[oicw]

I need suggestions on a Non-Firearm Weapon for a CA. resident. ASP type colapseable batons, brass knuckles, and guns are illegal in CA. Is mace the best solution? Do any stun guns work? Is there a cost effective air taser?

[Geronimo45]

Get a sturdy cane and affect a limp. You could kick the door hard and then you wouldn't have to fake a limp. Canes don't set off any alarm signals for most folks.
Careful on mace and tasers - may not be allowed in certain jurisdictions (police only weapons or something).

[LeoC]

Don't forget nunchakus, 'ninja stars', and blowguns are also all illegal in California :rolleyes:

A folding knife is legal for concealed carry without a permit in most of California. Unlimited blade length, but it cannot be automatic (switch-activated) opening, and must have a 'bias to remain closed'. In other words, it shouldn't just fall open by itself.

Fixed-bladed knives, however, are generally not allowed for concealed carry. In some cases they can be open carried (ie. during hunting or camping). Doubtful you can get away with open carrying a fixed-bladed knife in urban California.

But it sounds like you're looking for something non-lethal. I believe Pepper Sprays are still legal in California, but I'd ask your local police office first what kind of restrictions and responsibilities of use that entails. Then there's always a 'safety whistle' you can blow to scare away the bad guys :neener:

[wdlsguy]

Everyone needs a nice C or D-cell Maglite. :D

[AJ Dual]

I too would go with the Mag-Lite. All the other options are still "purposeful weapons" and could still get you in trouble with "premeditation" or "intent to harm" etc.

I would go with a 6-cell Mag-Lite, unfortunately the 6-cell "C" lite is discontinued. It's thinner profile made it easier to carry, and use as a club. However the 6-cell "D" Mag-Lite is still availible, and you can get a "Grip n' Clip" from Nite-Ize which makes a handy hand-strap for the light.

Then, you might want to consider some "upgrades", The first one would be a LED upgrade module. Mag has them now, but they're not the best. Look into Terralux, here is an example: http://www.zbattery.com/db-3w.html

Note that the upgrade module is for a 3 battery Mag-Lite, and you have a 6 battery model. Make a spacer using PVC pipe or lightweight wooden dowel rod from the hardware store that's the length of three D cells, with contacts on the end and a wire running down it's length to carry the current. Install that first, then the remaining three D cells go in at the end twoards the tail cap.

You now have an impact weapon, with both reduced weight, and that weight concentrated at the tip, that's a functioning flashlight with an LED "bulb" that won't break under impact.

[22-rimfire]

When did guns become illegal in California? You might consider a knife, but I'm not a big knife person. There are so many choices. I am eying up the Bill Moran fixed blade (made by Spyderco) as one I'm gong to buy in the near future to try out. Something about that knife just keeps me going back to it for consideration.

A small flashlight (mag lite) makes a pretty good item to keep in your fist sorto of like brass knuckles without the knuckle part. But it would make your hand much stronger in a fight.

[1 old 0311]

Hammer, and screwdriver. Smash, throw, stab. 100% legal anywhere.:evil:

[hso]

Under what circumstances would they carry this?

Are they able and willing to get at least 4 hours of training? 8? 24? 40?

[BrennanKG]

oicw,

Maybe a little context would help.

What sort of situation are you anticipating?

Have you explored any training/self-defense avenues?

While it's sometimes impossible to avoid crime/violence, you can make smart decisions about your environment and daily situations.


B.

[Boom-stick]

Glass ashtrays, pool cues and beer glasses.

Come and hang around with me in South London and you'll see just how effective perfectly legal items can be:evil:

[1911JMB]

<"A folding knife is legal for concealed carry without a permit in most of California. Unlimited blade length, but it cannot be automatic (switch-activated) opening, and must have a 'bias to remain closed'. In other words, it shouldn't just fall open by itself.">

What about San Francisco? Can legaly carry my Buck 110 in SF? I'll be vacationing there later this year and I want to know what I can carry.

[Geronimo45]

In SF you probably need a permit to carry fingernail clippers.

[12GA00buck]

If you cant carry, the only sollution is to move somewhere that still believes in the 2nd Amendment. Alaska or Texas are sure bets:)

[oicw]

I found some stun gun info:

http://www.tbotech.com/forum/index.php?showforum=2

[Sgt Stevo]

Get a protection trained dog. I will rent you one. Not cheap. But legal. Guns are not illegal just follow 12020 pc. I have an air taser. Legal as well.

[MainFrameSoldier]

I think he is talking about Canada not California....

[CWL]

I am a true California native, live in the Bay Area.

Is this a Weapon or a self defense aid? If you are looking for a weapon, I hope you leave my fair state, but if you are exploring self-defense options, then perhaps I can make a few recomendations.

I have been know to carry any combination of the following in CA:

Surefire Z2 flashlight (with and without a TID attached)
Benchmade Onion axis-lock knife
CRKT M16 spearpoint knife
Spyderco Tasman Salt knife
Spyderco Civilian (this one may be difficult to explain)
Strider Hideaway neck knife
Jones Bros. stylus
Hinderer Kubaton (hey, it's a pen)
pepper spray

I have also carried these:
RotRing pen
big felt-tip marker (kubaton)
24" lengths of polycarbonate tubing (baton)

[bad LT]

If this is going to be carried by the person, go get them a big maglight (and hopefully some training) or possibly a large folding knife (along with some training).

