Means Used to Defend Oneself Against the Bad Guy

ByeNBye · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 16

What are your means of a weapon in case of an emergency? I know one should always practice safety, beware of your surroundings, cell phone to call 911, park so that your RV door is to the busy side (i.e. overnight at Wal-Mart, Travel Plaza), alarms, and so on. But what if you come in contact with folks who are up to no good? Do you have a gun, Tazer, mace, pepper spray, knife, axe; baseball bat? I feel naked out there because we do not carry any type of weapon to fight back. Seems like there are circumstances where one might need such a weapon for a defensive posture.
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2008 Forest River Lexington GTS 283.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. Lao Tzu

GDT · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 23

ByeNBye · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 16

Thanks for the reply. My DW and I have never felt threatened in the 7K miles we have already traveled in our Class B++. RVing is loads of fun and we have met some really nice folks. I was just wondering if I am overly optimistic in our travels when it comes to safety.
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2008 Forest River Lexington GTS 283.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. Lao Tzu

retired and happy · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Stone Mountain GA

I agree with GDT. Unless you have a weapon that you are virtually 100% assured of using effectively, you're better off not providing a weapon to a perp. We have traveled on and off for 30 years and have only once felt a need for unusual caution. We were the only campers in an isolated COE campground on a "dark and foggy night" until a truck slide-in parked several spaces away from us. They were probably just fishermen enjoying a weekend out. Nothing came of it that time and it was probably only in my mind that there might be a danger. Of course observe the safety rules and don't put yourselves in dangerous situations. As GDT said, just move on if necessary. Call for help if needed. Park where others are nearby.
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Ken
Judy and our Special Angels
1996 37' Itasca Suncruiser
6x12 cargo trailer
2003 EZGO golf Cart

Ag2000CO · Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 187 Location: MD

I agree. I've been camping all over the world. Hitchhiked across the US west and south. Camped with and without my wife and kids. Camped without a tent, with a tent and TT. I've/we've spent nights beside the road, in rest stops; in the woods. Never had a problem of any kind in the last.

Never felt the need for any "protection." As you and others have said, be aware of your surroundings.
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Lou
1959 Streamline 28'
Starband on a tripod
1960 Avion H-24 - gone to a better place
http://www.knob.com/Avion

JerryH · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 125 Location: Texas

Yea....but there is always that first time! Be prepared.
Jerry
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International 4700 Custom Tow Truck &
38' King of the Road fifth wheel.
"Running the roads seeing God's Great Creation."

sprinter · Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Ontario

When backed into a corner, most people will come out swinging (those with or without intelligence). Those who don't are those who are spoken up for as in "the meek shall inherit the earth." The only down side to that phrase is which side are they inheriting: the underside or greenside? The passengers on the aircraft chose the "cornered" definition and came out swinging: survive or die trying to, an admirable choice. Those who can drive off from a confrontation at Wallyground also choose the admirable route. If you are in a TT or 5er, then the options are somewhat limited as to which route can be taken.

Telephonebill · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 37 Location: redondo beach calif

Controlling your safe haven is one thing. Being able to drive away is a nice option. However, I always pack. Should you break down in the middle of no where you had better be able to protect yourself should the uninvited show up. Thats all there is to that. We travel quite a bit where there is no cell coverage and a lot of nothing for miles. As a boy scout, always better be prepared.

stl_head · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Shelton, Wa.

Personal protection tactics and strategy, being well trained, practice and the proper tools: Smith & Wesson, Browning and Mossberg 500, one or all at times. Be a victim or be the solution. You cannot depend on "Law Enforcement."

Dustytuu · Joined: 07 Nov 2005 Posts: 145 Location: Colorado

I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon. I went through extensive training and back ground check in order to be licensed.
A firearm has saved my life in the past.

You cannot depend on police protecting you. They are very busy.

I will use a quote I have seen before: "I carry because I can and a policeman is too heavy." Wink

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D & D
2 Schnauzers & cat
2008 Carriage Carri lite 36SBQ,
W/D, dishW.
2008, 5500 Dodge, Laramie cab.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/Dustytuu/forwallpaper.jpg

"Criminals like gun control"
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sprinter · Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Ontario

Not the least concerned about anyone's right to carry. I have had my "30 years in the sun." My issue is with the comments made attacking my system, nothing else.

JCoop · Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 4

My dad sat in his parked car in front of the door of Wal-Mart waiting for my mom to come out in the middle of the day. Someone walked up and jumped into the car, and forced him at gunpoint to drive to his home and help load up his car with his things. This was in a “good” part of town.

It is not just Wal-Mart and it is not just during the day or night or what part of town you are in. Danger is all around.

When you are camping, in a parking lot, a gas station, or driving down the road with your RV, people figure you are carrying extra money or other things worth stealing. Some will do it for fun; some will do it just because they can.

ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to protect yourself – forget about your property, just do your best to keep yourself and family alive and unharmed in these situations.

Adrienne · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:07 pm Post subject:

Sprinter, Mr. Birch and Mr. Karns:

In the interest of keeping this forum a welcoming area for the free exchange of ideas and helping other forum members, I'm asking that you come to some kind of understanding of each other's point of view without inflammatory language.

Personal safety is a touchy subject, especially when firearms are discussed. We are also the World Wide Web, meaning forum members are in other countries with different laws.

Please refrain from personal attacks. I don't want to delete your posts and remove you from the forum. Thank you.
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Corley · Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Posts: 146

One needs a plan to protect oneself. I recently was boxed in while traveling on an interstate during a low traffic time (no witnesses in front or back) and they tried a squeeze play. I held my own until traffic behind me caught up. Had they been able to force me off the road, I would have needed some kind of equalizer. Now I bought one and have a permit. If you drive enough miles, the odds are that you are going to get caught unaware in a situation that involves cruel or greedy people, and you will realize very vividly how close you are to being a victim at any given time.

Driving away is not easy. Once in Texarkana I didn't notice the type of people surrounding me until after I had hooked up. I did get unhooked and drove off--over 2 curbs, through grass and through a parking lot next to the cg. I kept my doors locked while unhooking so no one could jump in while I was stooped over the connections. Planned to throw the remote lock device as far as I could if anyone came close. One cannot just "drive off" with electric cord and water connection whipping along beside the rig. Secondly, one cannot drive off while walking from the cg shower or office across the grounds. The whole cg may appear OK, but you never know who is lurking about-- a local yokel, Ted Kazinski, or the serial killer they just caught this winter after murdering a young woman hiker (with dog) and several unsolved cases of disappearing and dead people in the National parklands in GA and SC. I always carry a baseball bat while walking my small dog due to frequent incidents of people's off leash dogs rushing up--I will protect the six feet of leash space my dog is confined to. There are a lot of judgement impaired people out there, and they don't just show up when you are sitting inside your rig, unhooked, with keys in hand.
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MAC and Two Dog Night

Dustytuu · Joined: 07 Nov 2005 Posts: 145 Location: Colorado

A woman alone driving can have problems because the criminal thinks they are easy prey. I have showed them I am not!
Just what do you suggest I do when a man jumps into my car with a knife? You can bet your booties I know what to do!
I do not carry a little 22 but something much much bigger that will do the job in a hurry. And I have a license!
If you ever have to pull your weapon.... don't hesitate to use it or you will be in trouble. Weapons carry a great responsibility. You have to know when to use it and when not to.
_________________
D & D
2 Schnauzers & cat
2008 Carriage Carri lite 36SBQ,
W/D, dishW.
2008, 5500 Dodge, Laramie cab.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/Dustytuu/forwallpaper.jpg

"Criminals like gun control"
http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/Dustytuu/