Hi everyone,
As the title says, I live in a country with very strict gun laws. Even if I got a permit for a firearm, I’d face a lot of trouble if I used it in a self-defense situation. What tools or items—besides guns—would be good for home defense?
Update: I already know about weapons and have some useful ones at home. I’m asking more about other things that could help with home defense besides weapons.
Get a dog. They’re great for home defense.
What country do you live in?
If you get a dog, make sure it’s one that will actually defend you.
You could try a nitrous-powered paintball gun, a pepperball gun, pepper spray, a taser, bear spray, wasp spray, a Louisville Slugger, a pitbull, a piece of steel pipe, or even a sharp-edged piece of square steel. Plenty of options.
@Juliet
Be careful, though. High-powered paintball guns and defense markers might be illegal depending on your country. In France, they allow up to 20 joules, but in Germany, it’s around 5 or 6. Tasers can be an option, but only at home.
I love the idea of the Louisville Slugger—just put a stocking on it. If someone grabs it, you can pull it back easily and try again. Dogs and bear spray are solid choices too. And the ‘biker chick’ suggestion… well, that’s a personal preference!
The basics of home defense apply everywhere, but if you’re looking for weapons, here are some ideas: machete, sword, baseball bat, cricket bat, hurling stick, crowbar, crossbow, or even a spear. Hardware stores sell useful materials like steel pipes or hardwood dowels.
For indoors, shorter weapons are better for tight spaces. If you’re serious, you might consider training in a martial art like Kali or escrima. You could also join a shooting club—many strict countries still allow hunting rifles, as long as they’re locked up and unloaded.
How do laws in these countries work? If someone’s literally trying to kill you—like chasing you with a knife in your home—are you really not allowed to defend yourself with a gun?
Virgil said:
How do laws in these countries work? If someone’s literally trying to kill you—like chasing you with a knife in your home—are you really not allowed to defend yourself with a gun?
In most cases, you’re allowed to shoot them, but you’ll probably be arrested or charged by default. They’ll evaluate the situation afterward.
@frank
So does that mean they’d rather you just let yourself be killed?
Virgil said:
@frank
So does that mean they’d rather you just let yourself be killed?
I think the idea is that the legal system will decide if your use of force was justified. It’s kind of like how some states in the US have mandatory arrest laws for certain accusations.
Virgil said:
@frank
So does that mean they’d rather you just let yourself be killed?
Yeah, pretty much.
BobAnalytics said:
What about a spear?
Honestly, a spear could be great for home defense. You can use it to poke through broken windows, barred windows, door gaps with chains, or even a mail slot. It’s also useful for holding off someone in a hallway or doorway, especially if they don’t have ranged weapons. If you get disarmed, it’s harder for them to use it against you in close quarters.
That said, you’ll probably want a secondary weapon too, just in case. Also, be prepared for the possibility that police or courts in some places might try to paint you as a lunatic for using a spear unless you have a good explanation, like being a historical reenactor or collector.
Let me guess—the only people with guns are the criminals, and even the police have to call in for a gun when there’s trouble?
ellah said:
Let me guess—the only people with guns are the criminals, and even the police have to call in for a gun when there’s trouble?
It’s not that bad here, thankfully. Our police carry 9mm handguns, and heavier weapons are available when needed. I used to be involved in crime, though, and I can tell you it’s pretty easy to get an illegal gun if you know the right people. Getting one legally is much harder.
@Gage
Does the Netherlands allow black powder weapons without a license? I know some EU countries like France allow cap-and-ball black powder guns for anyone over 18 without a license. You could also look into T4E markers that shoot rubber or pepper balls. Just be aware that power limits may apply, so don’t go searching for tutorials on how to modify them.
Check out Joerg Sprave on YouTube if you’re interested in some creative and DIY weapon ideas.
Your first priority should be deterrence. Motion-activated lights, cameras, dogs, fences, thorny bushes under windows, reinforced doors and locks, and keeping valuables out of sight all help.
If you’re already set on those, my suggestion is a large canister of bear spray. Home invaders often work in groups, and something like that can handle multiple attackers.