Weapons refresher

I don't want to state the obvious but maybe this post will help at least a couple people.

On another post, I responded to a Mace pepper spray issue.

I want to state again that pepper spray is an excellent weapon with limitations. First, getting a permit (down South) is not a bad idea and if you are in one place, the local PD will probably issue you one.

Spray is light weight and I like the belt attachment for mine. It's concealed and out of the way. It's important to make sure it's operable and testing from time to time will give you an idea of the distance of the spray -- in case you've forgotten. Shaking up the aerosol is a good idea as well.

Spray is meant to be an up close device. Effective spray can be 6-8' but spraying this stuff on someone's clothes, etc., does no good. The target here is someone's eyes, and face. If I were to use this device, I would be doing it within 3-4 feet distance with my arm outstretched while moving to the side. One long steady stream. If used with effect, you'll have time to run and get away. 10 minutes is what I would give before someone might now be really p*ssed off.

Beyond this, I have a machete which I carry in my car and RV. Everyone should have one. It is at once intimidating and formidable in appearance and potential. If approached by someone with a machete, a knife is useless and I wouldn't count on spray. I've never hit someone with this thing and hope to never do that. But I have it and if I had to banish it menacingly, I'd be OK with that. I was first introduced to the machete in Nam, while walking point in the jungle. After swinging a machete for hours, you get pretty good. My point is to remove it from it's scabard, and swing it around. Get comfortable swinging it and parrying it. (You might want to practice your war face and growl at the same time.) I won't go up against someone with a machete unless I have a machete in my hand. If I don't have one, I'll run.

I have a routine I've practiced with my wife on what to do if we are ever approached by someone with a handgun, and we are unarmed. A handgun trumps everything but another handgun -- and only in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing. Give the bandido whatever they want -- money, jewelry, etc. But, never, and I mean never, ever get in a vehicle if told to do so by a bandido. I'll take my chances getting shot on the spot than get into a vehicle to be taken somewhere. I won't go into an explanation here. Believe me, the odds are better if you don't do that.

Whatever you choose to have around you, it needs to be available when needed. In other words, a machete is very effective if you are in or around your car/RV, but totally useless if you're a distance away from it.

If personal safety and defense is an issue for you, you need to know what you're doing.

Aerosal noise blasters and expandable battons are also good options.
I would have a lot easier time hitting someone with the batton, baseball bat or a piece of rebar rather than a machete'. Just me.

But then, with my trusty folding camp shovel, I can be dangerous !

.

RAD!

Two items: an expandable baton, at least like I have, is called a Whip Billy. Kinda a flick of the wrist, and it comes flying out from about 1' or so to about 2.5'. It's a great weapon and hurts like heck. But not against a machete.

2nd: I'm pretty good at swinging a machete but that's about all. If I had to use a machete against someone, I'd probably use the dull side of the blade hitting them in the knee cap. I think it's a cultural weapon (lots of 3rd world countries use them (field work) and as weapons), and messy. Not my weapon of choice. But choices are limited if you come up against someone with one.

If you see someone walking your way with one in hand, I'd say start running. They really mean to hurt you.

P.S. By swinging one around in practice, I mean they are not balanced, but top heavy, and meant for cutting. So, practice makes perfect!

Quote:

Originally posted by grover AVAST, Ye Scoundrels! I'll brook no dissin' me mighty sword!

Would that be a cutlass, el pirate? In Trinidad and Tobago you would be noted to be "chopped" by a "cutlass" in the local mediums!

Real life experience----machetes

pepper spray is junk...just oil and hot sauce...not effictive in baja

didn't you guys watch "radiers of the lost ark"????
remember when the machate guy goes up against ford....
he just pulled a pistol

this is GREAT stuff

B & S-------"Pepper spray is junk"?????

You obviously have never been "hit" with a facial blast of pepper spray------------it smarts, to say the least.

----but don't try it on bears

It also doesn't work at all on some folks in some situations. I don't recommend spraying it indoors in a room full of people!

Ummm...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=4895#pid35624

B & S----------

----what you say is right---pepper spray is generally not effective on aggressive animals other than humans. (not sure why that is)

And, it is really not that effective on meth-heads, and other drug users, because they are not sober enough to even care (or know?) that it is hurting them-----and people who are really mentally out-of-it are hard to put down-------but it works great on the person spraying it if the wind is wrong (as you found out).

Still, it can be effective if you keep your wits about you stay more or less upwind of your attacker------believe me.

