Despite the fact that we often have a frivolous attitude towards security requirements, everyone would like to protect themselves from aggression on the street, in transport, in line or at home. Only reliable protection can give you self-confidence.
You should always rely on your own strength, but only the presence of weapons can truly protect a citizen. Unfortunately, any weapon has one negative feature - it can be used against an innocent person.
How to find that fine line defined by law and not cross the line? To do this, you need not only to know what kind of weapon we have the right to carry for self-defense without permission or a license, but also to understand the limits of its applicability.
If we consider this issue within a legal framework, then you can legally protect yourself in two radically opposite ways.
- The first is to obtain a license and permit to carry a firearm.
- The second is to use civilian weapons intended exclusively for self-defense and, according to our laws, do not require a license.
Explaining the articles of the Federal Law “on weapons” in a more concise and understandable language will help to avoid conflicts with the law.
Is it possible to use a firearm for self-defense?
It is useful to talk about some topics using the reverse method, so let’s consider what a citizen faces if he uses a weapon for which a permit is provided.
Let's start with the fact that a citizen has no right not only to use some types of weapons, but also to carry them, or store them at home or in a car. All the situations described fall under the violation of the law under Article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and are qualified as illegal possession. Regardless of the current situation, such a violation will result in imprisonment.
The court, naturally, will take into account the threat to life as mitigating circumstances, but the term of deprivation will not change significantly. It is defined by law and is up to 4 years.
With the mandatory provision of a license, citizens can purchase weapons, which are discussed in the following classification:
- Firearms of limited destruction. This terminology was used not so long ago, so not everyone is aware of what types of civilian weapons fall into this category. In simple words, this is a traumatic weapon, a firearm with rubber bullets, firing a shot with an energy not exceeding 91 J.
- A smoothbore gun designed for hunting.
- Hunting rifled weapon. Here the approach to issuing a permit is more strict. To obtain such a license, it is necessary to document that wearing, for example, a Saiga rifle carbine is associated with professional activities.
- Sports weapons should only be used in certain sports (shooting, biathlon).
- Signal weapon. Traditionally it is believed that these weapons are allowed in Russia for self-defense. However, if the caliber exceeds 6 mm, you will have to apply for a permit.
As an educational program, we note that after the issuance of a license and the subsequent acquisition of any of the listed types, you are required to re-appear at the licensing department for subsequent registration. Any violation of document management entails administrative and criminal liability.
Homemade self-defense means
Wooden baton
If you don’t have the opportunity or desire to buy a special weapon for self-defense, you can use homemade self-defense tools. For these purposes, you can convert an ordinary kitchen knife to suit your needs. But, at the same time, it should be clearly understood that if serious consequences arise during self-defense, such a weapon can acquire the status of a cold weapon. Instead, you can use other types of homemade weapons:
- Wooden club. It's easy to make yourself and doesn't attract attention, especially when kept in the car in case of a surprise attack.
- Yawara is a wooden pointed stick wider than the palm of your hand. It can deliver very painful blows to an attacker. It is convenient because it can be carried discreetly in your purse, with keys or in your pocket.
- A flail is a conveniently sized wooden stick with a chain and a weight at its end. For convenience, you can make a rope at the other end of the stick to thread it through your hand.
In addition, you can carry a screwdriver, bottle opener, fork, and scissors for self-defense purposes. If you don't get confused and pull yourself together in time, you can repel the attacker with ordinary keys, aiming at his face. The main thing is to act sharply and immediately.
Authorized self-defense weapons
The gun store offers various types of weapons for self-defense. If you do not have a special permit, then the corresponding weapons will not be sold to you. But there is a certain category of citizens who are satisfied with the level of self-defense that is provided by legal means. They do not cause significant injury, but they do cause injury and also have a psychological effect that allows one to defend against attackers.
Weapons, which by law do not require permission to carry, store and use, are divided into several groups. These groups are united by a common property, which is to limit the destructive effect.
- Airguns. A shotgun or pistol that fires small projectiles that are given kinetic energy by the movement of a piston. There are also compression guns in which compressed air is stored in special cans.
- Gas canister.
- Various types of bladed weapons used for defense purposes.
- Stun guns.
