Legal self defense for a teenager
- Thread starter Colt117
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BergaminoCAV
Member
as long as it folds closed you should be okay, unless its a spring assisted, or butterfly knife, I suggest a martial arts for anyone who wants good self defense. Weapons are always the last resort
XavierBreath
Member
If you have to chose between living and dying, then anything you can lay your hands on is "legal".
If you are not facing that choice, then any weapon is illegal.
At least that's my take on things.
If you are not facing that choice, then any weapon is illegal.
At least that's my take on things.
Teenagers are no different than adults in this respect.
We all need to keep in mind that there is a lot of variabiltiy between jurisdictions about what knife is legal to carry so don't assume your laws are the same as everyone else's.
Colt117,
What state are you in, how old are you and are you asking from a theoretical standpoint or because you've got a problem you are trying to deal with?
We all need to keep in mind that there is a lot of variabiltiy between jurisdictions about what knife is legal to carry so don't assume your laws are the same as everyone else's.
Colt117,
What state are you in, how old are you and are you asking from a theoretical standpoint or because you've got a problem you are trying to deal with?
Small knives are, I believe, as self-defense weapons effective only with a good bit of training. Anything that can give you stand-off distance is better, and even at close range, a MiniMag would probably do as well for your purposes. Hold in your fist, with the ends protruding from top and bottom, and use those as striking surfaces. Hell, carry 3 marble shooters. Buy distance if in danger, and beat feet.
John
John
Baba Louie
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- 3,831
I suppose a pocketknife would be better than nothing... I'd opt for,
a. situation avoidance
b. good running shoes
c. some martial arts training (which will probably emphasize a. & b. above)
d. anything, and I mean anything can be used as a weapon in a life or death situation, i.e., your belt w/ cowboy buckle, notebook/clipboard, sharpened #2 pencil, bic pen, handy rock, nearby stick, fist, elbows, knees, feet... your mind is your main weapon.
As in all self defense situations, try to leave (retreat) first, do not "enhance" the situation with your mouth (my teenaged big mouth got me involved in a number of situations my father warned me would happen... I wonder how HE knew so much?).
He who lives and runs away, lives to run another day. And that can be a good thing.
As others have pointed out, know your local laws.
a. situation avoidance
b. good running shoes
c. some martial arts training (which will probably emphasize a. & b. above)
d. anything, and I mean anything can be used as a weapon in a life or death situation, i.e., your belt w/ cowboy buckle, notebook/clipboard, sharpened #2 pencil, bic pen, handy rock, nearby stick, fist, elbows, knees, feet... your mind is your main weapon.
As in all self defense situations, try to leave (retreat) first, do not "enhance" the situation with your mouth (my teenaged big mouth got me involved in a number of situations my father warned me would happen... I wonder how HE knew so much?).
He who lives and runs away, lives to run another day. And that can be a good thing.
As others have pointed out, know your local laws.
rabblerabble101
Member
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I was also wondering if was theoretically legal for me to carry a knife as well. I currently am 17 years old and I live in NC. The knife i carry btw has a 2.5" blade if that is any help. Thanks.
If you can help it, DON'T use a knife for SD.
It's messy.
It's dangerous, physically dangerous, for a number of reasons:
1) You have to be close;
2) It's easy to cut yourself, too;
3) Even if you repulse the overt threat, blood on you is still dangerous.
A small knife is no more effective, and probably less, than many completely legal alternatives. A small full water bottle to the temple, for instance, can drop an attacker, and it's legal everywhere except (now) on airplanes.
There is a lot of ambiguity on what is "legal" by the local police.
You risk being considered a bad guy just because you used a knife instead of, say, a blunt object or firearm. Silly, maybe, but true.
It's messy.
It's dangerous, physically dangerous, for a number of reasons:
1) You have to be close;
2) It's easy to cut yourself, too;
3) Even if you repulse the overt threat, blood on you is still dangerous.
A small knife is no more effective, and probably less, than many completely legal alternatives. A small full water bottle to the temple, for instance, can drop an attacker, and it's legal everywhere except (now) on airplanes.
