(meteorobs) [Bulk] Re: Personal protection for late night remote observers.

[Larry]

Richard there was nothing silly about that inviting. The demand for handguns 
is a high priority with gangs and other criminal elements. They will make 
the effort for it if you are not careful. Having one openly displayed on 
your person does invite a risk.

Have you had any sworn law enforcement experience or trainingl?

YCS

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Kramer" <kramer at sria.com>
To: "Global Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>; 
<meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: 2009/11/02 11:19
Subject: [Bulk] Re: (meteorobs) Personal protection for late night remote 
observers.


> At 09:05 PM 11/1/2009, Larry wrote:
>>Maces are not that effective when seconds count. Handguns can be
>>carried if all or part of the weapon is in plain sight. If not a
>>Concealed weapons permit is required in most states.
>
> Unfortunately, there is a labyrinth of laws in the US to trip up the
> law abiding. In some states, if you carry a gun which is at all
> visible, even accidently, you could be arrested for assault. In my
> own state of Massachusetts, it is even illegal to carry pepper spray
> (let alone bear spray) without a license! In other enlightened states
> such as Vermont and Alaska, anyone not prohibited because of past
> convictions can carry a gun, openly or concealed, no permit
> necessary. Hopefully, the situation will gradually improve as a
> result of the recent (Heller) Supreme Court decision.
>
>>Handguns are also an attraction..... and can invite an attack to get
>>it from you.
>
> This is just plain silliness. However, there is little point in
> carrying a gun if you aren't sufficiently trained and prepared to use
> it if necessary.
>
> In my area, attacks by rabid raccoon, skunk, and especially fox are
> alarmingly common. Many consider that sufficient reason to carry a
> gun when out and about.
>
>>The Stun Gun might be the correct choice. Up to $50 will purchase a
>>legal concealed "weapon" for personal protection of apprx. 700KV
>>output. This will knock down a large body or animal for a lengthy
>>time period. Lessor voltages will disable on a shorter time period
>>and be less effective on large bodies.
>
> Are there any stun guns which are certified for use on lion or
> grizzly? I'm skeptical that they would be effective against a heavily
> furred animal. Further, if an animal charges, the available reaction
> time you'd have between the time it comes in range of a stun gun and
> the time your skull is between its jaws, would be vanishingly small-
> less than 1/2 second for a 30 mile/hr (50 km/hr) charge and a range
> of 20 feet (6 meters).
>
> The first line of defense is knowledge of the local dangers, proper
> precautions (don't keep sandwiches in your satchel, don't lie on the
> ground at night in lion country, make noise to alert the snakes,
> etc.), and situational alertness. Should those steps fail, as they
> sometimes will (rabid animal for example), a suitable weapon could
> increase the chances of it ending well.
>
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