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Maybe You Know How to Protect Yourself With a Gun — but What Can You Do Before It Gets to That Point?

Feb. 27, 2013 2:06pm Liz Klimas

Self Defense and Preparedness to Prevent or Defend Against Gun Use

(Image: Shutterstock.com)

There is something being left out of the gun control debate, according to NRA member and licensed firearm instructor Paul Purcell. In between the conversation regarding the need to address mental health and banning so-called assault rifles is a topic that’s not being adequately discussed — how to protect yourself without using a gun should the need arise.

“I know how to use [a gun], but I don’t want to ever have to,” Purcell told TheBlaze in a phone interview, echoing what he believes is a sentiment the majority of gun owners have.

In other words, Purcell said what’s being ignored is the need to understand defensive measures that could be instituted before a situation would escalate to gun use.

Now we should point out that Purcell isn’t advocating things like urinating on yourself, something that was actually suggested on a University of Colorado-Colorado Springs safety tip sheet that led to widespread mockery. Or, as Colorado Democratic Rep. Joe Salazar suggested, just have women use “call boxes” and “whistles” to protect themselves against potential attackers. Purcell simply believes that people should prepare themselves for when they can’t use — or a situation wouldn’t merit use — of a firearm. It is the idea of knowing when you can or should use a gun — and when not to.

It’s an idea best summed up by Sgt. Rory Miller in the book “Meditations on Violence”:

It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed.

“You must have layers of protection and defensive options at your disposal that can match the threat. In other words, you don’t want to immediately reach for a firearm for each and every stranger that might knock at the door,” Purcell explained further in an email.

Purcell, who is a natural disaster and terrorism preparedness trainer and consultant, provided TheBlaze with a strong list of defensive measures that could be implemented to help avoid a situation where use of a firearm might escalate and be merited.

Here are a few examples:

Something as simple as using longer screws in your door’s lock strike plate will make it harder to kick in.
A bit more advanced but innovative, add a sprinkler system over your doors to “literally turn the hose on a would-be intruder.”
If the budget is there for it, install stronger doors and/or locks.
Having a dog, even a small one can be a deterrent. If you can’t have or don’t want to have a dog, Purcell said staging evidence of one — like large bowls and a chain outside — could be effective as well.
Consider pushing the panic button on your car’s keyless entry system, if you have one. The noise could alert the neighborhood and frighten away a potential intruder.
Don’t underestimate natural and/or non-lethal weapons. Perfume or pepper spray in the eyes. Purcell also made a case for Tasers and non-lethal guns, like paintball or BB guns.

Bans on stunguns and other non-lethal weapons, Purcell said, is not a good idea because they are often useful tools to de-escalate a situation before the use of a firearms might be necessary. (Photo: Shutterstock.com)

California-based self-defense instructor Jennifer Cassetta told TheBlaze that it’s also important for people to be cognizant of the information they post on the Internet.

“Don’t post on Facebook everywhere you are and everywhere you’re going,” Cassetta said. “[Posting you're] sitting at home with a glass of wine — stupid.”

Never post a photo of your home or the inside of it on social media, Cassetta advised. She said it’s not horrible to write what’s going on in one’s life on Facebook or Twitter, but consider doing so after the fact — not in real-time.

When Preventative Measures Don’t Work

Purcell said he believes there are times when firearm use might be necessary, but he tries to educate people about the proper legal, emotional and moral consequences that come with that use.

“[We] need to prevent citizens from being too quickly rushed … I don’t want them to spend the rest of their life second guessing because they didn’t know there were these other options,” he said.

It’s an idea already championed by many responsible gun owners. In fact, in Texas courses for concealed carrying of firearms require conflict-avoidance training. Here’s an excerpt from KR Training in Austin showing why [emphasis added]:

It is your responsibility to avoid conflicts and resolve disputes whenever possible. [...] Remember the question ‘what else could I have done to prevent the situation from escalating or the conflict from occurring?’ If you don’t ask it of yourself at the time of the conflict you may find a prosecuting attorney asking it of you in court. Always remember that your actions will be judged after the fact by 12 ‘reasonable people’ on a jury. If they determine that you had less violent options other than use of force or deadly force or that you were responsible for the conflict escalating you could find yourself convicted of aggravated assault, murder, or other felonies, and headed for prison.

