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what kind of personal protection device

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Ignore the idiots on here. Without a crapload of training, your wife is not likely to carry a loaded gun around, much less have it ready to use, and be willing to use it, AND use it effectively.

I very much doubt that any of the yahoos who've recommended a firearm carry one around with them (loaded and in-hand) daily either.

Instead, I'd recommend Mace. It's non-lethal, which means she's much more likely to be willing to use it in a bad situation. Get the CN stuff (tear gas) (on the "Triple Action" model), not the OC. Do NOT get the leather case. The "Police model" flip top is effective for preventing accidental use. With the leather case, you need to unbutton the thing, which takes extra time which she WON'T have in a serious situation. You'll have to replace it every two years or so.



Your wife also has to realize that carrying the thing in her purse is useless. She has to have it in her hand when she feels vulnerable (e.g. walking to and from the car).

A Taser is another possibility, but the Mace only costs $20.

A self-defense course for women would probably be the best thing you could get her. I think the psychological impact (i.e. increased confidence) far outweighs the actual physical training.
 
Originally posted by: pulse8
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Originally posted by: zaku
thanks but we don't need to shoot or kill anybody. was thinking more along the lines of a pepper spray or some loud noise maker.

If you're serious about defending yourself, aiming to kill is the only realistic option.

Carry a gun if you're serious about actively defending yourself.

If you don't want to carry a gun, buy some good running shoes & be careful.

Viper GTS

You mean to tell me the only way to fend off a would be robber is to shoot them?

Nope, you can always fight/run, but you had better be stronger(or a better fighter)/faster. Even then it's mostly about reactions and training, just like with a weapon.
 
Originally posted by: tk149
Instead, I'd recommend Mace. It's non-lethal, which means she's much more likely to be willing to use it in a bad situation. Get the CN stuff (tear gas) (on the "Triple Action" model), not the OC. Do NOT get the leather case. The "Police model" flip top is effective for preventing accidental use. With the leather case, you need to unbutton the thing, which takes extra time which she WON'T have in a serious situation. You'll have to replace it every two years or so.

I never recommend that stuff because odds are you'll end up gassing yourself as well. Stick with the stream stuff if at all possible.
 
I would say taser if a gun is not an option. Having been hit with both Cap-Stun and a taser the taser is the one I'd least like to experience again. Then again the pepper spray has its benefits in that it can be carried on a keychain where it is ready to go.
 
Originally posted by: BannedTroll
I would say taser if a gun is not an option. Having been hit with both Cap-Stun and a taser the taser is the one I'd leat like to experience again. Then again the pepper spray has its benefits in that it can be carried on a keychain where it is ready to go.

The way Amnesty International is pressing, the Taser may be on the way out. 🙁
 
Originally posted by: tk149
Ignore the idiots on here. Without a crapload of training, your wife is not likely to carry a loaded gun around, much less have it ready to use, and be willing to use it, AND use it effectively.

I very much doubt that any of the yahoos who've recommended a firearm carry one around with them (loaded and in-hand) daily either.

I very much doubt that you are correct. I think you would be shocked at the number of people who can legally carry a handgun.

Started a poll.
 
Originally posted by: bradruth
Originally posted by: BannedTroll
I would say taser if a gun is not an option. Having been hit with both Cap-Stun and a taser the taser is the one I'd leat like to experience again. Then again the pepper spray has its benefits in that it can be carried on a keychain where it is ready to go.

The way Amnesty International is pressing, the Taser may be on the way out. 🙁

Tell me about it. Another crackhead dies mid-OD from getting 50kV in the grill, and there's an uprising.

I won't even say "Take the Tasers and give them more ammo" - the force needs a nonlethal option for a long-distance disable. I'm pretty positive I've got bradruth's concurrance here.

- M4H
 
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: bradruth
Originally posted by: BannedTroll
I would say taser if a gun is not an option. Having been hit with both Cap-Stun and a taser the taser is the one I'd leat like to experience again. Then again the pepper spray has its benefits in that it can be carried on a keychain where it is ready to go.

The way Amnesty International is pressing, the Taser may be on the way out. 🙁

Tell me about it. Another crackhead dies mid-OD from getting 50kV in the grill, and there's an uprising.

I won't even say "Take the Tasers and give them more ammo" - the force needs a nonlethal option for a long-distance disable. I'm pretty positive I've got bradruth's concurrance here.
- M4H

You do have my concurrance. OC spray doesn't work on everyone and the baton can and does cause serious damage...and again doesn't necessarily work if you're following procedure and aiming for nerve motor points. In order to stop the threat you might have to destroy a knee or two and then you're in deep sh!t for doing THAT. The taser eliminates those problems almost all the time.
 
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
[
Situational training + lots & lots of practice, it's a conditioned response - Not something you wait to see what will happen.
[edited for brevity]
While I would definitely say the gun has an inherent advantage against an attacker (lethality + intimidation factor), the real advantage comes in the training & readiness that usually comes with carrying.

Viper GTS

coming from someone who used to teach self defense classes (although at a very basic level) i'd say this is the number ONE thing to focus on - training and readiness.

doesn't matter if she wants to use a gun, pepper spray, or her hands and feet - getting good training and MAINTAINING a state of readiness are KEY.

 
What you need is self-defense/safety classes before you get anything else. Your best weapon is your knowledge and vigilance.

A strong OCP (chem spray) is nice, but has severe drawbacks. Not everyone is affected by them. You'll get hit with it yourself pretty much guaranteed. Ineffective at distance unless you choose a streamer, but then you have to have better aim than with a fogger. Foam is the most effective by far, but range is crap. Also, as with any item, you have to have it in hand to use it.

Tazers (if legal) are just as problamatic. Failure to fire, failure to penetrate, single target, close range, etc. Still, it's an option if you want.

Noisemakers have some benefit, if the criminal is a spineless idiot. How often does anyone even glance at a car alarm going off anymore? The public isn't going to come to your rescue, that's up to you. Noise is a benefit, not a defense.

Firearms are probably the best defense overall, IF you're willing to use one. If a gun isn't your thing then DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT. We have enough armed idiots out there now, we don't need people with no business carrying a firearm making things worse.

Again, get trained first, then decide what your'e willing to carry/use.
 
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