The same applies to MACE.

It IS better than nothing, but you have to use good sense. (training helps)

(I still prefer my machete)

How about using GRIZZLY Spray????

This post by Ranger Rich talks about using a GRIZZLY BEAR size can to ward off them BIG ones. Probably would be much more effective than the little cans used for humans.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=19409#pid1700...

Here’s where he said you can purchase it…
http://www.udap.com/product.htm

Here's the specifications for it...it has a range up to 30 feet!!!

http://www.udap.com/Bearspecifications.htm


Amo

[Edited on 11-18-2006 by AmoPescar]

Some Serious...Some Funny

Alas, I am no match for the Super Administrator.

Nice find.

Paula-------

Good question, toneart------

I am pretty sure that the bear spray is a different formula than that intended for humans , have seen bear spray demonstrated on tv and it was very effective also a co2 fire extinguisher is a good substitutu use up the contents and beat the bandit with the bottle common sense is the best defense if it feels wrong it proably is in that case leave jim

I'll repeat...

I put this same info in another post of this genre, but, here it is again.

I was given a 16" pistol, trigger/grip pneumatic spear gun when I started scuba diving. It piercad a halibut head from 6' away with no problem. I would think you don't even need to aim to kill. I'm pretty sure getting hit anywhere with a double barbed break away spear point with a line tied to it with you holding the other end, would just about freeze anyone in his steps. The idea of you yanking that line would probably subdue anybody into complete passivness.

Just be sure you carry a mask and snorkle with the speargun.

I also carried a machete that I was very good with, practiced it all the time and also a pepper sprayer and a fire extinguisher. (I tripped over the damn thing while I was trying to escape Grunt when she was on fire!
We both got fried.

To protect gear left on roof rack like poles, or, kayakes, etc,
I bought an air canister shreeker attatched to a motion detector. I jumped 3 feet stright in the air when that thing went off. Probably give a thief a heart attack if its a nice peacefull night..

SURPRISE !!!!

Ok, are we all up to speed here about what we can and cannot take into Baja?

weapons of choice

I'm almost up to speed and thank you for asking.

I haven't declared my weapon of choice so will do it now:

http://www.beststungun.com/streetwise-stun-gun-pen.html?gcli...

My choice is a unique flashlight that literally cannot be ID'd as anything but what it appears to be.

Effective, non-lethal, but, close-in contact. If you're not comfortable with close-up and personal, stick with a small spear gun or machete, or both.

I'll stick with a flashlight. I actually prefer up close. Better control of the situation.

P.S. The trigger is a button on the side of the flashlight. This device is legal in most US states.

Hi N8nee

Stun Gun Power,

Here's a curious question. Larry brought up the question of effectiveness. How can I test the effectiveness? I doubt I'll get even a paid volunteer though there's no harm in asking?

I haven't had any tequila today so I'm writing this sober.

Regarding the above procedure, should I be afraid?

NOW - would be interesting if it is available in EU, does anyone know?
And I agree - better to have something at HAND if it comes to close up's. Don't want the pepper spray then in MY eyes.

Lee - keep us updated how it works!!

BTW - your signature does say anyway - GIVE until it HURTS

[Edited on 22-11-2006 by FARASHA]

stun gun

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee Quote: Originally posted by M 800,000 volts is a lot, but it is far from fatal, unless I suppose you had a bad ticker. What would do serious damage to someone is amperage and the S.Gs don't have that. M Here's a curious question. Larry brought up the question of effectiveness. How can I test the effectiveness? I doubt I'll get even a paid volunteer though there's no harm in asking?

Lee do you have a cat???: before i catch hell from the cat lovers just a joke

Quote:

Originally posted by jimgrms Quote: Originally posted by Lee Quote: Originally posted by M 800,000 volts is a lot, but it is far from fatal, unless I suppose you had a bad ticker. What would do serious damage to someone is amperage and the S.Gs don't have that. M Here's a curious question. Larry brought up the question of effectiveness. How can I test the effectiveness? I doubt I'll get even a paid volunteer though there's no harm in asking? Lee do you have a cat???: before i catch hell from the cat lovers just a joke

Oh Nomads can be so cruel. Guess I'm guilty of having a dark side because I'm cracking up.

Oh I have a cat OK but not the heart to do this without it's permission. (I'm guessing in advance it's not OK with my cat.)

Maybe a neighbor's dog when it starts barking at 6 a.m. on a Sunday? Not exactly the same as a perp though.