There is a lot of ambiguity on what is "legal" by the local police.
You risk being considered a bad guy just because you used a knife instead of, say, a blunt object or firearm. Silly, maybe, but true.
Fosbery
Member
Maglite. Maglite all the way. IMO a blunt weapon beats a knife everytime. Cut a man and he'll bleed for five minutes before he falls over (the fight will last about 5 seconds, if that, so plenty of time for him to maim or kill you in return). Smash him on the head and you'll knock him out. Maglites are everyday objects and legal to carry by anyone.
Well, if you're still in school, a full-sized Mag isn't an option at school, but a MiniMag can be carried on the belt or in a pocket.
Add a Nite-ize LED module for $6 from Wal-Mart. Dramatic battery savings, and no need to replace bulbs. Ever.
John
Add a Nite-ize LED module for $6 from Wal-Mart. Dramatic battery savings, and no need to replace bulbs. Ever.
John
Teenagers are no different than adults in this respect.
We all need to keep in mind that there is a lot of variabiltiy between jurisdictions about what knife is legal to carry so don't assume your laws are the same as everyone else's.
Colt117,
What state are you in, how old are you and are you asking from a theoretical standpoint or because you've got a problem you are trying to deal with?
__________________ (originaly posted by hso)
I'm 16 and I live in Florida. I shoot Ipsc with my dad almost every week. I'm just asking from a theoretical standpoint. Since I can't carry concealed I just wanted to know what a good option for defense would be if I went out with friends and needed to defend myself and others.
We all need to keep in mind that there is a lot of variabiltiy between jurisdictions about what knife is legal to carry so don't assume your laws are the same as everyone else's.
Colt117,
What state are you in, how old are you and are you asking from a theoretical standpoint or because you've got a problem you are trying to deal with?
__________________ (originaly posted by hso)
I'm 16 and I live in Florida. I shoot Ipsc with my dad almost every week. I'm just asking from a theoretical standpoint. Since I can't carry concealed I just wanted to know what a good option for defense would be if I went out with friends and needed to defend myself and others.
What KIND of self-defense are you talking about?
When I was a teenager (not too long ago), my ideas on self-defense were different from what they are now. I thought that self-defense and winning a fight were the same thing. If you are talking about winning a fight, then you need to stay away from ANY sort of weapon, illegal or otherwise. Learn to fight.
On the other hand, if you need to actually defend yourself to protect your LIFE, tell a trusted adult why you feel your life is in danger. This covers your ass in case you actually do have to defend yourself. If someone else, besides teenage friends, knows about the problem, you can fair better in court. They can also help think of other options rather than a confontation.
If you are worried about getting mugged, etc....
Avoid those people and places where you think the threat might come from. If that means changing friends and changing lifestyles, then it is worth it. Trust me.
If you want/need someone to talk to about it, feel free to PM me. Carrying and using anything to defend yourself takes a lot of maturity and requires you to make some tough decisions.
stdlrf11
When I was a teenager (not too long ago), my ideas on self-defense were different from what they are now. I thought that self-defense and winning a fight were the same thing. If you are talking about winning a fight, then you need to stay away from ANY sort of weapon, illegal or otherwise. Learn to fight.
On the other hand, if you need to actually defend yourself to protect your LIFE, tell a trusted adult why you feel your life is in danger. This covers your ass in case you actually do have to defend yourself. If someone else, besides teenage friends, knows about the problem, you can fair better in court. They can also help think of other options rather than a confontation.
If you are worried about getting mugged, etc....
Avoid those people and places where you think the threat might come from. If that means changing friends and changing lifestyles, then it is worth it. Trust me.
If you want/need someone to talk to about it, feel free to PM me. Carrying and using anything to defend yourself takes a lot of maturity and requires you to make some tough decisions.
stdlrf11
"What KIND of self-defense are you talking about?