- Gas pistol. Its destructive substance is the same as that of a spray can, but in appearance it looks like a real pistol, which helps to demoralize the enemy.
It is impossible to single out the most acceptable and effective weapon, since each type has both positive and negative qualities.
Personal self-defense equipment without a license
Less popular, but no less effective, are weapons such as “Strike”. This is a means of self-defense that combines a pistol and a gas aerosol. It is charged with capsules containing a special liquid. The weapon operates flawlessly in any weather, with a firing range of up to five meters. In addition, the gun is compact, it can be carried in a bag, and the directed shot allows you to use it in a confined space without the risk of harming yourself. Among the disadvantages are the need for precise aiming at the enemy, also the weapon is not suitable for use with the left hand, and when purchasing low-quality charges there is a risk of misfires, capsules falling out or leaking.
“Wasp” is a weapon that affects an attacker through sound and light. In this case, the person is thrown out of balance. Such a weapon can blind and stun not only one, but also a group of people. The only thing worth considering is that if you use it carelessly, you can get hurt yourself. In principle, this fact applies to the careless use of any weapon.
A pocket siren is a publicly available means that aims to draw attention to the situation and scare away the attacker.
Airguns
The choice of many buyers falls on air pistols. Due to the external resemblance to real military weapons, it produces a good effect on the enemy.
Although air guns do not require special permission, when purchasing, you should still pay attention to such a parameter as muzzle energy. If its value exceeds 7.5 J, then representatives of the law may require permission. All pneumatic weapons used in the forest for hunting or for clay pigeon shooting are subject to mandatory registration. There is also a limitation on caliber. Up to 4.5 mm has weapons that are on sale.
Pneumatics are distinguished by the principle of air supply, by the external shape of the bullets, and also by the rate of fire. In the first case, the air is either supplied by a piston or pre-compressed. Bullets are hemispherical, conical and flat. Depending on the type of bullet, the enemy receives more or less significant damage.
If you choose an effective air gun, then the most effective is the balloon type. The bullet, under the influence of compressed air, flies out of the barrel. Its energy is enough to pierce a glass bottle, but in winter the bullet will not pass through thick outerwear. Therefore, such a pistol is not effective outdoors in winter.
There are no restrictions on storing pneumatic weapons, but there are recommendations. Weapons must be kept out of the reach of children. You can install a safe for these purposes. It is important not to leave the weapon cocked during storage. This involves not only safety issues, but also operating recommendations, otherwise the spring will quickly lose its elasticity.
Flare gun
Many people wonder what weapons can be purchased without a permit, so that later there will be no problems with the law. Flare guns are devices that are also included in the list. True, not all models. This self-defense weapon is used only to exert a psychological impact on the aggressor. In most cases, flare guns are sold only with a license.
However, if the caliber of a weapon is less than 4.5 mm, it does not require registration. Therefore, you are not required to have a license to carry it. Weapons intended for self-defense have up to 5 rubber cartridges in the drum. Its average shot range can reach 7 meters.
Gas canister
Inside the pressurized gas cartridge contains irritating substances that act on the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. When affected, itching, watery eyes, and nosebleeds may occur. The use of gas is completely legal, which is why such weapons are freely sold.
When used, the enemy is temporarily disoriented. During this time, you can run away or call for help. The spray can has become so popular that today it is considered an invariable attribute of a lady's handbag.
- Jet gas canisters emit a damaging substance in the form of a jet. The range of such weapons is great, but the enemy can dodge. And yet, the good thing about the jet type is that it can be used even outdoors and in any weather.
- The aerosol type of weapon has a larger affected area, despite the fact that the range of action is significantly lower than that of a jet weapon. This canister is more suitable for indoor use. It cannot be used outside in cold and windy weather.
Rating of the best security devices
Today, in order to ensure their safety, citizens prefer stun guns. When struck by an electric shock, a person experiences physical discomfort and psychological shock, while the device makes very threatening sounds. The cost of these devices is relatively low.
The most popular type among stun guns is a device that combines the stun gun itself and a flashlight. This type of protective device will be irreplaceable for those people who return home late through unlit streets. The most expensive example of Taser shockers, the professional model is used by the police. It allows you to stun an attacker from a distance of several meters.
