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
hashtagsarestupidI'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.
...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.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
Share it so that people can get into this conversation, 'cause we're not the only ones who think like this.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.
I treat all living things equally. That is to say, I eat all living thingsMeh, 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.
Wise Papa Smurf, corrupted by his own power. CAN NO LEADER GO UNTAINTED?!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 ...
That’s the epitome of privilege right there, not considering armed nazis a threat to your life. - SilaswAh 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.
Luminous beings are we, not this crude matterThorn, 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...)
All your safe space are belong to TrumpStun 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
Who watches the watchmen?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.
Who watches the watchmen?I take it weighted-knuckle gloves aren't an option?
edited 17th Nov '12 4:35:58 PM by Deadbeatloser22
"Yup. That tasted purple."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
"Yup. That tasted purple."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...
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
I treat all living things equally. That is to say, I eat all living things