So what if the situation doesn’t warrant a gun? What happens when de-escalation isn’t possible or doesn’t work, but a gun still isn’t necessary? Or what if you don’t have time to pull a weapon?

Cassetta said everyone should learn some sort of self-defense, especially women.

Among the defensive maneuvers Cassetta teaches in her Stilettos and Self Defense classes for women is how important making noise and drawing attention can be (again, her instruction should not be confused with the suggestions in Colorado).

“Use your voice as a weapon,” Cassetta said, noting that when she herself was attacked she didn’t even have to bust out physical defense tactics because causing a disturbance by “yelling like banshee” was effective enough.

And although there is a way to learn self-defense against guns in general, she said this is at a higher level. If you are unarmed and not prepared to fight against someone with a firearm, Cassetta said she would first advise the person being threatened to consider giving the attacker what they want (a wallet, purse, etc), depending on the situation.

If you’re being threatened and have the opportunity to run and decide to, Cassetta also recommends fleeing from a gun-wielding attacker in a zig-zag pattern because that lowers the likelihood of being hit in a vital organ or being hit at all.

Watch Cassetta demonstrate the “A-B-C’s” of self-defense on the Today Show a year ago:

“The message coming across from the government to citizens is that you don’t need to do anything at all,” Purcell said. “They’re not saying violence is a real issue … [and] let’s teach you about what to do in these situations.”

Purcell said if the government was serious about helping curb violent crimes, more states would allow civilian use of electric stun-guns and other non-lethal defensive options, and would teach conflict resolution in schools.

“If the legislative aim of the current administration is [a safer society] would not this be one of the options put on the table?”

And to be clear, what Purcell is suggesting is simply one option of many. For example, conflict de-escaltion wouldn’t have protected the rape survivors who appeared on Glenn Beck’s Tuesday evening program. They are women who advocating for the choice to be able to protect themselves the way they believe necessary — which might mean with a firearm.

Featured image via Shutterstock.com.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (99)

Phoenix5
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:22pm
I don’t think anybody WANTS to shoot somebody else in defense, but I will protect my family at all costs. Mace is good, taser is good, but I feel the most effective thing is a gun. When a criminal sees a gun being pointed at him/her, that itself is effective. no shots required. And if they decide to be stupid and continue to attack you, then you’re well prepared. Tasers and mace are meant to be used to give you a change to run away but what if you can’t run away? I think people should take the initiative to learn all different kinds of defense but when compared with a gun I think the gun always wins. Do all the round house kicks you want, it wont deflect a bullet.

lower taxes for all, until then, lets start somewhere

surprised they haven’t beheaded him for saying the word “penis”. judge a man by his fruit. The only fruit I see from this man is the fruit of lies.

Lower taxes for all. Until then, lets start somewhere

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/fix-or-alter-tax-code-hourly-individuals-working-overtime-keep-them-out-higher-tax-brackets/wBvBrzFX

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- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:38pm
  Stupidest article ever.
  
  Jeff Cooper’s “Color Code of Awareness” is far more effective to be able to to avoid or prepare for an engagement. Stay in condition Yellow at all times. Condition White is only acceptable when secured in your own home. From Yellow it is very quick to go to Orange, Red, or even Black if you need to. It takes too long to get out of condition White. Before you even get to Yellow, you’re dead or done.
  
  And the part about “Ask yourself how you could have avoided the situation while you’re in the situation.”? Yeah, good way to get killed. You don’t second guess yourself, that gets you dead. These stupid women should have just said “Hey, use your keys to slash his face! Yeah that’ll work. Just blow on this whistle and the good man will come save you!”
  
  Carry a gun. Know how and when to use it. Don’t hesitate to use it. If your feel your life or safety is threatened, and feel you may be killed or severely injured, you are justified in using deadly force. Just because the attacker doesn’t have a gun or knife, doesn’t mean you can’t respond with one if you’re in fear for your life. Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6.
  