When I was a teenager (not too long ago), my ideas on self-defense were different from what they are now. I thought that self-defense and winning a fight were the same thing. If you are talking about winning a fight, then you need to stay away from ANY sort of weapon, illegal or otherwise. Learn to fight.
On the other hand, if you need to actually defend yourself to protect your LIFE, tell a trusted adult why you feel your life is in danger. This covers your ass in case you actually do have to defend yourself. If someone else, besides teenage friends, knows about the problem, you can fair better in court. They can also help think of other options rather than a confontation.
If you are worried about getting mugged, etc....
Avoid those people and places where you think the threat might come from. If that means changing friends and changing lifestyles, then it is worth it. Trust me.
If you want/need someone to talk to about it, feel free to PM me. Carrying and using anything to defend yourself takes a lot of maturity and requires you to make some tough decisions.
stdlrf11" (originaly posted by stdlrf11)
I'm not so much looking for a way to deal with a problem but I want to be able to deal with a problem. Like lets just say I'm coming back from a movie with my sister and her freind, and there is a confrontation where the obviouse outcome will either be death or rape. I want the power to be able to end the problem. Wether its escape or if its something else.
btw how do you quote...?
When I was a teenager (not too long ago), my ideas on self-defense were different from what they are now. I thought that self-defense and winning a fight were the same thing. If you are talking about winning a fight, then you need to stay away from ANY sort of weapon, illegal or otherwise. Learn to fight.
On the other hand, if you need to actually defend yourself to protect your LIFE, tell a trusted adult why you feel your life is in danger. This covers your ass in case you actually do have to defend yourself. If someone else, besides teenage friends, knows about the problem, you can fair better in court. They can also help think of other options rather than a confontation.
If you are worried about getting mugged, etc....
Avoid those people and places where you think the threat might come from. If that means changing friends and changing lifestyles, then it is worth it. Trust me.
If you want/need someone to talk to about it, feel free to PM me. Carrying and using anything to defend yourself takes a lot of maturity and requires you to make some tough decisions.
stdlrf11" (originaly posted by stdlrf11)
I'm not so much looking for a way to deal with a problem but I want to be able to deal with a problem. Like lets just say I'm coming back from a movie with my sister and her freind, and there is a confrontation where the obviouse outcome will either be death or rape. I want the power to be able to end the problem. Wether its escape or if its something else.
btw how do you quote...?
That is the right kind of mindset.
Look into your local laws and find out what is legal to own. Then sit down and think about what fits your needs. Then make sure your parents or legal guardians know that you have it. Why? Because it makes the court case easier on you if you can explain to others why you had it and why you chose it.
Then get some sort of training with it. Find someone with experience that can teach you some moves and put you through some scenarios. Just because you have a knife, or a flashlight, or whatever, doesn't mean you know how to use it. In the kind of situation you describe, you will need to use the weapon well.... your or your sister's life depends on it.
By the way, I don't know how to quote either.
good luck,
stdlrf11
Look into your local laws and find out what is legal to own. Then sit down and think about what fits your needs. Then make sure your parents or legal guardians know that you have it. Why? Because it makes the court case easier on you if you can explain to others why you had it and why you chose it.
Then get some sort of training with it. Find someone with experience that can teach you some moves and put you through some scenarios. Just because you have a knife, or a flashlight, or whatever, doesn't mean you know how to use it. In the kind of situation you describe, you will need to use the weapon well.... your or your sister's life depends on it.
By the way, I don't know how to quote either.
good luck,
stdlrf11
Write the word "quote" in brackets [ ] before the quoted material, and afterward, write it again, but with a slash / in front of quote.
Colt, I respect your motivation. I would suggest the best choice is to get some quality martial arts training. (You will find this helpful in many areas of your life, btw.) Once you have the skills, good improvised choices will readily suggest themselves to you. Besides a small flashlight- legal and actually helpful at night, anyway- you can use an umbrella when it's raining. You can carry a roll of coins. You can carry a handkerchief, and if you actually have a large bandanna in your pocket, well, that's no crime. You can carry a bottle of water. You can carry a rolled newspaper or magazine. I actually have a set of keys attached by a very long braid of 550 cord to a heavy-duty carabiner. (Since I currently carry an assault rifle with me everywhere, I don't feel the need to carry this potential weapon at present, but it and a lock, along with a sturdy belt, go on airplanes with me. No silly letter opener- or even a real knife- is going to be enough to hijack MY plane.) The 550 is stronger than a chain of its size, but is somehow less threatening to almost everyone.
