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Senior in NY- What can I Carry for Safety?

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Oldster52

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72 yr old Long Island NY senior here. Was wondering what options/recommendations there might be for self defense tools. Had a couple run-ins over recent years. Firearms are an issue here. Currently carrying Pepper gel and stun gun. Hoping for some knowledgeable feedback.

Also, I see claims (eg. vipertek 989) of 300m volts but also see high praise for eg Runt stun gun at 80m volts. . I read that amperage is the key. Anyone familiar with effectiveness of both?

Thanks in advance.
 
You’re in a bind friend. I had two BIL’s who lived on the island and there aren’t a lot of good options. If it was ME, I’d get a can of bear spray in a holster. Do NOT get a Byrna launcher. They are worthless. Wife bought me one a couple years ago for places where we take the camper and firearms are verboten. She ordered it early because we were gone a few weeks prior to my BD. I’d never hears of one. Did my research and found there haven’t joules of energy (that is EIGHT ft/lbs🙄-about 1/10th the power of a .22 Short). I thought that’s BS so I went to return it the following day, new and unfired. Nope sorry, it’s been more than 30 days since it was delivered (33 days). When they flat out refused a return I decided, what the heck, I’m stick with this $450 pos, might as well see how it works. The “kinetic energy” rounds will NOT MAKE A HANGING STEEL Plate even wiggle @ 3 yards. 😳. On top of that, the pepper balls (“release a cloud of pepper”) don’t work either. On five fired into a steel plate 3 failed to burst and the remaining two that did made a little puff of dust maybe 8-10” in diameter.. To make it even worse, mine actually LOOKS like a weapon. Draw in on an armed perp and you’re guaranteed to get shot by a real gun. If you still think you want one I’d let you have one at half msrp😏
 
Welcome Oldster52. Many here might not like my answer. My philosophy is I'd rather be judged by 12 versus carried by 6. Get a pistol. Use it ONLY as a last resort, and ONLY under the worst circumstances. Shoot to kill. You will most definitely spend a few days in jail before your arraignment. My moto - Better someone other than me is dead.
 
Sld1959 said:
Very often you can find senior traing in cane fu. It can be extremely effective.
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I definitely recommend finding some senior specific self defense training. I guarantee you will be able to find some. It will give you practice hitting those spots on an attacker that are fight stoppers. Pressure points, er scrotumnal areas, eyes, knees, weak spots, extremely brutal hits with minimal effort, that sort of thing.
 
Bassbob said:
I definitely recommend finding some senior specific self defense training. I guarantee you will be able to find some. It will give you practice hitting those spots on an attacker that are fight stoppers. Pressure points, er scrotumnal areas, eyes, knees, weak spots, extremely brutal hits with minimal effort, that sort of thing.
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Yep. Add throat to that as well. Can;t breath, can’t fight
 
Oldster52 said:
72 yr old Long Island NY senior here. Was wondering what options/recommendations there might be for self defense tools. Had a couple run-ins over recent years. Firearms are an issue here. Currently carrying Pepper gel and stun gun. Hoping for some knowledgeable feedback.

Also, I see claims (eg. vipertek 989) of 300m volts but also see high praise for eg Runt stun gun at 80m volts. . I read that amperage is the key. Anyone familiar with effectiveness of both?

Thanks in advance.
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If I were you, I would carry a bus ticket to Texas or any other freedom loving state.
 
I dont recommend trying to fight someone with a cane unless you are already being assaulted and have no choice but to fight back. If someone is demanding cash or valuables and you hit them with a cane they are more likely to try and hurt you. Getting hit with a cane may sting but its definitely not going to incapacitate someone especially if the person wielding the cane has reduced strength or speed due to aging. There's unfortunately no such thing as a magical martial art that an elderly person would be able to use against a healthly younger person that doesn't care about human life. If you are able to carry a defensive firearm or at the very least some kind of pepper spray then I would recommend those two options first. Compliance is sometimes a better strategy especially if the perp has a weapon and the drop on you first.
 
Oldster52 said:
72 yr old Long Island NY senior here. Was wondering what options/recommendations there might be for self defense tools. Had a couple run-ins over reRcent years. Firearms are an issue here. Currently carrying Pepper gel and stun gun. Hoping for some knowledgeable feedback.

