No firearms really needed. I keep a sharpened machete in the garage for weed clearing, six dogs that bark like the dickens, a small stun-gun in the
car door panel for driving (new since the last carjack attempt), and very sharp chef's knife set in the kitchen. We have several cans of
long-distance wasp spray, although I've never seen a wasp here that had wings. A few dummy cameras outside and an security alarm help.
Don't know if any existing law covers TASERS here yet. They fire nitrogen-charged projectiles, but each cartridge is traceable to the purchaser,
unlike bullets. If you were to get caught with a TASER or a handgun, which would be worse under Mexican Law ? I would think the handgun since
existing laws are clear. Anyone know?
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
Hello, All. I have read this thread with interest. But much of the advice about alternative means of defense (e.g., machete, baseball bat, etc.)
seem to require some male muscle behind them. When I move to Baja, I'll be a lone woman, possibly in an not-very-populous area. Aside from dogs
(which I'll consider getting, although my cats might not appreciate it), does anybody have any recommendations for me? (I might consider getting a
gun, but I guess it would be difficult to learn to use it in Mx, and I don't think I'm inclined to buy one and/or take lessons now, in the U.S.)
Thanks in advance ....
Originally posted by MsTerieus
PS: I suppose the pepper spray alternative might be the best. Where can you buy the stuff (ready-made, please!)
You can buy "the stuff" at most any sporting goods or hardware stores in the US. If you are in a medium to large US city, check the phone book for a
uniform supply shop, they carry the pepper (OC) spray.
For a female (or anyone for that matter), I highly recommend the green laser......just push a button.....works like a laser pointer (which it is).
Great for carrying in the car (above the visor), in your pocket or purse....looks like a pen.
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Hello, All. I have read this thread with interest. But much of the advice about alternative means of defense (e.g., machete, baseball bat, etc.)
seem to require some male muscle behind them.
You'd be surprised how strong you'd become if you were faced in a life-threatening situation, armed with a machete.
I may not be big, or particularly strong, but I tell you what, if someone messes with my family and I WILL hack them to bits with my machete.
Guaranteed.
Lots of information! Thank You! The Green laser sounds good. I don't think I want to spend time in jail so the gun is out. I am not jail material!!
Pepper spray and a blow horn so neighbors know whats going on. Can't wait to get down to Baja!! I'll be seeing you this Friday Keri!! Baja is now
HOME!
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Hello, All. I have read this thread with interest. But much of the advice about alternative means of defense (e.g., machete, baseball bat, etc.)
seem to require some male muscle behind them. When I move to Baja, I'll be a lone woman, possibly in an not-very-populous area. Aside from dogs
(which I'll consider getting, although my cats might not appreciate it), does anybody have any recommendations for me? (I might consider getting a
gun, but I guess it would be difficult to learn to use it in Mx, and I don't think I'm inclined to buy one and/or take lessons now, in the U.S.)
Thanks in advance ....
If I still lived in the US I would obtain a suitable firearm, learn to use it, practice and carry whenever legally possible. Biggest mistake we made
was not bringing the Belgian Browning with us.
No one can get on our property without great effort, tools and causing a stir. But if they do....first they have to clear the dogs, then
I've kept wasp spray for years, can of Easy Off oven cleaner also. We have flare guns, other weapons. Be creative. As so recently publicized, it
doesn't take much strength for a woman with a golf club to put a guy without a gun down and then become acquainted with the working end oF a French
Chef's knife. These invasions aren't typically "pros". Their young, stupid, and often not completely sober.
It all sounds a bit much? Most suggestions came from my walled in Mexican friends, some of their homes are liked armed camps.
It all sounds a bit much? Most suggestions came from my walled in Mexican friends, some of their homes are liked armed camps.
I agree most the mexicans I know don't mess around when it comes to personal protection. The new home I am getting ready to build will be fortified,
with bared windows and heavy steel doors. .
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Hello, All. I have read this thread with interest. But much of the advice about alternative means of defense (e.g., machete, baseball bat, etc.)
seem to require some male muscle behind them.
Agreed. It's doubtful that the average woman could swing a machete or baseball bat. Too bad.
Long distance weapons: spears, throwing spikes and hatchets, gun
Medium distance: machete, baseball bat, cat-o-nine tail, gun
Close in: knife, taser, stun gun, small caliber pistol
Keep a guard dog close by.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
When choosing a self-defense handgun, While a small-caliber choice might be unavoidable, it's worth noting that relying on a small-caliber requires
accurate placement or plain old luck. It's true that many professional assassins use 22s, but they are excellent at placement.
Years ago, there was an article in Guns & Ammo describing an alcoholic encounter between a Big guy and another couple. After being threatened by
the bigger guy, the other male pulled out a .380. In defense, he shot and hit twice. At which point, the person shot proceeded to beat him to death.
The female picked up the .380, fired and hit multiple times without scoring a disabling shot. The drunk with multiple-wounds then killed her.
It's said about a .45 ACP that ANY hit is a disabling one. The first rule of a gunfight has been expressed as "don't bring any caliber that doesn't
start with a 4". That isn't always possible or practical, especially in Mexico assuming you could get a pistol permit.
Today's self-defense ammo somewhat mitigates the small-caliber disadvantage, but many semi-autos have less than consistent performance with other than
Jacketed Ball ammo. I've got two compact .380s and a 9mm that will jam "too" frequently on other than jacketed ball.
Of course, the casual user looking for last-ditch self-defense is better off with a Revolver anyway. Less to think about. Just aim center-mass and
shoot until the hammer clicks on a spent round. Unless there's more than one Bad guy.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
I was thinking that this would be a handy tool to keep around. You could build a fence at 300 yards while sitting in your lawn chair. You never know
what else it could be good for. Haha JH
I was thinking that this would be a handy tool to keep around. You could build a fence at 300 yards while sitting in your lawn chair. You never know
what else it could be good for. Haha JH
I own no weapon of any kind. I sleep with doors and windows wide open. Right now my truck is in my driveway, widows down to cool off. Will be all
night. I do not know where the key to my front door is or even if I have one. I buried my dog, a doxie, a few years ago and never got another. I
gave all my baseball bats to the kids in Asuncion. I've thought about a machete but never got around to getting one. Once thought about getting a
pistol and my buddy got his out to show me his and accidentally put a round right through a $100k orchestrion (player piano) we were restoring. My
ears still ring from that one.
I'm working on the theory that the gods protect the idiots and simpletons and I'm happy with that.
I do, however, keep a two-handed spey rod over-lined a couple of weights with a big a** hook on the end; I'm getting pretty good at whipping it around
a post and burying that sucker in where I think the jugular would be. No sense being completely naked out there, right?
It all sounds a bit much? Most suggestions came from my walled in Mexican friends, some of their homes are liked armed camps.
I agree most the mexicans I know don't mess around when it comes to personal protection. The new home I am getting ready to build will be fortified,
with bared windows and heavy steel doors. .
[Edited on 7-18-2010 by fishabductor]
barred windows and heavy steel doors??????
that is sad. if you need bars and walls and steel doors to feel comfortable, you need to relocate. here in san diego we have no walls or gates and
have had but maybe 1 burglary in neighorhood in 5 years. it's safe, no one has bars on windows, no one worries about arming themselves,...
if you are so worried about crime in mexico, you should move back to the states. if you want to live in rural low-crime community, there are many to
choose from.
"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen.
The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back
if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez
"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt
"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them." - Malcolm Forbes
"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others
cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." - Jim Rohn
"The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer." - Cunningham's Law
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