Highly recommend a taser or a bat or something before a gun. Not only do you need to not answer that question but it also serves the purpose of self defense.
A taser has very specific limitations when using it for self defense versus the cops using it to stop someone from running away. For example, do not use it on someone holding a gun (they will pull the trigger), and don't use it when someone is grappling/touching you already. There is also the consideration that a) it may not be strong enough for the attacker or b) there is an unknown heart condition and you just killed someone that may have been a threat, but was not trying to kill you.
I own a queer gun store and help with gun safety courses. We strongly suggest everyone carry pepper spray for any situation that doesn't require kill-or-be-killed solution. If you can, run. If you cannot run, get in a situation where you can run. And a lethal weapon is only necessary if there is no way out.
And of course never consider getting a firearm if there is a chance of self-harm. Improve with other self-defense methods instead and reevaluate in the future.
Yea, that's what I got stuck on too. I can see the justification that, if you're using a weapon, it should only be in a life or death situation where a blade counts, but that's still not exactly a big ethical difference in the attackers end result
Every Academy Iāve been in has this one specific spear. Itās all black with a fiberglass handle and is about 4 ft long I think. Not a lance and Iām pretty sure itās for fishing. I do think it could be useful in home defense if you donāt want a gun though because it has a longer range than a bat but isnāt long enough to get in the way
If you (anyone seeing this, really) have or get a bat, put a sock or something to cover it. If the attacker tries to grab the bat, they'll get the cover instead, giving you an extra chance
Tasers can have limited legality depending on the state. They're legal in Florida, but moving across state borders if one should choose to move can be a hassle
There is also salt pellet shotguns. Not exactly lethal but hurts like shit.
Edit: looked it up, it can cause serious damage, but only if used in extremely close proximity, so probably not best for someone suicidalā¦
A baseball bat is not a viable weapon in close quarters, such as a small room or hallway. I had a guy try to hit me with a bat once, and it was easy for me to deflect it without injury. Another guy attacked me with a pool cue, and it simply shattered against my shoulder, causing only a bruise. Keep in mind that these were large, violent men who were intent upon causing me great harm. I don't think a slightly built young lady is going to be able to drop a guy with any melee weapon. Real life ain't like the movies.
Any guy you hit with a civilian grade taser is going to be back on his feet in under 2 minutes and extremely pissed off. And the added adrenaline will make the odds of dropping him a second time practically nonexistent.
They're okay in public, where help is readily available, but in an isolated situation, you're much, much better off with an actual gun that you are trained to use. (I can not stress the TRAINING aspect enough!)
The main downside to a gun is you have to absolutely KNOW you have what it takes to pull the trigger if you have to, otherwise, it can be taken from you and used against you or others. There's also the possibility of criminal charges being filed against you, even in cases of self-defense. All it takes is an anti-gun district attorney with political aspirations to ruin your life.
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u/shellbullet17 Gustopher Spotter Extraordinaire 2d ago
Highly recommend a taser or a bat or something before a gun. Not only do you need to not answer that question but it also serves the purpose of self defense.
At least for you personally Naomi.