Defending Yourself

[KitKatMatt]

I just got a tool to help me with personal self-defense. I picked out one particular tool (a stun gun) based on the fact that I wanted something to interrupt or temporarily disable. My friends recommended taking a concealed carry course and getting a small gun, but I see that as too much of a risk of permanently disabling or accidentally killing someone if I misfire (both of which are not my intent).

What are your feelings on self-defense?

What are your feelings on the different methods of self-defense? How effective do you think they are? Do you think all are moral or are there certain limits?

If you had to arm yourself with a tool to defend yourself against a crime, what would you choose and why?

 

[High Fidelity]

If I had to arm myself against crime I'd make an appointment at the bank to get a mortgage in an area where I don't need to arm myself against crime.

In the event that isn't possible, a .45ACP. Good stopping power and plenty of ammo types you can get to try and ensure the bullet stays inside and reduces the risk of a passer-by being injured by an exiting round(Not that you should fire without a clear background unless you have no choice).

I'd also be sure to learn hand-to-hand skills. I'm not saying that people should or need to be Bruce Lee, but preparing yourself to defend yourself without instinctively drawing for a gun (COPS) then yeah, non-lethal would be great.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Best defense is a good offense.

 

[AvilaSurfer]

Best defense is a good offense.

LOL - the question was about self defense. So your solution is to just start shooting people that look dangerous?

 

[Ana the Ist]

LOL - the question was about self defense. So your solution is to just start shooting people that look dangerous?

The point I was trying to make was about mindset. If you're thinking defense to start you're already losing.

If I'm being honest, a gun is a lot of work and responsibility. You shouldn't just get a gun unless you're willing to accept you should be practicing with it regularly, maintaining it, and make yourself extremely familiar with what scenarios you can and cannot shoot in.

I really don't even understand what type of "problem" the OP is referring to. Is it the unlikely late night stranger rape encounter on the street? Don't walk around alone. That move alone would reduce your chances of being raped by...I dunno...99%?

 

[Ana the Ist]

Even a self defense course is pretty useless if you've never actually been in a fight. Has the OP ever been punched really hard in the face? I've seen people who haven't crumble the first time this happens.

So before you learn any self defense have a good friend punch you really really hard in the face. Seriously.

Hmmmm...what else? Oh yea...learn when to run, you don't need to be standing over a corpse to win. A knee to the balls and decent cardio can work wonders. Also know when you're beaten...if some guy with a gun wants your purse or your keys...drop them and run. If you try reaching for a stun gun or pistol in those situations you'll probably get shot. That isn't worth your car or purse.

 

[Cearbhall]

Is it the unlikely late night stranger rape encounter on the street? Don't walk around alone. That move alone would reduce your chances of being raped by...I dunno...99%?

32%.

 

[Ana the Ist]

32%.

That's all??? I'm shocked.

 

[football5680]

What are your feelings on self-defense?

Self defense is perfectly acceptable.

What are your feelings on the different methods of self-defense? How effective do you think they are? Do you think all are moral or are there certain limits?

The method you choose depends on the situation. If the other person has a gun then the only way to properly defend yourself is to have a gun yourself. If the other person is attacking unarmed then a non-lethal remedy is the most desirable approach.

If you had to arm yourself with a tool to defend yourself against a crime, what would you choose and why?

A gun. Like I already said the method you use would depend on the situation but I don't know the situation I would be in so I would like to be prepared for the worst. If the person is unarmed then pulling out a gun could deter them as well so in that case it would not be lethal.

 

[Skybringr]

Pfft. Anyone who has ever been cornered by a couple thugs on a street know that people who talk about stun guns over an actual gun have no business- in this business.

The most typical form of street assault is when two to three guys try to mess with you, and eventually coerce you to give up your goods or push you around; maybe jump you and then take your stuff.


Very rarely does somebody just come out of nowhere with a gun to your face, and one would be stupid to do anything but comply at that point out of common sense of gun logic- who's going to pull out a gun at that point?
I don't see how making mention of such in light of being armed or unarmed means jack. The anti-gun corner has simply over-thought too much.

 

[KitKatMatt]

The point I was trying to make was about mindset. If you're thinking defense to start you're already losing.

If I'm being honest, a gun is a lot of work and responsibility. You shouldn't just get a gun unless you're willing to accept you should be practicing with it regularly, maintaining it, and make yourself extremely familiar with what scenarios you can and cannot shoot in.

I really don't even understand what type of "problem" the OP is referring to. Is it the unlikely late night stranger rape encounter on the street? Don't walk around alone. That move alone would reduce your chances of being raped by...I dunno...99%?

The "problem" is that I still run into three men around town who have in the past stalked me (one of them for more than four years). Two have sexually assaulted me. One of those forced his way into my home twice.

