Tripod Home | New | TriTeca | Work/Money | Politics/Community | Living/Travel | Planet T | Daily Scoop

There are many self-defense devices and weapons on the market. We have not made an effort to cover every one of these. Instead we have chosen the items which seem to be the most popular and most recommended. We understand that there is a wide range of attitudes concerning the use of such devices. We have tried to respect different attitudes by not promoting the use of these weapons, but rather, explaining how they work and presenting noted advantages and disadvantages of each one. Hopefully this will help you make a more informed choice if you are considering one or more of these items.

Effect
Red pepper spray is designed to incapacitate an attacker instantly. It contains an all-natural substance called oleoresin capsicum solution, which, when sprayed properly, has an astounding short-term effect on humans. The pepper causes membranes to swell, producing instant eye closure, uncontrollable coughing, gagging, and burning to the skin.

Disadvantages
Pepper spray has its limitations. You can't spray it if your attacker is upwind from you, because it might be blown back and end up affecting you instead of your attacker. Also, if used indoors, the spray might end up disabling everyone in the area. Experts warn that you should not expect a sprayed attacker to fall down instantly at your feet. Often, after being sprayed, the person will lunge violently towards the area where you were last seen. So you must be prepared to continue dodging the attacker, until the pain becomes too much to bear.

Practice and Preparation

If you decide to purchase red pepper spray, taking a training class is highly recommended. By using inert cannisters(filled with water) in the class, you get the feel of how accurately you can spray an attacker and at what distance. When carrying a cannister of pepper spray, it is a good idea to make a habit of having it ready, in your strong hand, whenever travelling in a potentially dangerous area. Once an attack begins it would be extremely difficult to retrieve it from a pocket or a bag.

Effect

A stun gun is designed override the attacker's nervous system, causing severe, uncontrollable muscle spasms and temporary paralysis. In order to do so it must be firmly in contact with the attacker's skin for at least four seconds, while the trigger button is held down.

Disadvantages

A stun gun doesn't offer the distance defense that a pepper spray does. You have to get very close to your attacker to use it, and that can be more dangerous in the end. Also, it is very difficult to get an attacker to stay still long enough to allow the stun to kick in. Because your attacker is so close, he has a good opportunity to overpower you and use the stun gun against you.

Practice and Preparation

The concensus of many experts seems to be that, if anything, the stun gun is more useful as a deterrent than a weapon. In dim light the gun can produce a crackling, blue bolt of electricity between the electrodes, which can possibly stop an attacker from coming any closer to you.

Effect

Used as a self defense weapon, a gun is designed to stop an aggressor in his or her tracks. A bullet is propelled from the barrel of the gun when the trigger is pulled. (For all of you who weren't allowed to watch TV growing up.)

Disadvantages

While a gun can offer distance protection unrivaled by other devices, it has dangers which warrant serious consideration. If you shoot the wrong person, or even the right person, and the shot proves fatal, you have to live with those consequences. There is also the chance that the gun can be taken away and used against you. Guns need special attention and cleaning. They can be dangerous if not cared for properly.

Practice and Preparation

Guns can be highly effective as a visual deterrent and a stopping device, but they should not be used without proper training. If you are considering purchasing a gun, then look for a gun handling course; in particular, one sponsored by the NRA. Such a course will teach you proper methods for the handling and use of your gun.