DD and I like to go back and bike on Rails to Trails. And, sometimes you pass lone men with backpacks. Most of them no doubt are upstanding citizens, but it does give me pause to be out in the woods. I was thinking of either purchasing a handgun and carrying it, also, you never know if you might meet up with a bear. The other thought is to get some pepper spray and carry as well. Thoughts?
Where would you carry the gun? Do you have a conceal carry permit? Would you be able to get the gun out quickly if attacked? A lot of people are getting tasers now. Only problem with them is you have to make direct contact.
I can get a concealed weapons permit. But, I dont' really need that. I can open carry and just strap it on my waistband. I think with a taser you only have one shot and don't you have to be fairly close? I considered that but a pepper spray seems like it would be easier and you don't have to be spot on with that. And, if someone is hiking, they might have heavier clothes on or whatever and you need to make contact with skin.
Some weapons are useful only if the attacker is surprised. AND you have to ACTUALLY USE THEM.
If a man was running toward you from 15 feet away, would you actually be able to shoot him? You have 1/2 second to act. Can you do something that will kill him?
If you miss, he will take your weapon away from you, and use it on you.
If it's pepper spray,
*you're more likely to USE IT because it won't kill, but should disable him temporarily
*you're more likely to stop him with it, because you can spray and sweep it across his face, and it will work. No real need to aim carefully.
*if he takes it from you, he can't kill you with it.
Unless you're carrying a .357 Magnum, a pistol won't stop a charging bear. Bear spray will. A small pepper spray canister might work.
What ever you choose, keep in mind that you only get one shot.
Have you considered getting a German Shepard, or maybe a wolf?
I carry pepper spray. Mine straps around my hand. Preparation time to fire is 1/2 second.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
If you choose to go the handgun route, and bears are a true concern, you will definitely want to go the revolver route. Preferably a .44 or larger. But the downside is the bigger you go, the bigger the recoil, which is a concern if you need to fire more than once.
If the goal, however, is more peace of mind, general protection with a small chance of a bear attack, I would probably go with a smaller caliber handgun and maybe a can of bear spray on hand for "just in case".
Of course you will want to check out the laws/rules for each location you go, because firearms may not be allowed.
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"I have a very strict gun control policy. If there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it." - Clint Eastwood
I used to carry pepper spray when I walked for exercise, JIC I was mugged. I stayed off trails for fear of mountain lions and rattlesnakes. I'm just not a real outdoorsy type. But when I hiked in Alaska, our guide had bear spray with him. And we did come across a couple of grizzly cubs. Fortunately he didn't need to use it, but when they started to come towards us, I had wished he had more than a canister to protect us.
I would recommend the spray. It might actually be more of a deterrent for wild animals since an animal injured with a bullet could be doubly dangerous.
How old is your daughter?
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
well, if you're looking for protection, a handgun will stop and potentially kill any sort of threat you may encounter--pepper spray is used mainly as a deterrent--since you're responsible for your daughter's safety as well, would definitely go with a handgun PROVIDED you spend the time to learn how to use it safely / properly--would recommend a course from a licensed range / instructor--as far as the weapon itself, would check with a range in your area and ask if they will allow you to test-fire weapons before you buy them
revolver or automatic would say is a personal choice--there are advantages / drawbacks to both--bear in mind that for personal defense ( similar to hunting dangerous game, including men ) you want the most powerful weapon you can shoot ACCURATELY--learn to shoot center mass and spend some time training yourself
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
Find a self defense group that teaches how to use what you have at hand.
Pepper spray can back fire. If you don't spray in the right direction, the wind can blow it back on you, if it is on your hands it could cause you problems.
A gun could be wrestled from you. And a person generally doesn't walk up to your face to do something bad to you. They'll clothesline you as you go by, grab you from behind.
And if someone grabbed your daughter first, you wouldn't do anything that could hurt her.
Learning to fight, both of you, would be the best thing.
And each of you could have a knife. A real knife.
You both need a phone, or walkie, and flare guns.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Find a self defense group that teaches how to use what you have at hand.
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this is actually good advice--for dangerous wildlife though, you're generally going to need a weapon ( especially for apex predators such as black bear / grizz )
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
My experience is, if it is a trail well used by humans, animals tend to stay away.
We have bear and coyote roam through. But they tend to stay away from humans unless they feel threatened.
Situational awareness is your best protection.
I once walked up onto a young bear cub. It was in a deep ditch. I thought it was a dog. It was dark and no other lights than my headlights.
Like I said, I thought it was a dog in a ditch and needed help. I was less than 3 feet from it when it finally looked up and made a noise.
I froze. Backed away slowly and got back in my car.
Scared the be jeebus out of me.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I did look at bear spray and actually it is a weaker version of the pepper spray because technically you aren't "allowed" to use regular pepper spray on wild life. So, if you are going to get one or the other, might as well get the full dose of pepper spray.
I did look at bear spray and actually it is a weaker version of the pepper spray because technically you aren't "allowed" to use regular pepper spray on wild life. So, if you are going to get one or the other, might as well get the full dose of pepper spray.
Interesting, my gun shop told me we're not "allowed" to use bear spray on humans.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
Bear Spray vs Pepper Spray: What’s the Difference?
