I’ve been thinking about how to protect myself and my family when guns aren’t an option. Curious about what tools or strategies people use in countries where firearms are illegal.
I have a 187-pound dog that’s more effective than my firearms. His bark is so loud it could make anyone think twice. You can feel his presence even before you see him. A few deep, aggressive barks from him, and intruders scatter.
@Kim
I’ve got a 130-pound German Shepherd, and I agree. I have a sign at my gate with a picture of a Shepherd that says, ‘WARNING! Beware of the dog. Not responsible for injury or death.’ Nobody messes with a big dog.
@Brooke
I have a sign on my backyard fence too. It’s mostly for liability reasons. I also had to raise the fence by 24 inches because my dog could easily peer over the 6-foot fence just by standing on his back legs.
@Kim
What breed is he?
Brooke said:
@Kim
What breed is he?
Brooke said:
@Kim
What breed is he?
Such a beautiful dog! I’ve heard of them before. Definitely a great deterrent.
@Kim
What breed is your giant dog?
Bennett said:
@Kim
What breed is your giant dog?
American Alsatian—part of the ‘dire wolf project.’
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.
Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.
You’re onto something. I still prefer a shotgun, but a sturdy spear (like the ones from Cold Steel) would definitely keep intruders at a distance. I just googled ‘spear defensive tactics’—fascinating stuff.
@Shai
If the intruder has a gun, though, nothing short of another gun will help. This is why banning guns for law-abiding people sucks.
@Rory
SPARTANS, TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!
Reilly said:
@Rory
SPARTANS, TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!
This is Sparta!
Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.
Spears have been a classic weapon for centuries for a reason!
Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.
Maybe start spearfishing as a hobby? Or visit a medieval fair for authentic ones.
Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.
Are you the same person who posted about spears a few years back? That thread was great!
@Kellan
Not me, but now I’m curious and want to find that post!
Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.
You’d need to practice with it. Long, heavy weapons are harder to maneuver than you might think. Try swinging a similar-sized stick to get a feel for it.
@Beckett
I was thinking of something shorter and lighter—just enough range to keep the blade away from me. I’m not planning to reenact a siege here.