  Report this comment
- ashestoashes
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 7:34pm
  You know that thing about running in a zig zag pattern? Well what if they are a bad shot?…you might be more likely to get hit if you are zig zagging..You don’t always need an arm..but if you do..it may be the last time you will ever need one…You are not always assured of coming out on top..if you have one..but if you don’t..you don’t stand much of a chance at all..you are placed a a very unfair advantage..which is what they are trying to assure us of..it just reaks of being rounded up and exterminated..
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:57pm
  John Lott was on a radio show today. He said that 60% of the break-ins in Britain occurred while the house owners were there.
  
  American burglars spend twice as much time as English burglars to case a place, because of the risk of getting shot.
  
  Bring out your TROLLS!
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:59pm
  Hot Burglaries
  
  http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcdgbur.html
  
  Hot Burglaries Encinom’s way of getting lucky!
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 9:04pm
  “An Englishman’s home is his dungeon” – The telegraph
  
  A friend of mine lived in Leeds. He was burgled two or three times, as were his neighbours. They stopped locking the front door just to stop the burglars kicking i
  
  Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2267992/Revealed-UKs-burglary-black-spots-Areas-Leeds-Bradford-identified-risk-insurance-companies.html#ixzz2M9gvjfye
  Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
  
  Report this comment
- Trigus
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 9:51am
  Congratz Blaze Staff on this article – please next time ask Joe Biden for his thoughts on layers and protection of your family inside your house.
  
  “Don’t underestimate natural and/or non-lethal weapons. Perfume or pepper spray in the eyes. Purcell also made a case for Tasers and non-lethal guns, like paintball or BB guns.” – this non sound advice is probably why there is a picture of a BB gun in this article. I cannot believe he forgot – call boxes, whistles, air horns, confetti (tossed in air to confuse), tennis balls, rubber band gun, old dirty socks, or DHS authorized scissors. give me a break.
  
  how are those subscriptions doing for blazetv/gbtv – dropping like a rock?
  
  Report this comment
- anothercomment
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:52am
  00100111
  Yes, Yes, Yes.
  I have been accused of not being aware of my surroundings while shopping or in public. So by this behavior alone, I am a target – and it’s my fault?
  This only thing I have shot is targets, and I killed the Ben Laden poster.
  I don’t want to shoot anyone, but if the time comes, I don’t want to worry about whether a jury of 12 will convict me. I want to know that I will not be another statistic.
  
  Report this comment
Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:18pm
A dead man can’t sue you for spraying ‘POLO’ in his eyes.
Besides,the smell of the perfume would mask the smell of the Peee,Poop,and vomit you are supposed to do first,and the perp’s yelling and cussing may drown out the sound of the rape whistle.
Considering all the frivolous lawsuits that inmates win,because the states can’t afford to fight them all,shooting them lessens those and saves the tax payers money.
I can afford to lose a $1.00 worth of bullets. I can’t afford a lawyer. God Bless the Castle Doctrine.

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CWPrequired
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:12pm
One day you could very well get killed with your own gun. God willing he should have to beat you to death with it because you fired all 20 rounds. Springfield XDM 9mm in case you were wondering about the mag capacity.

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- RIDEMODELS
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:24pm
  The AR-15 is not my close quarter weapon of choice…The Police issue Glock 40 is a much more effective weapon….The media is up to their typical lies and trying to lure in more and more women…..But lets not forget Liberal magazines like Playboy have made millions and millions off of women over the years, along with Calipornia too.
  
  The problem in this country are Godless Judges and Marsh-Mellow Balled lawyers….We need a new law system that represents the Bill of Rights…..Just like Mark Levin has always said.
  
  Report this comment
- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:46pm
  No such model as “Glock 40″. Are you referring to the Glock 22, Glock 23, Glock 27, or Glock 35? They are all chambered in .40SW, which is what I assume you meant. If not, I’m not aware of a “Glock 40″.
  
  Report this comment
raybaker35
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:04pm
I am not interested in killing anyone. If someone came into my house i would point my gun at them and demand they leave. If they didnt leave i would kill them. but that makes me sick to think about it. If a race war, or any war came to my home i would fight back with what ever means was necessary. I’m for the 2nd, but i have nothing in me that wants to kill anyone.
And by the way Glenn? Obama is a racist and always has been. I was so disapointed in you when you backed off your statement about his having a deep seated hatred for white people.
He hates white people and our country. And? Its to late. The hispanics have this country now. Sorry everyone, but its to late.
No need to worry about the blacks. Their race is over, and the Latinos hate them.
Google “Blacks run out of Compton” Eye opener there.