Contents [hide]
1 Bear Spray vs Pepper Spray: What’s the Difference?1.1 Pepper Spray: An effective self defense against humans
1.2 Bear Spray: An effective deterrent in bear country
1.3 Using Bear Spray
1.4 Can I use bear mace on humans as self defense?
1.5 Last Words: Bear spray vs Pepper Spray
1.6 Related Posts via Categories
Bear Spray vs Pepper Spray: What’s the Difference?
bear roar
Pepper Spray: An effective self defense against humans
Pepper spray is chemical, non-lethal, self defense weapons available for civilian use. The active ingredient in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum — the same chemical in chili peppers that gives them their sting and irritating effects. When pepper spray is sprayed on the eyes and skin it causes:
•Intense burning pain
•Excessive tearing
•Swelling of the eyelids
•Temporary blindness
•Difficulty breathing
These effects often last longer than 20 minutes, making pepper spray an extremely effective self defense weapon. It is so effective that, pepper spray is used by almost all police and some military units to subdue and incapacitate threats.
Bear Spray: An effective deterrent in bear country
Bear spray is similar to pepper spray but is not the same thing. Though they both contain the same active ingredient — oleoresin capsicum, bear spray contains a much lower concentration.
A typical pepper spray used for self defense will have an oleoresin capsicum (OC) concentration of about 10% or higher. A typical bear spray has a oleoresin concentration of about 1 – 2 %.
The goal of using bear spray is to scare off an attacking bear, not cause it to become incapacitated and incur serious pain. That’s why bear spray only requires a small amount of active chemical — just enough to irritate the bear and cause it to back off.
Studies have shown that bear spray is a very effective at reducing the number of bear attack in national parks.
Using Bear Spray
Remember that using bear spray is only meant to be used when you encounter an aggressive bear that is charging towards you. Do not use it to spray any of your camping gear or clothes, as the scent will actually serve to attract the bears — not good!
Some tips regarding bear spray use
•Try and keep as much distance between you and the bear, while backing up slowly
•Keep your eyes on the bear at all times
•Spray the bear as soon as it comes within range of your bear repellent spray (typically 20 feet)
•Aim for the eyes and the nose of the bear
•Spray for as long as it takes for the bear to turn around, this can take up to 6 seconds
Remember that bear spray should only be used as a last resort. You should always remain vigilant of your surroundings. Making excessive noise in while walking around in bear country will help avoid surprising any bears and thus reduce the risk of an attack.
Remember to carry your bear spray with you at all times when in bear country. Make sure that it is easily accessible, like in a holster by your side. Lastly, practice using your bear spray — get comfotable with it. When you encounter a charging bear, you won’t have much time to fumble around firing your bear spray.
Can I use bear mace on humans as self defense?
I wouldn’t recommend it.
Although using bear repellent spray on a human will definitely have some burning and irritating effects, it simply does not pack the same punch as a proper pepper spray made for self defense.
Now, there are stories in the news of sales clerks successfully fending off store robberies with a can of bear repellent spray. However this is probably just due to the fact that the bear spray served to surprise and scare off the thieves, not actually incapacitate them. A more determined or aggressive threat would be able to easily fight through the bear spray effects.
Bear spray is typically more expensive than pepper spray, and harder to carry with you at all times because of its size. Pepper spray is small, easy to use, and much stronger.
Your choice is clear: If you are serious about your self defense, buy a proper pepper spray. Leave the bear spray for the bears!
If you want to learn more about different pepper sprays for self defense, check out this informative review article.
Last Words: Bear spray vs Pepper Spray
Although pepper spray and bear spray contain the same active chemical, they are not the same thing. Bear spray has a much lower concentration of oleoresin capsicum, and should only be used as a bear deterrent.
Pepper spray is a self defense weapon intended to incapacitate human threats, and it is very effective at doing this due to its higher concentration of oleoresin capsicum. If you are serious about self defense, go purchase some pepper spray. If you are a hiker or camper in bear country, buy some bear spray.
each his/her own but confronted by either an aggressive bruin / homo sapiens ( especially an armed one ) will take a .45 every time--good luck with your mace though ( or your " bear " whistle )
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
It's sad. I remember being 12, riding or hiking in the woods and never worrying about other people or even wildlife.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Attaches to clothing or pack with a velcro strap. In the bag, the magnet eliminates any noise. Movement will cause a steady ringing to warn animals of your presence.
You could probably get pepper spray from a sporting goods store.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I found a nice .38 special. And, am going to get my concealed weapons permit. Why be unprotected with all the crazies in the world?
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that's plenty of gun up close--the main thing is that you're comfortable using it and you're confident of your ability to hit what you're shooting
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
OK, I really like the one with the wooden handle but it doesn't have a laser. The other 2 do but one has the hammer and the other doesn't. The hammer adds extra weight and bulk.
would recommend hammerless ( especially if you carry in your purse / bag, etc. and not in a holster )--quicker to maneuver as no potential snags on clothing, etc. when drawing the weapon--that's an up-close weapon ( 2 to 5 meters or so ) so wouldn't bother with a laser sight--just learn how to point shoot and you're good to go
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
Yeah, I am not crazy about the hammer. And, the laser, not sure I need that either. I would have to sight it in. And, really, the only time I would plan to use it is for self defense and some recreational target shooting. But, I probably wouldn't do a lot of that either, just enough to feel comfortable with it. So, you are right, probably don't need that.
For self defense, I would choose one without the hammer visible. If the bad guy gets close enough to grab it, he would grab it so his hand is blocking the hammer, so you couldn't fire it.
If he grabs the hammerless one, you can still fire it. Immediately, please.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
This is the original Snake Slayer which is the ultimate concealable .410 shotshell/.45Colt pistol for people that need a larger grip. The extended grip provides extra comfort without detracting from concealability The Snake Slayer will accept all the extra interchangeable barrels.