Hey everyone,
As the title suggests, I live in a country with really strict gun laws. Even if I managed to get a permit for a firearm, I’d be in a lot of trouble if I ever used it for self or home defence. So, besides firearms, what other tools or things are good to have for home defence?
Update: I do know which weapons to use and how to use them, and I have some useful things around. But what I meant was, what else, besides weapons, is important for home defence?
What country?
Get dogs that will actually defend.
Nitrous-powered paintball gun, pepperball gun, pepper spray, tazer, bee/wasp spray, bear spray, Louisville Slugger, Pitbull, 2-3’ pieces of 1/2" iron pipe, biker chick, 1/8" x 2-1/2" square steel filed to a sharp edge on all sides.
All the standard home defence strategies apply in any country. So, assuming you just want a weapon: Machete, sword, sports bat (cricket, baseball, hurling stick), crossbow, crowbar. Hardware stores have materials like hardwood dowels, steel pipe.
A spear, as someone else mentioned, would work too, just make sure it’s not too long. You want shorter weapons for indoor combat. Might consider some weapons training like Kali/escrima.
Might want to consider joining a shooting club, as many strict countries still allow hunting rifles if they’re locked up and unloaded.
How do laws work in these countries? If someone is literally trying to kill you, like chasing you with a knife or beating you with a bat, can you shoot them?
Valentina said:
How do laws work in these countries? If someone is literally trying to kill you, like chasing you with a knife or beating you with a bat, can you shoot them?
Most of the time, yes (edit: yes meaning you can shoot them). But you’ll likely be arrested or charged by default.
@Ulises
So do the prosecutors just expect you to die?
Valentina said:
@Ulises
So do the prosecutors just expect you to die?
Honestly, they probably expect the judicial process to review the situation and decide if using lethal force was justified. Similar to mandatory arrest laws for accusations of rape in some US states.
Valentina said:
@Ulises
So do the prosecutors just expect you to die?
Yes.
CathyGenesis said:
Spear?
A spear can actually be a great weapon for home defence. You can poke through a broken window, through a window with bars, or through the gap in a door with a chain. You can block a hallway or doorway if your attacker doesn’t have ranged weapons. If you get disarmed inside, it’s hard for them to flip it on you in tight spaces. Ideally, you have another melee weapon too. It can also help if you’re worried about wildlife.
I’m not sure how police would treat a case of home defence involving a spear. Some places might see you as a psychopath. It might look less crazy if you’re a historical reenactor or something.
@Michael
Great points.
Machetes, hatchet, axe, baseball bat, bow and arrow, and taking self-defense classes are also good for defence.
Cameras, motion lights, and strong locks are great for deterrence.
Let me guess - the only ones with guns are the crooks? Even the cops have to call for a gun to be delivered when there’s a shootout…
Masitsa said:
Let me guess - the only ones with guns are the crooks? Even the cops have to call for a gun to be delivered when there’s a shootout…
It’s not that bad, thankfully. Our police carry 9mm, and heavier weapons aren’t too far away if needed. I used to be involved in crime, and getting a gun is easy here in the Netherlands if you know the right people, but getting one legally is much harder.
Deterrence should be your first step before getting into direct action tools. Motion lights, cameras, dogs, fences, thorny bushes under windows, reinforced door frames, and no valuables out in the open.
If you already have those covered, my suggestion is a large canister of bear spray, like the size of a fire extinguisher. This can work well because home invaders usually work in groups.