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- RIDEMODELS
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:19pm
  I work with Latinos and they Hate Black people…..they either secretly or openly hate them and I think that is the main problems in our public schools.
  
  Also I just watched a PBS show on a book that Nader wrote about the public’s non need for an AR…..an AR is only a .223 round and close to a .22 with a little more powder……Screw Nader…..I am a proud owner of a 1964 Chevy Corvair and I love the car…..Nader is spreading lies that the NRA says are nothing more than lies, the country and gun owners say enforce the laws on the books, do not ask for new laws because obviously the current laws are not working…….Typical MSM/PBS media and their lies all over again.
  
  The problem in this country in my opinion is nothing more than Godless Judges and nothing more than that.
  
  How is our Government asking a woman to fight on the front lines, and at the same time telling a woman she cannot use a gun to protect themselves here in Free America..?
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:20pm
  You sound very human Ray.
  
  Report this comment
- Smokey_Bojangles
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:24pm
  Glenn used to Love reminding us that Obama Spent 20 years in a ‘Kill Whitey’ church.
  Don’t tell me he has changed his tune,yet again?
  
  Report this comment
- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:53pm
  Maybe it is just me. I can’t imagine myself losing any sleep over taking out some thug who threatened me, my family, or my home… save for the hours it takes to give my statement to the police and have the carcass carted out of my home. Much less would I be sick to my stomach about having to fight off attackers in some sort of race war. IDK, maybe it’s my training. I just can’t imagine even batting an eye before I put that extra pound of trigger pressure. I can’t mourn my enemies.
  
  Report this comment
Tex Expatriate
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:04pm
Well, after I finally struggled through this boring article and finished it, I’m left with this from my own personal experience: If someone comes into your house without your permission, and if that someone does not turn around immediately and leave when you say to, then shoot the SOB and shoot to kill. Tell the police that the intruder threatened to kill you and reached for a weapon, and officer, how did I know his pocket was empty?

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- Topnife
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:58pm
  Tex, I’d suggest that you and any others who declare their willingness to “shoot to kill” should strongly reconsider the way you choose to describe your actions to the investigating officers.
  1. Never state that you intended to kill someone (even if they had it coming).
  2. State that you felt that your life was being threatened and at risk.
  3. State that you shot your assailant in order to STOP him. By all means, shoot for the center of mass, and never shoot to wound, or fire a warning shot — the decision to shoot means you must have sufficient reason to use deadly force and expect a deadly result.
  4. Immediately state that you are very upset and cannot answer any further questions until advised by your attorney. Even police involved in a righteous shooting know to avoid answering questions until they have legal counsel.
  5. Shut up.
  
  Massad Ayoob, a well-known police trainer and firearms expert, has been preaching this strategy for years. He also advises that regardless of the righteousness of your shooting, your life will be forever changed, and you only get one chance to have the best outcome.
  
  Report this comment
- proliance
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 7:19pm
  Tex, if this ever does happen, you can bet a good prosecuting attorney will research your background and use anything he can against you. Including statements like this.
  
  Report this comment
patrolbabe
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:03pm
There are many things a person can do to avoid becoming a victim. Increasing your situational awareness is the most important. Be aware of what is happening around you. Keep your head up, your eyes scanning (and OFF your phone) . If someone seems threatening to you, make eye contact, look them up and down, notice what they are wearing and anything that will help the police to identify them. Criminals are very sensitive to body language and will avoid targeting someone whom they think is prepared to defend themselves. I was walking home late at night once and heard someone behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck stared staining up. I speed up and the guy did as well. I then stopped, put my back against a large tree and stared straight at the guy, prepared to defend myself. He ducked his head and walked by me without even glancing at me. I don’t know what he intended but I definitely was not going to ignore my instincts. If he didn’t have any bad intentions, no harm, no foul. If he did, I sent the message loud and clear, I am not a victim and I will take you out buddy! I was armed but did not need to draw the gun.

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kadster01
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:58pm
It’s a stupid, bassackward world that expends any energy to not only teach us how to physically defend ourselves, but legally defend ourselves as well. There is nothing more basic to life than the right to defends one’s life. I shouldn’t have to take a class on how to do that, or secure legal representation should the need ever arise.