During those times, I was terrified and didn't know what I could to do fight back (I am not very strong physically and hitting them did nothing). I will not be a victim again.

The stun gun is for when I'm not at home. For my home, I am looking into the legality and practicality of pepperball and beanbag guns. I don't want to permanently harm anyone, but I do want to make them wish they never tried to pull a stunt in the first place

 

[Ana the Ist]

The "problem" is that I still run into three men around town who have in the past stalked me (one of them for more than four years). Two have sexually assaulted me. One of those forced his way into my home twice.

During those times, I was terrified and didn't know what I could to do fight back (I am not very strong physically and hitting them did nothing). I will not be a victim again.

The stun gun is for when I'm not at home. For my home, I am looking into the legality and practicality of pepperball and beanbag guns. I don't want to permanently harm anyone, but I do want to make them wish they never tried to pull a stunt in the first place

I dealt with a stalker situation once...be more than happy to tell you how I solved it. I'd probably have to in PM though. If you don't want me pming you...just say so.

 

[KitKatMatt]

I dealt with a stalker situation once...be more than happy to tell you how I solved it. I'd probably have to in PM though. If you don't want me pming you...just say so.

I have thankfully not seen them outside of my home in a few years now, so I think the stalking situation is over. I still keep a look out though.

 

[Ana the Ist]

I have thankfully not seen them outside of my home in a few years now, so I think the stalking situation is over. I still keep a look out though.

Your call.

If you don't want a gun I'd opt for a baseball bat...beanbags hurt but they won't stop anyone unless they hurt a lot more than I remember. Neither will a pepperball launcher...these are meant more for "discouraging" not "stopping".

 

[PsychoSarah]

The stun gun will be good against one opponent, but if you have multiple attackers you will be in trouble. Which is why you should also have mace as a back up. And I don't mean some wimpy pepper spray, I mean bear mace, because some tough suckers can get over the pepper spray, but I would like to see what kind of person can withstand an assault which can take down a bear. Plus, works against multiple opponents and again not deadly.

 

[Ana the Ist]

The stun gun will be good against one opponent, but if you have multiple attackers you will be in trouble. Which is why you should also have mace as a back up. And I don't mean some wimpy pepper spray, I mean bear mace, because some tough suckers can get over the pepper spray, but I would like to see what kind of person can withstand an assault which can take down a bear. Plus, works against multiple opponents and again not deadly.

Pepper sprays and mace are no fun but generally a bad idea in a home invasion scenario. It's gonna extraordinarily difficult to avoid coming into contact with that stuff yourself. If anyone sees it coming and just puts a hand up you can get it back in your face or he could get the idea to rub it in your face.

 

[PsychoSarah]

Pepper sprays and mace are no fun but generally a bad idea in a home invasion scenario. It's gonna extraordinarily difficult to avoid coming into contact with that stuff yourself. If anyone sees it coming and just puts a hand up you can get it back in your face or he could get the idea to rub it in your face.

Well then what non deadly method would you suggest which is quick and can be used against multiple attackers? Also, bear mace works at a better distance than pepper spray (obviously need to hit a bear as far as you can) and is a more controlled burst from what I have seen.

 

[KitKatMatt]

The stun gun will be good against one opponent, but if you have multiple attackers you will be in trouble. Which is why you should also have mace as a back up. And I don't mean some wimpy pepper spray, I mean bear mace, because some tough suckers can get over the pepper spray, but I would like to see what kind of person can withstand an assault which can take down a bear. Plus, works against multiple opponents and again not deadly.

That's a great idea! I would like to see if they sell bear mace in the gel form, as I've learned of that recently. I had an incident with regular "aerosol"-like mace a while back and wouldn't like to repeat that.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Well then what non deadly method would you suggest which is quick and can be used against multiple attackers? Also, bear mace works at a better distance than pepper spray (obviously need to hit a bear as far as you can) and is a more controlled burst from what I have seen.

Well she had described an indoor scenario...but outside against multiple attackers? And no gun?

Run. Seriously. Get that cardio up, work on some wind sprints and distance running. She already said she isn't gonna be able to fight off one guy let alone three. If they want your stuff, drop it and run.

Last time I saw bear spray it was better directed than a regular pepper spray but it's also like a fog coming out of there. Even a slight breeze and you're likely to end up with a generous helping back in your face. It's not pleasant. Also, I remember the canister on those things looking like a liter of soda or something (could be different now). You have to consider practicality. Someone's likely to carry that for a couple weeks...then start skipping days...then stop carrying it.

 

[PsychoSarah]

There is more than one form of bear mace, you think that people haven't thought up better ways to tackle the wind issue for a product essentially guaranteed to be used outdoors? Also, one might end up getting cornered and have no choice but to fight back.