I need a serious response other than using myself as the subject. How much would be reasonable to pay someone for 5 seconds of their time? Maybe make that an hour of their time including recovery.

Stun Gun Test

POOR B***ard, and stupid too, but also VERY FUNNY ,just hope all returned what was missing!
So it works - no need to repeat it LEE, unless you are up for some Selfpunishment!!
Thanks bguy for the Story!!!!!
And I'm still searching for where to get it in EU.

Bajaguy,

That's a testimonial that belongs on the manufacturer's website. I'm sold!

OH GOD! This has to be the best post I've ever read. My stomach hurts from laughing and I haven't laughed this much in a long long time.

Thanks for writing this. You must know that your experienced has saved alot of people here alot of pain. You are a truly great person for putting it out there.

So, OK. I know for sure that your product is the one I want!

(I'm still laughing!)

Thanks

fiction! Funny!

Hello?????

Yeah yeah. I fell asleep watching taser videos.

This one woke me up. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/58790/taser_drunk_guy/

Think I lost count after the 5th shot? Think I could take 1/2 volt.

Weapons! The guy with the most fire power is gonna rule. Pepper spray, ugly looks, waving machetes? If you don't have a gun, you're at the mercy of anyone that's pointing theirs at you.

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress Weapons! The guy with the most fire power is gonna rule. Pepper spray, ugly looks, waving machetes? If you don't have a gun, you're at the mercy of anyone that's pointing theirs at you.

Well, that's partly right. A gun does trump no gun but only in the hands of someone skilled with a gun, really. In the hands of someone with no experience -- a kid, a drunken overweight lardburro, bets are off. It also helps to know what to do if a gun is pointed at you. But that's another thread.

And holding a machete with two hands -- like a samauri sword -- is best. Blade out in front.

I bought one of those hardwood walking sticks this weekend. It's about 1.5 inches thick and about 5.5 feet long.

Figure I can keep it about in camp and even walk around a city with it.........with a little fake limp, of course.

hook can ya holler it out slip a gun barrell inside build a flip up trigger screw the handle off to load it and a sweet pair a sights on it?? you be in do bidness

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry hook can ya holler it out slip a gun barrell inside build a flip up trigger screw the handle off to load it and a sweet pair a sights on it?? you be in do bidness

You're gonna do this or that with sticks, machetes, sprays against somebody with an assault weapon? You're gonna get injured. Have been injured a time or two. Ain't fun. Been hurt once or twice. Being hurt is way better than being injured.

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress You're gonna do this or that with sticks, machetes, sprays against somebody with an assault weapon? You're gonna get injured. Have been injured a time or two. Ain't fun. Been hurt once or twice. Being hurt is way better than being injured.

And even more better then being dead !!

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress You're gonna do this or that with sticks, machetes, sprays against somebody with an assault weapon? You're gonna get injured. Have been injured a time or two. Ain't fun. Been hurt once or twice. Being hurt is way better than being injured.

I prefer one of these:




Fill it with 6 D-cell's and you've got yourself a midevil mace. A great technique is to hold the end with the light with one hand(almost like a baseball bat, but hold your arm like you will throw a football), blind your attacker with the light, then wack them with it.

My friend whose father is a Sheriff taught me that little trick. He also told me you could get busted for having a weapon; unless, there were batteries in it. Funny, because it wouldn't be a very good weapon without the weight of the batteries.

You can also get a clip to hold the flashlight under your car seat, etc.

However; I generally rely on my smile, sharp tounge, and the overbearing physique surrounding my beer gut to save my behind.

Quote:

Originally posted by Mango I prefer one of these: Fill it with 6 D-cell's and you've got yourself a midevil mace. A great technique is to hold the end with the light with one hand(almost like a baseball bat, but hold your arm like you will throw a football), blind your attacker with the light, then wack them with it.

Quote:

Originally posted by Geronimo Quote: Originally posted by Mango I prefer one of these: Fill it with 6 D-cell's and you've got yourself a midevil mace. A great technique is to hold the end with the light with one hand(almost like a baseball bat, but hold your arm like you will throw a football), blind your attacker with the light, then wack them with it. If you tape all the batteries together they wont rattle, little tip I learned from a repo man. I have seen colapsable battons that took the place of three of the batteries, also a lead slug that fit in place of three of the batteries. Both of these were used by the same La Paz county Deputy.