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Ben__Franklin
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:53pm
I am still waiting for the Whitehouse to come out with a Defecation Video just before blowing your “Whistle” to show how it scares criminals away.

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:57pm
  Me to and I try that vomit thing every time Barry speaks,I vomit but the worthless POS keeps talking,it doesn’t make him stop his assault on me. In fact he never shuts up,24/7 BS lies.
  
  Report this comment
- John.Galt
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:58pm
  Well obama, pelosi, reid and rest BLOW SMOKE UP OUR A$$ EVERY DAY… DOES THAT COUNT?
  
  Report this comment
- tonypro
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:05pm
  Getting a mental picture of barry spouting his dictatorial crap is the chosen method, over sticking your finger down your throat when you need to barf.
  
  I would say it’s probably even more effective than over indulging in alcohol.
  
  Of course even though it is a preferred method it still carries the side affect of through the roof high blood pressure.
  
  Report this comment
- RIDEMODELS
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:31pm
  Maybe Mr. Marsh-mellow balls will be the attacker….and the white women can run from him…..we know he likes the white chicks.
  
  I am an artist and I know why the artist want acceptance……its because women are enamored by and artist like some other famous ones…..but you do not take advantage of women…You respect them and that is why I say it is a woman’s right to carry a gun for protection, especially if you ask that same woman to fight on the front lines for Freedom in America.
  
  Report this comment
Uechi
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:49pm
So much bull crap. Take a serious firearms training course that teaches you legal options. I am not employing my firearm unless I am in fear for my life or the life of someone else ( and I’m sure they are the good guy). If that event happens, you use **** spray I’m using 40 S&W hollow points as many as it takes. Unlike our moron imbecile VP Biden I know better then to fire warning shots ( it not legal). If it is serious enough to warrant displaying a gun it is serious enough to pull the trigger. The rules of engagement are not the same for cops as they are for civilians.Take a course!

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- Fubared
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:05pm
  Well said. It is not a light endeavor, not an average tool to use. I still learn things when I take a minute to listen to decent instructors, and I have to several times a year. Some are like old history channel shows, most are insightful and very instructional.
  
  Report this comment
- battles
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:23pm
  Agreed. If someone fixes upon me for an attack, they are asking for it.
  
  Some of my suggestions:
  1. “…you don’t want to immediately reach for a firearm for each and every stranger that might knock at the door” – This is exactly what I do. Whenever I answer my door (more like if I decide to answer my door and then only if I recognize the knocker in my security camera), there is a pistol that is readily drawable in my back pocket.
  
  2. …”paintball or BB guns” – I have a pellet gun by my door, but it is to shoot stray cats that venture into my yard (poor kitties).
  
  3. …he tries to educate people about the pro per legal, emotional and moral consequences that come with that use… – As the article mentioned, in Texas we are given conflict resolution training in CHL class.
  
  4. Or what if you don’t have time to pull a weapon? – My hand is on top of a small .32 pistol that I carry in my pocket at all times.
  
  5. …classes for women is how important making noise is – I suggest they sing ‘Born to be Wild’ just before shooting an assailant.
  
  6. Use your voice as a weapon… – BANG! BANG!
  
  7. …consider giving the attacker what they want. – Yes! Remember, it shouldn’t take too long for you to straighten out you credit rating after the thug has stolen you identity. And then again, what if he wants your gun?
  
  Report this comment
Salamander
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:48pm
And, as a weapon of last resort, how about a penis taser or penis cauterizer, to be worn internally by the rape victim so the attacker/now ‘victim’ doesn’t realize until it is too late that from now on, ‘he’ is going to have to sit down to pee, and will NEVER be able to ‘satisfy’ himself again–as long as he lives! Can’t you just see the look on their faces when they realize they have just fallen victim to their own actions!

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flatbroke
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:40pm
So where is the video teaching a woman to crap/vomit on que, hmmm???

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- John.Galt
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:51pm
  You would need to ask the doushe in CO…
  
  Report this comment
- John.Galt
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:55pm
  This guy is an expert, right? DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT I, A NON-EXPERT, WILL HAVE THE TIME TO CONSIDER ALL THIS WHEN I AM IN TROUBLE?
  