Even if you did use a pocket knife in self-defense, with training, you might consider keeping the blade closed, and just using it as an impact tool. About the only time I'd use it in your situation, would be if surprised, and about to black out from being choked. In that case, some MA training will help you understand where and how to use that blade.
Always remember that you, as a defender with charges to protect, need and should use space/distance. Knive don't give you that.
John
Colt, I respect your motivation. I would suggest the best choice is to get some quality martial arts training. (You will find this helpful in many areas of your life, btw.) Once you have the skills, good improvised choices will readily suggest themselves to you. Besides a small flashlight- legal and actually helpful at night, anyway- you can use an umbrella when it's raining. You can carry a roll of coins. You can carry a handkerchief, and if you actually have a large bandanna in your pocket, well, that's no crime. You can carry a bottle of water. You can carry a rolled newspaper or magazine. I actually have a set of keys attached by a very long braid of 550 cord to a heavy-duty carabiner. (Since I currently carry an assault rifle with me everywhere, I don't feel the need to carry this potential weapon at present, but it and a lock, along with a sturdy belt, go on airplanes with me. No silly letter opener- or even a real knife- is going to be enough to hijack MY plane.) The 550 is stronger than a chain of its size, but is somehow less threatening to almost everyone.
Even if you did use a pocket knife in self-defense, with training, you might consider keeping the blade closed, and just using it as an impact tool. About the only time I'd use it in your situation, would be if surprised, and about to black out from being choked. In that case, some MA training will help you understand where and how to use that blade.
Always remember that you, as a defender with charges to protect, need and should use space/distance. Knive don't give you that.
John
Skofnung
Member
Where to start…
When I was your age (just over a decade ago… man I’m getting old!) I had some of the same concerns. Here are my observations looking back:
1 You don’t know as much about knife fighting as you think you do. When I was 16, I carried a large, razor sharp locking folder. I figured I could use it pretty well. After taking some real knife fighting classes years later, I know how naïve I was back then. I’m not telling you not to carry a knife, but your perception of knife fighting may be quite a bit off when compared with reality.
2) A backpack is a great SD tool. I carried all of my school books in my backpack, foregoing my locker. As a result, it weighed probably 25 or 30 pounds. This had two upsides: It made me stronger lugging it around all day, and it could be thrown at an attacker. I can tell you from experience, this works. If they catch that 30lb weight unexpectedly, you have the option of running or using the distraction to counterattack. If it hits them, well, all the better.
3) Carry a toolkit in your vehicle. There were nights of flat tires in shady areas that I was right happy to have an Army Entrenching tool close at hand.
4) Don’t hang around with idiots. This sounds trite, but most of the nasty situations I found myself in back in those days were directly related to who I was hanging out with.
5) Learn to verbally disarm an opponent. Most of the trouble you will find yourself in at your age will involve other males around your own age. Most 14-19 year olds are full of youthful bravado and much of what they do is for show. Steal the show or otherwise freak the other guy out. A buddy of mine did this once by holding his thumb up like an artist looking at a painting and laughing like a madman. The other guy thought he was crazy (he was) and left him alone.
6) Learn to carry yourself with confidence, but don’t go overboard. If you walk around like some immortal badboy, you will draw challengers. Conversely, if you walk around looking at your feet, you’ll attract predators.
7) Use you head at all times and keep your eyes open. See that fire extinguisher on the wall at school? See the chairs at the local fast food joint? See the broken piece of curb in the parking lot of the theater?
8) Stay out of the bad sides of town.
