't "instant guaranteed death machines", either, but between getting hit in the chest with, say, a 9mm round or the prongs for a taser, odds are in favor of the pistol having the desired effect.

(Of course, local weapon laws are another issue...)

Stun Guns are typically a contact electrical discharge weapon. There are also stun batons a electrically charged club, stun gloves and other gizmos that are possible but of dubious use.

Tasers are the projectile version but are harder for civilians to legally accquire.

The Russians make the PB-4M Osa. A less then lethal self defense gun. It is chambered in 15mm. It has signal, a sort of flashbang distraction round, a special use round, and a low velocity hard rubber trauma shot.

Shotguns can be loaded with rock salt, bean bags, and other less then lethal options.

There are chemical self defense weapons like mace or pepper spray.

There are various blades you can usually accquire legally. Folding lock blades for example.

Legal clubs and batons.

Fist loads are popular again.

There is martial arts training.

One thing to remember with all of these options they have varying levels of legality and effectiveness dependant on training and situational context.

Check your local self defense laws and laws for defensive weapons. Learn how to use your tools effectively and properly for maximum effectiveness.

Also note that any use of force in a defensive situation has the potential to lead to death either directly or indirectly.

edited 17th Nov '12 11:12:51 AM by TuefelHundenIV

I'd rather just avoid any chance of melee. I imagine rock salt shotguns hurt like hell.

From all accounts I have heard about it does indeed.

Then again lots of things fired out of a shotgun would hurt when they hit.

Sword cane.

If someone pulls a knife you could even paraphrase Crocodile Dundee.

I take it weighted-knuckle gloves aren't an option?

edited 17th Nov '12 4:35:58 PM by Deadbeatloser22

Sappers are illegal in my state, dunno bout others.

edited 17th Nov '12 4:41:55 PM by Barkey

Since they're technically offensive weapons I think they're illegal over here as well.

Rephrasing: "Offensive weapon" doesn't normally mean illegal to buy or own; it's perfectly legal to own a pair of sap gloves. However, what it does mean is that you cannot legally carry the weapon in public without authorisation from a a competent authority or a valid reason for doing so.

EDIT because ninja: That.

edited 17th Nov '12 4:58:30 PM by Deadbeatloser22

Still, whats the safest non gun ranged option for self defense?

I mean, I'm sure a sword counts as self defense but I'm not a fucking samurai And if he has a gun...