I carried one of these on a duty belt. It weighed a ton. It's a great weapon although very heavy.

If you have a gun and the other guy has a flashlight?? Is there something wrong with that picture?

Quote:

A gun does trump no gun but only in the hands of someone skilled with a gun, really. In the hands of someone with no experience -- a kid, a drunken overweight lardburro, bets are off.

Honest, I didn't do it to myself.....

And no on the pepper spray.......had enough of that during training.but thanks anyway!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy Honest, I didn't do it to myself..... And no on the pepper spray.......had enough of that during training.but thanks anyway!!!

How come nobody believes you? The post was written like, well, your style of writing. It's really OK if you did do it. Just don't do it again?

Careful! If someone has an assault weapon pointed at your chest, beware, he just might pull the trigger. Before he can take his finger of the trigger you have just absorbed no less than three rounds of full metal-jacket mayhem. He'll probably use your flashlight , if it's dark, to see what you have in your pockets.

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress Careful! If someone has an assault weapon pointed at your chest, beware, he just might pull the trigger. Before he can take his finger of the trigger you have just absorbed no less than three rounds of full metal-jacket mayhem. He'll probably use your flashlight , if it's dark, to see what you have in your pockets.

I've never suggested that anyone use a flashlight against anyone with a gun, although others might have. If you want to go mano a mano with a guy with an assault rifle I'd sugest getting a tank.

A good heart and smile will solve more problems than any weapon will ever solve; however, it doesn't hurt to have a plan of action incase the other person has a bad heart and does not have any interest in solving problems.

You will be much better off if you have some idea in advance what you will do if confronted by a malicious person. In any confrontation, you try to stack the odds in your favor. If you have a 5lb flashlight that will crack skulls with a single blow, one reason why police use them, and the other guy does not.. you are in pretty good shape.

If the other person has a gun and you don't...I'd sugest your plan involve running or cooperating; depending on the situation.

I played rugby years ago; so, my plan is to be nice to everyone and avoid problems; but, use my size and experience being a human battering ram to intimidate and beat down evil-doers that try to foil the first part of my plan. (I'm still working on my Nacho Libre outfit )

After years of traveling all over Mexico I have yet to be robbed at gunpoint and only had two encounters with failed pick pockets, one by a drunk in Los Mochis and another on the DF Metro. Both potential pick pockets fled after a mean look from me, an aggressive stance, and a raised fist. I never hit them, nor did I ever want to. But, the pickpocktes realized that their jig was up and I was not afraid of pummeling them until the police arrived if that is what I was forced to do.

Most people are honest and good in Mexico. I've been on buses where every other person had a machete (including me ) The people on the bus were more likely to cut some fruit for me to eat than rob me or bust out into a spontanious reenactment of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Sure you will have some bad apples; but, if you are aware and the bad guys know it.. they will move on and find some easier pickings.

My flashlight will work well as a weapon on pretty much anyone without a gun. It is a last resort, my shock and awe. I avoid violence if at all possible. I'd prefer to be using my flashlight to find a lost beer in that dark than have to show someone the "light" the hard way.

BTW - The only time I have been robbed at gunpoint was here in the USA. Also, I've had a gun drawn on me for stopping a guy from beating up my female neighbor in college. Finally, I've been shot at by pochers while hiking in the woods here in the USA. So go figure... which side of the cage are we on?

This quote might end this silly post

Machetes are very handy when traveling in the jungle or rain forest areas of Mexico. It is common to see people carry them on thier hips about town or on the 2nd class buses and Combis in the more rugged rural areas of the mainland. These people are not thugs or bandits. They are just people going about their normal day...using tools.. to clear paths, harvest food, prepare food, chop wood, etc...

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho Quote: Originally posted by fdt Le das matarile Como escuincle que pica al can para ver que onda... --Larry

I'd rethink number one. Doesn't have to be that way. Protecting property is one thing. Protecting your wife is another. There's enough info around to know how to handle someone with a gun.

Barry, I know this might be a moot point for some folks -- but, is there a make my day law in Baja? I've wondered about this law in the US but there it is.

I've always subscribed to the Rule: no body, no evidence. Don't know how kindly Mexicans look on killing burglers. Do you know?

And if I take it a step further, I don't know how justified (in my mind, at least) it is to shoot someone who is stealing, say, a toaster. (Standing over you, in bed, with a knife, is a different matter.)

I understand how laws work up here. Someone coming through your window, you can shoot them. More or less.