I hope that helps. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
When I was your age (just over a decade ago… man I’m getting old!) I had some of the same concerns. Here are my observations looking back:
1 You don’t know as much about knife fighting as you think you do. When I was 16, I carried a large, razor sharp locking folder. I figured I could use it pretty well. After taking some real knife fighting classes years later, I know how naïve I was back then. I’m not telling you not to carry a knife, but your perception of knife fighting may be quite a bit off when compared with reality.
2) A backpack is a great SD tool. I carried all of my school books in my backpack, foregoing my locker. As a result, it weighed probably 25 or 30 pounds. This had two upsides: It made me stronger lugging it around all day, and it could be thrown at an attacker. I can tell you from experience, this works. If they catch that 30lb weight unexpectedly, you have the option of running or using the distraction to counterattack. If it hits them, well, all the better.
3) Carry a toolkit in your vehicle. There were nights of flat tires in shady areas that I was right happy to have an Army Entrenching tool close at hand.
4) Don’t hang around with idiots. This sounds trite, but most of the nasty situations I found myself in back in those days were directly related to who I was hanging out with.
5) Learn to verbally disarm an opponent. Most of the trouble you will find yourself in at your age will involve other males around your own age. Most 14-19 year olds are full of youthful bravado and much of what they do is for show. Steal the show or otherwise freak the other guy out. A buddy of mine did this once by holding his thumb up like an artist looking at a painting and laughing like a madman. The other guy thought he was crazy (he was) and left him alone.
6) Learn to carry yourself with confidence, but don’t go overboard. If you walk around like some immortal badboy, you will draw challengers. Conversely, if you walk around looking at your feet, you’ll attract predators.
7) Use you head at all times and keep your eyes open. See that fire extinguisher on the wall at school? See the chairs at the local fast food joint? See the broken piece of curb in the parking lot of the theater?
8) Stay out of the bad sides of town.
I hope that helps. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
Skofnung
Member
I'm sure that would work, the blinding light of a Surefire at night is a potent distraction in and of itself. It would be much better than empty hands.
Fosbery
Member
Aye, E2D would be a good option, but learn how to use it. Attend some martial arts classes and let your teacher know you're interested in learning to use a kubaton (which is what the E2D is).
Follow the other advice too - avoid trouble, defuse trouble, escape trouble.
Follow the other advice too - avoid trouble, defuse trouble, escape trouble.
When I couldn't carry a gun, I carried one of those keychain lanyard things, only the buckle (detachable portion) was metal with a bunch of resin stuffed in it, added a few keys that I didn't necessary need.
It makes a decent flail I suppose.
Just know that A) hitting someone once in the head with a flashlight probably is NOT going to knock them out, and B) knifing isn't about "cutting" as much as it is about "stabbing".
A knife or flashlight would probably work the best. Not a big flashlight, just one that you could use as a kubotan type thing, hardcore lumens for blinding purposes. Of course, then there's the knife.
People who say "if you cut him he'll live for minutes!" have no clue what they're talking about. You aren't cutting the assailant across the abdomen, you're trying to sever his carotid or subclavian arteries. Even a severed femoral doesn't require 5 minutes for the victim to bleed out. Slashing is more for distraction than to kill, as many of the "soft spots" lie too deep for a slash.
Look, if you want to carry a knife, you have to make peace with the idea that there's going to be blood, there's going to be screaming, and it's probably going to haunt you for the rest of your life. That nasty knife you're planning on carrying, the full tang one, with the recurved and serrated blade, might end up pumping into your lifeless corpse too in the event that it's taken from you, so give that some consideration.
But if you're dead set on carrying a knife, get a bunch of those plastic knives from McDonalds or Wendys and spar with a friend. Study human anatomy. Figure out where all the "important stuff" is located. Also, pick up one of those 1700's gentleman's knife or dagger fighting manuals for inspiration. They were written at a time when knifing was "the thing".
It makes a decent flail I suppose.
Just know that A) hitting someone once in the head with a flashlight probably is NOT going to knock them out, and B) knifing isn't about "cutting" as much as it is about "stabbing".
