problem is, a guy like she's describing, will take it away from her, her best defense is surprise, well, that and distance, like you mentioned. Open carrying a long gun just doesn't sound like a good idea to me.LSUTiger wrote:Some guys eat pepper spray for breakfast and are able to fight through it, some cry like little girls. Your ex sounds like the kind that would fight through it overcome with rage/testosterone/andrenaline. Distance is always your friend until you run out of options, then what are you gonna do?sweetmelissa wrote:LSUTiger wrote:nyj wrote:LSUTiger wrote:
IMHO, I'd prefer to carry a good tactical knife for self defense over a stun gun or pepper spray. You just stick the pointy end in the bad guy, no ninja skills needed
I'll disagree with that. A lot of people think that a knife is a good defense weapon, and unless you've had training in using one for that duty, then I'd recommend something else. A knife guarantees that you make contact with someone. A knife does not stop people in their tracks. A knife is also easily lost and/or used against you.
Stun guns are a poor option for some of the same reasons as using a knife. Quality pepper spray is a good alternative for times when you can't carry.Yeah, but you left out the last part. I have different tactics due to my size/mindset/ability. Sometimes closing the gap, while counter intuitive, can be the best option. What works for me might not work for you.LSUTiger wrote:
IMHO, I'd prefer to carry a good tactical knife for self defense over a stun gun or pepper spray. You just stick the pointy end in the bad guy, no ninja skills needed. But I'm a big guy and that changes the tactics I use.
I still think pepper spray is marginally effective at best depending on the attackers mindset and tolerance for pain, it's also easily defeated with any kind of cheap protective eyewear.
The same goes for the effectiveness of stun guns, if closing the gap is my best option then I want a lethal option and a knife is the best non gun legal to carry no permit required option for me.
All I hope for is at least a "deterrant" until I can legally conceal carry and some other option for situations in which I can't carry. Restraining orders are just a piece of paper, and in my case made the situation worse. He has attacked me several times and done things like bury a screwdriver in my gas tank in a position where it dragged the ground - he was hoping that it would spark and ignite.
Since the divorce is not final, and he has been dragging it out for YEARS I can't get a new car, or make any other moves that would put me in a safer situation. Even the gates on my gated apartment complex don't work. I am at the point where I fear going outside at all. I am open to any other suggestions. I don't feel that a knife is the best option because he has grabbed my wrists and forced me to break my own nose - he can and does easily overpower me.
If you have no short game and a handgun is not an option, then the only other option is to carry a long gun. OC is legal and you can always carry in a case if its more practical for you.
Personally, if I was in that much known danger with that history I would do what it took to protect myself. Obviously the police and the criminal justice system are doing a terrible job at protecting you. (not that I would expect anything more, not a knock on police but that's just the way it is)
What's worse than losing your life?
Melissa, how long have you been waiting now? seems like it's been awhile.