  I WILL GRAB MY GUN, THANK YOU. IF THE THUG DOESN’T LEAVE IMMEDIATELY, HE WILL END UP DEAD. END OF STORY.
  
  Report this comment
woodyee
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:32pm
KNOW the ‘rules’!!! Get a copy of “What Every Gun Owner Needs To Know About Self-Defense Law here, free – http://armedcitizensnetwork.org/request-free-booklet

Download the PDF here – http://armedcitizensnetwork.org/images/stories/Hayes-SDLaw.pdf

I Takes Care o’MAH Peeps!!!

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- biohazard23
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:40pm
  Thanks, Woodyee – love ya!! Muah!!
  
  Report this comment
tonypro
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:31pm
I agree deadly force is a last resort, but it should be available if needed.

Unless you have a murderous personality, I fail to believe anyone would CHOOSE deadly force as a first action.

That being said, my gun philosophy is equal to Mr. Ted Nugent. If you have to use a gun, for self defense….make sure the criminal perpetrating the attack or crime doesn’t become a tax burden to rest of us.

Gun control= steady hand, good aim, ability of judgement to know when, and when not to use force.

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:43pm
  Well done Tony and I feel the same way if you’re in fear of losing your life make damn sure the perp is the only one to die. The gun grabbers in our one party system have been chipping away at our right to bear arms for a century,now with Barry in power they feel they can go further than ever before. They’re going to be stopped and I believe we need to go on the offensive with these worthless progs and demand that all ‘gun laws’ created since the second amendment be abolished since they’re all unconstitutional..
  
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- MoseyAlong
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:15pm
  I just don’t know. If someone breaks into my home or is a threat to myself or someone else (in the legal sense, of course) within my home then they are going to die. Period.
  
  All of the run-up spoken about in this article is really just hubris. It is all implied and is the course of action for most reasonable people when they are out and about. Breaking into my house, however, first step in escalation of force is I am shooting. The dog is only there to warn you.
  
  Report this comment
flatbroke
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:29pm
And i have even heard of using bug spray as well, but you can also be sued by an attacker by using a substance not for intended use. however i dont really fight well, so i will be carrying a loaded gun TYVM, and shopping in smaller, more upscale malls, and shopping with others, safety in numbers.

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spirited
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:27pm
Keeping stun-guns out of the hands of thugs, rapists & crazies in general would be –yet, another problem. No?

>They could make anyone a much easier target to victimize.

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Cavallo
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:26pm
Don’t forget to soil yourself and scream about diseases.. oh.. and the scissors. Stupid tactics aside, just use common sense. Don’t go into crime ridden areas if you can avoid it. Be aware of your surroundings. Although when carrying, tends to make me much more aware of those around me. Don’t be an eloi just innocently waiting for the morlocks to come get you.

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- tonypro
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:34pm
  There you go…..
  
  1-Common sense.
  2-Always be aware of your surroundings….Always <<<<<<My wife is probably tired of hearing me tell her this but this small act is so huge in personal safety.
  
  Report this comment
thegreatcarnac
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:22pm
Ok! Yawn! I am sooo educated now.

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Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:22pm
How about this one —

“Dont go to places where you might need a gun or a knife or a stun-gun or have to crap your pants in self defense” —

Simple ideas are always best

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- flatbroke
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:32pm
  @eric the red, haha, i have never had the abilty to crap, or vomit on que, does someone teach this ability are there schools for such? Its just easier to CCW for me.
  
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- woodyee
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:37pm
  Flatbroke – politicians talk $h1t all the time, often on cue…
  
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Melvin Spittle
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:21pm
An aerosol can of carb cleaner or oven cleaner burns worse than any pepper spray and can permanently blind. Because of the potential for permanent injury, you can be sued in California civil courts by the robber that is now a victim. Use a gun to defend yourself and avoid transfer of your wealth when the robber/victim sues you for defending yourself with non-California approved methods and wins the lawsuit lottery due to permanent injury.

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- Zipit
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:41pm
  MELVIN, May I suggest a can of Raid, “Wasp and Hornet” spray! It’ll do the job also, plus, it got some range!!!!
  