A knife or flashlight would probably work the best. Not a big flashlight, just one that you could use as a kubotan type thing, hardcore lumens for blinding purposes. Of course, then there's the knife.
People who say "if you cut him he'll live for minutes!" have no clue what they're talking about. You aren't cutting the assailant across the abdomen, you're trying to sever his carotid or subclavian arteries. Even a severed femoral doesn't require 5 minutes for the victim to bleed out. Slashing is more for distraction than to kill, as many of the "soft spots" lie too deep for a slash.
Look, if you want to carry a knife, you have to make peace with the idea that there's going to be blood, there's going to be screaming, and it's probably going to haunt you for the rest of your life. That nasty knife you're planning on carrying, the full tang one, with the recurved and serrated blade, might end up pumping into your lifeless corpse too in the event that it's taken from you, so give that some consideration.
But if you're dead set on carrying a knife, get a bunch of those plastic knives from McDonalds or Wendys and spar with a friend. Study human anatomy. Figure out where all the "important stuff" is located. Also, pick up one of those 1700's gentleman's knife or dagger fighting manuals for inspiration. They were written at a time when knifing was "the thing".
22-rimfire
Member
For other teens, I would just use pepper spray or something like that. Carry a knife, but it would be a last resort. Run first.
Remember you can not carry the knife in school legally. Times have changed as I carried one for years.
Knife fighting is a very messy business. If I carried (and I do), I would make sure the blade length is less than the legal limit for your state. I have no intention of being in a knife fight. My SAK would not be much good.
Remember you can not carry the knife in school legally. Times have changed as I carried one for years.
Knife fighting is a very messy business. If I carried (and I do), I would make sure the blade length is less than the legal limit for your state. I have no intention of being in a knife fight. My SAK would not be much good.
Glock_10mm
Member
Florida is better than other states, but here in some cases, the judge will overlook the weapon, because it was used in self defense. I've read cases where illegal guns and switchblades were used, but no charges were made on the victim because they were strictly used in slf defense. This is by no means the rule, but most judges (at least here) tend to favor the victim. Also check your laws on carrying a pocket knife, some areas have length limits (ie under 3" blade length)
I would not say go around concealing an illegal firearm or weapon, but if you are on the fringe, and were truly in danger of your life with no other option, use whatever you can to defend yourself and save your life.
You may hear someone state "better tried by 12 (jury) than carried by 6 (dead)", but its never that cut and dry. Especially since you are not an adult. If you are under 18 (16 in some areas) you'll probably be in less trouble, but you still dont want to be in ANY trouble. Your best defense is to actively stay out of bad scenarios, and run whenever possible to get out of the scenario. Pride will kill you or worse put you behind bars until you are in your 30's! If you ever got charged with carrying a weapon (depending on your state) you may never be able to own or legally carry a firearm, just remember that.
Personally, I think mace would be just as good an option, and be even less trouble! Some states also allow stun guns (if you are a student in florida, both are allowed on campus for defense only, but legal for students to carry, so check you local, state and school laws).
I totally agree with 22 rimfire as well, in these days if you get caught with a knife at school you are in a heap of trouble and will get arrested! I went to school in the 80's/90s which wasn't that long ago, but if I took a knife to school, and got caught they took it away, and that was about all. I think they took away 3 from me, but I ended up getting one back at the end of the day to take home and leave home. Its not like that today. If you take a knife today you'll get arrested, a huge record, and possibly lose you chance to ever own a gun! I dont know your school or state/city laws, but I know if you got caught with pepper spray, you'd probably be in alot less trouble as long as you used/kept it responsibly! Go to a local police station and they should be able to tell you if you can carry a stungun/pepper spray around town, and also if you can take it to school.
Lastly, buy a good all steel/titanium mechanical pencil or pen (like cross) in a pinch it could be a very effective weapon as last resort, and the school would probably have no problem with you having it! I'd never refer to it as a weapon, or brandish it to your friends (pretend to use it like a knife/shiv), but if the time ever came, you could rely upon it if nothing else is available.