If this is going to be something for "things that go bump in the night," I would sugest a small, powerful flashlight and a sword (and some training).

Notice a trend: people rairly "rise to the occasion," they usually "revert back to their training"

I would prefer a shotgun or a handgun with a light (and training), but a sword is certainly better than nothing.

[symr00]

I would get a good folder and some knife training from one of the reputable knife gurus.

[Sunray]

"...nunchakus, 'ninja stars', and blowguns are also all illegal in California..." So California has ninja pygmies too. Up here ours are medieval as well. Morning stars are illegal here along with the nunchakus, shuriken and blowguns.

[Davo]

I have heard that mag lights over 6 cells are considered weapons by law enforcement...but have never seen the law or asked an LEO about it.

[Screehopper]

Benchmade Onion axis-lock knife

Benchmade Onion? :confused: Do you mean Kershaw Onion?

[Black Majik]

:D Benchmade Onion? Do you mean Kershaw Onion?

Good question. But then, the Axis Lock is by Benchmade :confused: :D

[CWL]

Sorry Y'all,

Meant to type "Benchmade Osborne axis lock", guess I was hungry.

[10-Ring]

Taser & a mace :D Makes for a rapid attitude adjustment ;)

[Valkman]

I need suggestions on a Non-Firearm Weapon for a CA. resident. ASP type colapseable batons, brass knuckles, and guns are illegal in CA.

Well not yet but it's coming. :p

Try some foam or gel pepper spray - nasty stuff and you can use it from a distance.

[Sgt Stevo]

Lift weights, take weaponless defense classes. Buy a big dog,:) from me. then get cold steel six inch ti knife and a taser. Then shoot roids and drink vodka. In that order. If you need anything else. Move and buy a Detonics 9-11-01. Then build a bunker. get a gas mask, and buy two more dogs. too gaurd the bunker. then hire a troop of body gaurds. And buy them all dogs. If this does not work. Start over. Or anywere in the middle. Gotta go. Almost out of vodka. Stevo.........:neener:

[Davo]

Stevo you forgot joining the UFC! Otherwise he's helpless. BTW those are some fine looking dogs.

[Skywarp]

I live in CA

I carry A Kershaw Scallion knife (Probably a bad idea)
and
Surefire E2d ( another bad idea)

If it gets to thepoint i need either I wanna walk away from the fight.

That being said I've shown quite a few cops my E2d while working at the gun store as a demonstrator for off duty EDC.

I've never had one say anything about why i shouldnt carry it.

[hso]

Skywarp,

Welcome to THR!

Why do you say "a bad idea" for something as simple as a flashlight and a pocket knife?

[tenisiejer]

NO PROBLEM... 1 small can of RED SPRAY PAINT. should do it...

[WiLLtallica]

In CA if you're an american you're doomed, even if your actions are justified, but I have herd you can just get whatever weapon weapon you want, and if a cop asks you can just say me no speak english, me no have job, mo no have ID. Guy will dashingly run away from you like a deer that was just shot at.

[Skywarp]

Skywarp,

Welcome to THR!

Why do you say "a bad idea" for something as simple as a flashlight and a pocket knife?

I live in Cali where it would probably be construed that by having aknife that is semi quick on the draw and a flashlight designed for "compliance and control" is premeditation that is was gonna be getting into a fight.

[mindwip]

I live in Cal, and i carry a knife its a nice EZ out gerber(when they were still being made in the USA) Thats all i carry for defense as a walking around thing.

I have had it sense i was 14 or so and carry it 70% year around.

Only once was i ever "stoped" by a cop when i had my knife on me. After about 5 secs of him talking to my group of friends, i told him i have a knife and would he like to "hold/inspect it" He said sure, i handed it to him. He kept it untill he was done questioning my friends and me. He made no big deal about it, only asked why i had one on me and i said i carry it for work and just leave it on all day.

I carry my knife in my front pokcet with the clip on the out side, so it is not really hiden. Never had one person see it and comment.

Spray would work too, if i ever found a can of it that i could walk around with

[EdLaver]

How 'bout a stun or taser?

[loandr.]

"Lift weights, take weaponless defense classes. Buy a big dog, from me. then get cold steel six inch ti knife and a taser. Then shoot roids and drink vodka. In that order. If you need anything else. Move and buy a Detonics 9-11-01. Then build a bunker. get a gas mask, and buy two more dogs. too gaurd the bunker. then hire a troop of body gaurds. And buy them all dogs. If this does not work. Start over. Or anywere in the middle. Gotta go. Almost out of vodka. Stevo........."

YOU sir are out of control and I love ya. And for the record your PUPs are nuthin but cuties:neener: FYI always more Vodka down south.

[Valkman]

Steve wasn't drunk - heck he knew the difference between "two" and "too"!

Switch "to" tequila and give me a call dude! :D