Also, I see claims (eg. vipertek 989) of 300m volts but also see high praise for eg Runt stun gun at 80m volts. . I read that amperage is the key. Anyone familiar with effectiveness of both?

Thanks in advance.
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Dear Oldster52,
I think about the same issues with a couple caveats. I am 70+ years old. I too am not as fast, nimble and don't have the strength as I did 20 years ago. To carry (illegally) in NY is the least of my worries. My safety and well-being is paramount. IMO step one would be a avoid any contact that would escalate to using deadly force. Decisions are likely made in a split second, not have the luxury of time to evaluate the issue. That being said, I refer to the ABC's of life. Always Be Carrying. As a fellow stated above...I would rather be judged by 12, then carried by 6. I happen to live in the commwealth of Pa. I carry everyday. Thank God I have yet been forced to fire my weapon.
 
Grayfox said:
I good solid wooden cane can make and excellent defensive weapon and nobody ever questions it. Plenty of videos on Youtube on how it can be used. Some thugs realize this and will just leave you alone. ;)
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Agreed as I have used a old Sumac root cane and was never quested when I traveled to unfortunately states by plane. There are a few books a some videos about defense using a cane. Take care as it can be used against you. Crotch shots and shin bones slows attackers down. Check with a local Dojos and some do give seniors a discount and training is always good. I have used mine 20 plus years.
 
Or, carry ye olde trusty Battle Axe.
 

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Oldmountaiman said:
Agreed as I have used a old Sumac root cane and was never quested when I traveled to unfortunately states by plane. There are a few books a some videos about defense using a cane. Take care as it can be used against you. Crotch shots and shin bones slows attackers down. Check with a local Dojos and some do give seniors a discount and training is always good. I have used mine 20 plus years.
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Shibadog said:
You’re in a bind friend. I had two BIL’s who lived on the island and there aren’t a lot of good options. If it was ME, I’d get a can of bear spray in a holster. Do NOT get a Byrna launcher. They are worthless. Wife bought me one a couple years ago for places where we take the camper and firearms are verboten. She ordered it early because we were gone a few weeks prior to my BD. I’d never hears of one. Did my research and found there haven’t joules of energy (that is EIGHT ft/lbs🙄-about 1/10th the power of a .22 Short). I thought that’s BS so I went to return it the following day, new and unfired. Nope sorry, it’s been more than 30 days since it was delivered (33 days). When they flat out refused a return I decided, what the heck, I’m stick with this $450 pos, might as well see how it works. The “kinetic energy” rounds will NOT MAKE A HANGING STEEL Plate even wiggle @ 3 yards. 😳. On top of that, the pepper balls (“release a cloud of pepper”) don’t work either. On five fired into a steel plate 3 failed to burst and the remaining two that did made a little puff of dust maybe 8-10” in diameter.. To make it even worse, mine actually LOOKS like a weapon. Draw in on an armed perp and you’re guaranteed to get shot by a real gun. If you still think you want one I’d let you have one at half msrp😏
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A couple years back Bear Spray was illegal in all of New York state so might want to check if that has changed.
 
Oldmountaiman said:
A couple years back Bear Spray was illegal in all of New York state so might want to check if that has changed.
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Wow, bear spray being illegal….how sad is That? I hate the fact that some states restrict the rights in the Constitution. They wouldn’t get away with restricting any others, but the 2nd, yea they abuse that. Last I checked they DID have bears in upstate.
 
Hi!

And welcome to the forum! :)

Oldster52 said:
72 yr old Long Island NY senior here. Was wondering what options/recommendations there might be for self defense tools. Had a couple run-ins over recent years. Firearms are an issue here. Currently carrying Pepper gel and stun gun. Hoping for some knowledgeable feedback.

Also, I see claims (eg. vipertek 989) of 300m volts but also see high praise for eg Runt stun gun at 80m volts. . I read that amperage is the key. Anyone familiar with effectiveness of both?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Are you looking specifically for non-lethal defensive tools? Are you averse to carrying a firearm? In NY, I imagine it is a bit difficult to obtain a concealed carry license. What firearms are available to you?

I am coming up on my 68th birthday and I think one of the best ways to protect yourself is to be as fit as possible and practice "situational awareness". That way you are able to avoid a lot of dangerous situations. Senior-specific classes were suggested and I think that is a grand idea.

Anyway, good to have you here. I hope you find help in the forum.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
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