PS - I've carried a knife since I was 8, and is mostly a tool more than a weapon. Its a really personal weapon, and you have to be really committed to using it. I've been in a fight before with it. I sometimes have nightmares where are I am in slow motion, almost bound and cannot move. I try to fight back, but I am loosing the fight and its really personal. I wake up with every muscle in my body tensed up and cramped, and I'm in a pool of sweat with my heart beating 200 beats per minute. Its a scary thing, and was nothing like the actual fight, but is a recollection of all the fears I had in the situation. Its nothing like you see in movies with all the glory and fearlessness. I was lucky that the situation diffused because of people intervening, with only a few gashes and no real wounds for either of us (save 2 deep cuts to my arm - took weeks to heal and I sutered it, its always a reminder and will always be there), but there was a point where it was primal and something I would definatly not want to be in again. Some people have been in much worse and have alot more experience in this, but my 'fight' was the scariest thing I''ve ever confronted, and haunted me ever since. I havent had any knife training or anything and felt totally unprepared and very raw (it wasn't as smooth and natural, as I imagined it would be, or as I practiced in bedroom like it would go. It was sweaty, my heart was beating in my head, cold blood was tickling my arm as it ran down and I could see the triangular yellow fat globs in my arm in the gashes). It was nasty and like hell. Your best defense is to swollow your pride and walk away. If there is no other option you need to stand your ground, but make sure there is no other option.
Just my 2 cents
I would not say go around concealing an illegal firearm or weapon, but if you are on the fringe, and were truly in danger of your life with no other option, use whatever you can to defend yourself and save your life.
You may hear someone state "better tried by 12 (jury) than carried by 6 (dead)", but its never that cut and dry. Especially since you are not an adult. If you are under 18 (16 in some areas) you'll probably be in less trouble, but you still dont want to be in ANY trouble. Your best defense is to actively stay out of bad scenarios, and run whenever possible to get out of the scenario. Pride will kill you or worse put you behind bars until you are in your 30's! If you ever got charged with carrying a weapon (depending on your state) you may never be able to own or legally carry a firearm, just remember that.
Personally, I think mace would be just as good an option, and be even less trouble! Some states also allow stun guns (if you are a student in florida, both are allowed on campus for defense only, but legal for students to carry, so check you local, state and school laws).
I totally agree with 22 rimfire as well, in these days if you get caught with a knife at school you are in a heap of trouble and will get arrested! I went to school in the 80's/90s which wasn't that long ago, but if I took a knife to school, and got caught they took it away, and that was about all. I think they took away 3 from me, but I ended up getting one back at the end of the day to take home and leave home. Its not like that today. If you take a knife today you'll get arrested, a huge record, and possibly lose you chance to ever own a gun! I dont know your school or state/city laws, but I know if you got caught with pepper spray, you'd probably be in alot less trouble as long as you used/kept it responsibly! Go to a local police station and they should be able to tell you if you can carry a stungun/pepper spray around town, and also if you can take it to school.
Lastly, buy a good all steel/titanium mechanical pencil or pen (like cross) in a pinch it could be a very effective weapon as last resort, and the school would probably have no problem with you having it! I'd never refer to it as a weapon, or brandish it to your friends (pretend to use it like a knife/shiv), but if the time ever came, you could rely upon it if nothing else is available.