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- biohazard23
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:43pm
  A can of wasp spray works great, too.
  
  So I’ve heard.
  
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- bumfuzeled
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:59pm
  They all work better when used with a lighter.
  
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- Fubared
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:07pm
  It works, but think liability. Situation dictates.
  
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Just_Us2
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:21pm
What Can You Do Before It Gets to That Point?

Hmmmm, maybe take your gun off safety?

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LETSBEABOUTIT
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:20pm
These are all common sense things and anyone with a concealed carry who hasn’t already thought through these things before putting the gun on should take it off. I do think the BB gun and paint ball gun options are just stupid though. The idea is to make an assailant think you have a lethal weapon. But what if he has his own? Then suddenly you’re trying to switch from non-lethal to lethal while possibly getting shot or stabbed. If the situation is such that you think you have to go for something that “looks like a gun”, just go for the gun.

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- patrolbabe
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:06pm
  Follow the lead of the police, never deploy less lethal without a backup person who is prepared with lethal force should it become necessary!
  
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SteelJewel
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:19pm
It is a matter of training and having the right tool in hand, so @SteelJewel will get mine from http://www.KMHArms.com and they even have training available

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zgomer
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:19pm
Use a pen! lol!

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mcsledge
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:17pm
For the religious few: Thou shalt not kill.

The Bible clarifies this by stating that one shall not kill another with innocent blood.

An intruder that violates one’s privacy, safety and property is no longer innocent.

To use other means to scare them off shows mercy. However, to use lethal means is justified.

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- naughtycal
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:22pm
  Exactly and using other non-lethal measure could allow a home invader the time need to close the distance and possible take the gun or provide time for them to pull their guns out. The safest thing to do is find the chase and cut to it.center mass and pull the trigger
  
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- Afungi
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:38pm
  Well put. Also if you have to use force. Stopping before the attacker is disable will get you killed. A Woman who gets the advantage and leave the attacker able to resume the attack is guaranteeing her death.
  
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- tonypro
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:49pm
  @mcsledge
  I was one of the religious few you may be speaking of. So I have done a lot of research on self defense according to the Bible.
  
  I won’t go into it, as there are many discussions that can come from this topic. In short we are taught not to kill (murder), but we are expected to not only defend ourselves, but our neighbors as well.
  
  Here is a web site that wraps up the topic in a nut shell, and is very well put together.
  
  http://www.biblicalselfdefense.com/
  
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Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:11pm
What about putting a big sign “Gun Free Zone” or warnings that you just ate a big dinner and have a full bladder. Those are supposed to be big deterance to assaults. Maybe we can add “Crapping your pants” to the non-lethal list.

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- Fubared
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:18pm
  Ah, Encidiot 101. Leave lots of empty Exlax boxes in the recycling. Have massive ****** visible and back lit on a door side table to make the rapist feel small. 0 bumper sticker on your Volt to imply you enjoy a good “encounter” often. Little stuff goes a long way and it ain’t rocket doctoring.
  
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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:31pm
  Fubared:
  The ***** backlit in the window reminds me of A Christmas Story..”It’s a Major Award”.
  
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- Cavallo
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:32pm
  Maybe we can market some t-shirts that say, No Rape Zone, and No Robbery Zone? Think of all the leftists that would buy them!
  
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- Melvin Spittle
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:32pm
  Another idea would be to install a tank of raw sewage with a remote dump solenoid over your front door.
  
  Even better would be to run your gas line to a hidden nozzle at all door accesses that would render any thug instantly extra crispy. The sprinkler could then be used to extinguish the invader once they are no longer a threat.
  
  The sprinkler method would be great for door to door salesmen that do not understand you are not buying. Would also be great on daughter’s boyfriend that you don’t like.
  
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- Fubared
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:35pm
  ****** was dill dough.
  
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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:38pm
  @Cavallo
  Only if we make them in bright pink.
  
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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:45pm
  I got it Fubared. It still reminds me of a Christmas Story though.
  
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- tonypro
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:00pm
  @Melvin Spittle
  Although setting an attacker on fire would be effective, you should still be humane, and not let them suffer such a slow, agonizing death.
  
  Now you should put a couple of rounds in them to put them out of their misery. :-)
  
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