Clicking These Down, Here
1 hour ago
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Mace substitute and other defenses
Self defense while traveling can be problematic. The state of Florida recognizes my New Hampshire concealed carry permit. It's legal for me to transport a handgun in my car from my summer home to my winter home. Not every state along the way recognizes my permit so the handgun must be unloaded and locked away. Ammo has to be locked in a separate safe. That's not too handy in an emergency.
Mace is pretty effective, but laws vary from state to state and even from city to city. A good substitute for mace is wasp spray. It's pretty nasty stuff and often has a range of over 20 feet. If traveling with camping gear you can make the argument that you are afraid of insects while camping. You had no intention of using the wasp spray as a weapon. It was just handy when you were attacked.
Some folks like to travel with a baseball bat in their car. In the right hands a bat is fearsome weapon. If given the choice between a bat and a hunting knife in a fight, I'll take the bat every time. If you do carry a baseball bat, also carry a ball and glove. Your lawyer will thank you.
Most boaters have at leas one powerful spot light. They can blind an intruder, giving you a chance to land the first blow. Usually it's enough for a person on watch to spot any boat that comes too close. That lets any potential attacker know there's an awake and alert person on the boat.
I also like to travel with a couple of good long hiking sticks. For a few years I took private staff fighting lessons in a friends dojo. A kayak paddle can also do the job in a pinch.
Sometimes we must balance protection against the threat of breaking the law. Of course, in a serious SHTF situation, I'm going to use firearms. In the end, it's better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6.
-Sixbears
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It was pointed out in a blog that many insect sprays have a warning on the bottle that using them for self defense is illegal and may set you up for prosecution for doing so. But if camping like you stated above, it does make for a good argument of having it handy.
ReplyDeleteMy vehicle has one of those Cold Steel Spetnatz shovels. Makes a handy tool and a fearsome weapon if someone had the inclination to attack you or yours. Good for vehicle extractions and road work. A handy item for camping - if wood fires are allowed, makes for a good kindling cutter / fire poker.
Have fun camping. Summers are too hot here, but springtime is awesome !
I know of at least one office in a Federal agency where the employees keep wasp spray at their desks. They have to sometimes deal with angry people. Now I'll have to check my can for warnings.
DeleteMA tried to pass a state law where only licensed carpenters could own hammers. Seems biker gangs often use them for weapons. Actually, have you ever held a big framing straight claw hammer? Looks like it has more in common with 12 century armor crackers.
Wasp spray out in plain sight, even around my 5 year-old grandson, is very acceptable around my house. And if it's handier than my gun, then so be it. And he doesn't have to know it's dual purpose ~
ReplyDeleteI first learned about wasp spray as a weapon from a deputy sheriff in a self defense class, so I guess it's good here in Texas. And Happy Texas Independence Day!
You really have to know your state laws, but in the end you are responsible for your own safety.
DeleteCongratulations to TX!
It's a shame that so many people think that crooks have more rights than honest folks.
ReplyDeleteIt's a darn shame when those people are the ones making the laws.
DeleteI was asked one time by the legal authorities if I had any fireamrs in my motorhome. I just said that anyone who would leave weapons in an unoccupied house would really be stupid. That was all that was said and with my barking dogs, I don't think they wanted to do a search. My white hair maybe helped some.
ReplyDeleteWhatever works Dizzy, whatever works.
DeleteClever. Sometimes the dogs earn their keep.
Golf putter. (and a ball, of course) practice anywhere you have a few minutes...
ReplyDeleteOr, I carry one of these anywhere I cannot carry a gun. Thankfully don't yet need it to walk, but NO ONE screws with a cane or anything ADA like. I've even carried it on a plane with no issues. TSA didn't do anything but X-ray it to make sure it wasn't a sword. THe handle is unbreakable (for most people) and the knob on the end will dent skulls.
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/91STAP/Pistol_Grip_City_Stick.aspx
Golf putter. (and a ball, of course) practice anywhere you have a few minutes...
ReplyDeleteOr, I carry one of these anywhere I cannot carry a gun. Thankfully don't yet need it to walk, but NO ONE screws with a cane or anything ADA like. I've even carried it on a plane with no issues. TSA didn't do anything but X-ray it to make sure it wasn't a sword. THe handle is unbreakable (for most people) and the knob on the end will dent skulls.
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/91STAP/Pistol_Grip_City_Stick.aspx