PS - I've carried a knife since I was 8, and is mostly a tool more than a weapon. Its a really personal weapon, and you have to be really committed to using it. I've been in a fight before with it. I sometimes have nightmares where are I am in slow motion, almost bound and cannot move. I try to fight back, but I am loosing the fight and its really personal. I wake up with every muscle in my body tensed up and cramped, and I'm in a pool of sweat with my heart beating 200 beats per minute. Its a scary thing, and was nothing like the actual fight, but is a recollection of all the fears I had in the situation. Its nothing like you see in movies with all the glory and fearlessness. I was lucky that the situation diffused because of people intervening, with only a few gashes and no real wounds for either of us (save 2 deep cuts to my arm - took weeks to heal and I sutered it, its always a reminder and will always be there), but there was a point where it was primal and something I would definatly not want to be in again. Some people have been in much worse and have alot more experience in this, but my 'fight' was the scariest thing I''ve ever confronted, and haunted me ever since. I havent had any knife training or anything and felt totally unprepared and very raw (it wasn't as smooth and natural, as I imagined it would be, or as I practiced in bedroom like it would go. It was sweaty, my heart was beating in my head, cold blood was tickling my arm as it ran down and I could see the triangular yellow fat globs in my arm in the gashes). It was nasty and like hell. Your best defense is to swollow your pride and walk away. If there is no other option you need to stand your ground, but make sure there is no other option.
Just my 2 cents
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Thanks Glock 10mm. I'm not so concerned with school as I am for night protection and luckily I had and have enough sense not to bring a weapon to school. I have a pretty steady head on my shoulders for my age... As far as school gos, if there was ever a school shooting that I was able to stop but at the cost of using deadly force, would the jury be in my favor? Even if I am underaged to use a weapon? I also understand that it's nothing like hollywood depicts but if I'm ever in a situation where I cant avoid a confrontation, I want to be able to handle it effectivley and end it quickly.
Colt,
IF you overpower a school shooter, and she dies in the process, you should be okay. OTOH, if you use an illegal firearm, you'll still be in trouble. Unless you have a legal firearm in a shooting situation or (possibly) are so close you can't reasonably flee, your best option in a school shooting is to be a good witness and safely exit the building/grounds as quickly as possible, helping any you can escape in the process.
IF you overpower a school shooter, and she dies in the process, you should be okay. OTOH, if you use an illegal firearm, you'll still be in trouble. Unless you have a legal firearm in a shooting situation or (possibly) are so close you can't reasonably flee, your best option in a school shooting is to be a good witness and safely exit the building/grounds as quickly as possible, helping any you can escape in the process.
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
Colt,
What JShirley said. What state you're in can have bearing also. State law varies AND how the state views such things vary also.
Here in Georgia, in most jurisdictions, I doubt an under aged person who used an otherwise legal weapon to stop a school shooting would have much to worry about legally. From what I've heard about some states, the DA would be burning the midnight oil to find things to charge the person with. It's wise to know your state laws and to observe how your state's prosecutors apply those laws.
I've seen reports here in Georgia where people on the forums from other states were unanimous in proclaiming it was a shoot that was illegal and that the shooter was in deep legal trouble. They were both right and wrong. By the letter of Georgia law it was a shooting not justified by law. They were overlooking as irrelevant the fact that the victim had killed the shooter's mother-in front of the shooter- a couple of hours before. By the letter of the law, that fact was irrelevant. But not to Georgians. I stated at the time tha shooter would not be arrested, would not be indicted, and would not be tried. I was correct on all counts. I'm NOT saying that's the way things are in all states. It's not. There are states where that woman would be serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter
What JShirley said. What state you're in can have bearing also. State law varies AND how the state views such things vary also.
Here in Georgia, in most jurisdictions, I doubt an under aged person who used an otherwise legal weapon to stop a school shooting would have much to worry about legally. From what I've heard about some states, the DA would be burning the midnight oil to find things to charge the person with. It's wise to know your state laws and to observe how your state's prosecutors apply those laws.
I've seen reports here in Georgia where people on the forums from other states were unanimous in proclaiming it was a shoot that was illegal and that the shooter was in deep legal trouble. They were both right and wrong. By the letter of Georgia law it was a shooting not justified by law. They were overlooking as irrelevant the fact that the victim had killed the shooter's mother-in front of the shooter- a couple of hours before. By the letter of the law, that fact was irrelevant. But not to Georgians. I stated at the time tha shooter would not be arrested, would not be indicted, and would not be tried. I was correct on all counts. I'm NOT saying that's the way things are in all states. It's not. There are states where that woman would be serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter
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