One of the questions I get asked most often is whether it is better to carry pepper spray or a stun gun.
I am also asked my opinion on carrying a lethal force weapon such as a firearm.
The answer always comes back to what the person is most comfortable with, what type of lifestyle they live and most importantly, what they are willing to practice with.
Without proper training and knowledge of how a weapon works, all you have is something that can potentially be used against you.
It is easy enough to figure out where to get firearm training.
Just find a local range with a qualified instructor who will work with you.
Proper use of a gun is more complicated than just point and shoot.
This is also why you should spend time regularly practicing with any firearm you decide to carry for self defense.
The consequences of using a firearm can be extreme, so it is worth the time and expense it will take to make sure you get it right.
Firearm training seems logical to most people.
But training with pepper spray? How difficult can it be to operate a small can of spray? The answer is: It is harder than you think when you are in crisis mode! In a crisis, several things happen to your body.
Your heart rate increases.
Your breathing becomes fast and shallow as the adrenaline takes over.
You also lose the ability to effectively control your fine motor skills.
Have you ever tried to insert a key into a lock when you are nervous? Then you know how difficult such a simple task can be.
Guess what it takes to operate a canister of pepper spray? Yes, fine motor skills.
Since there are no 'pepper spray ranges' how can you practice with your defense spray? The good news is that there are inert practice pepper sprays available.
Get one the same size as you will be carrying.
Most keychain models have a slide over and press activation lever.
Some of the larger sizes have a finger insertion design.
Make sure your practice model has the same type of activation device as your regular spray.
Most of the inert sprays are water based and contain multiple shots so you can practice using it anywhere, with anyone who will help you practice.
By doing this, you will create muscle memory.
In a crisis, you will revert to your training.
If you have none, then you are likely to fail and quite possibly have your self defense weapon used against you.
Same thing goes for stun guns.
Every so often, it is important that you give it a test fire.
This has a double purpose.
The first is to make sure it is still fully charged.
The second is so that you know exactly how to activate it, without having to think about it.
' Finally, it is critical that you always have it ready and available.
Every weapon is useless if it is at the bottom of your purse, in your glove box or back at home when you need it.
Attackers rarely announce their intentions.
You won't have time to get ready to defend yourself.
You must always BE READY.
Without training, practice and readiness, your weapon just may be the thing that makes you a victim.
Don't let that happen! Stay Safe!
I am also asked my opinion on carrying a lethal force weapon such as a firearm.
The answer always comes back to what the person is most comfortable with, what type of lifestyle they live and most importantly, what they are willing to practice with.
Without proper training and knowledge of how a weapon works, all you have is something that can potentially be used against you.
It is easy enough to figure out where to get firearm training.
Just find a local range with a qualified instructor who will work with you.
Proper use of a gun is more complicated than just point and shoot.
This is also why you should spend time regularly practicing with any firearm you decide to carry for self defense.
The consequences of using a firearm can be extreme, so it is worth the time and expense it will take to make sure you get it right.
Firearm training seems logical to most people.
But training with pepper spray? How difficult can it be to operate a small can of spray? The answer is: It is harder than you think when you are in crisis mode! In a crisis, several things happen to your body.
Your heart rate increases.
Your breathing becomes fast and shallow as the adrenaline takes over.
You also lose the ability to effectively control your fine motor skills.
Have you ever tried to insert a key into a lock when you are nervous? Then you know how difficult such a simple task can be.
Guess what it takes to operate a canister of pepper spray? Yes, fine motor skills.
Since there are no 'pepper spray ranges' how can you practice with your defense spray? The good news is that there are inert practice pepper sprays available.
Get one the same size as you will be carrying.
Most keychain models have a slide over and press activation lever.
Some of the larger sizes have a finger insertion design.
Make sure your practice model has the same type of activation device as your regular spray.
Most of the inert sprays are water based and contain multiple shots so you can practice using it anywhere, with anyone who will help you practice.
By doing this, you will create muscle memory.
In a crisis, you will revert to your training.
If you have none, then you are likely to fail and quite possibly have your self defense weapon used against you.
Same thing goes for stun guns.
Every so often, it is important that you give it a test fire.
This has a double purpose.
The first is to make sure it is still fully charged.
The second is so that you know exactly how to activate it, without having to think about it.
' Finally, it is critical that you always have it ready and available.
Every weapon is useless if it is at the bottom of your purse, in your glove box or back at home when you need it.
Attackers rarely announce their intentions.
You won't have time to get ready to defend yourself.
You must always BE READY.
Without training, practice and readiness, your weapon just may be the thing that makes you a victim.
Don't let that happen! Stay Safe!
Source...