Five of the best stun guns
The characteristic that determines the damaging properties of shockers is the voltage between the electrodes. Manufacturers sometimes quote astounding values of up to 25,000,000 V (25 MV) - this is the open circuit voltage (that is, the voltage without load or current flow). This parameter has no significance for efficiency characteristics. The higher the value of this voltage, the greater the distance between the electrodes, and the louder the shocker cracks when it is activated. This sound can also be used as a weapon and scare attackers with it.
The operating voltage of civilian shockers is from 20,000 to 90,000 V (20-90 kV), it is enough to pierce a layer of clothing and pass a current pulse through human skin.
The country's legislation strictly regulates the voltage characteristics of household shockers.
VIPERTEK VTS-98 – popular model with a flashlight
This device is considered the most popular model among buyers. Although the flashlight is an additional option, it successfully copes with its function.
This is practically the most powerful shocker on the market. An open circuit voltage of 23 MV provides an impressive crackle and will make even the bravest hooligan retreat. The design of the product involves the presence of two sharp electrodes that puncture clothing, and shock from the discharge between them.
Also, the developers of the device provided the option of disarming the defender by grabbing the shocker by the attacker by the part of the device that is located behind the electrodes, and made this part conductive of electric current. So the unlucky robber will immediately receive a powerful shock.
shocker with flashlight VIPERTEK VTS-98
Advantages:
- The most powerful;
- convenient design;
- in demand.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
This product costs about 17 dollars.
VIPERTEK VTS-T03 – shocker hidden in a flashlight
The shocker, decorated under a flashlight, is not conspicuous, but provides serious protection.
In the design of the product, the electrodes of the device are not noticeable; for an attacker, a shock from a current pulse will definitely come as a surprise. This model's power characteristics are almost as good as its larger brother. A powerful flashlight in any situation will allow you to correctly assess the situation and allow you to choose the direction for retreat.
shocker hidden in the flashlight VIPERTEK VTS-T03
Advantages:
- decorated, which is very convenient;
- powerful.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the model is about 12 dollars
Streetwise Sting Ring 18 – shocker disguised as a ring
Of course, this is not James Bond's secret weapon with its terrifying power that allows you to knock out several enemies at once, but this small device can scare off any enemy.
Externally, the device resembles brass knuckles, it is convenient to carry it in your pocket, where it takes up very little space, and if necessary, you can easily take it out. The open circuit voltage is 18 MV, so it will produce almost as much noise as large models. The discreet appearance of the product, its unusual shape and electric shock upon contact will shock any attacker.
shocker Streetwise Sting Ring 18
Advantages:
- comfortable to wear;
- small and discreet.
Flaws:
- high price.
The cost of the product is about 23 dollars.
Streetwise Security Products – stun gun for carrying on a key fob
The appearance resembles a flash drive, the open circuit voltage is 20 MV. The attacker who grabs the keys will be greatly shocked by the electric shock from the key fob. The device is not suitable for full-fledged defense, but by using the factor of surprise, the defender can gain time and run away or call for help.
Streetwise Security Products Keychain Stun Gun
Advantages:
- small size;
- repellent.
Flaws:
- not for full defense.
The device costs about $17.
VIPERTEK VTS-B01 – telescopic baton with shocker and siren
A full-fledged, terrifying-looking defensive weapon will allow you to cope with even several attackers. The idle voltage of the shocker is 30 MV, so there will be an excellent crackling sound, a strong sliding baton and a powerful sound siren will put even several hooligans to flight.
This formidable defensive weapon has overall dimensions, and you can no longer carry it in your pocket; you can store it in the trunk of a car. When traveling, different situations arise, the presence of such an arbiter as a telescopic shocker will add to its owner self-confidence and peace of mind for the safety of loved ones. In this model, the siren is designed to intimidate animals, but its loud howl will also scare away a bully.
The built-in shocker has serious power, you have to be careful when using it, it literally knocks a person to the ground. Although it may not come to the point of being used, when unfolded the baton is a powerful weapon and its appearance can scare away many hooligans, pickpockets and other intruders.
VIPERTEK VTS-B01 – telescopic baton with shocker and siren
Advantages:
- high power;
- will allow you to cope even with several attackers.
Flaws:
- dimensions.
The cost of the product is about 26 dollars.
Taser Pulse with Laser - a shocker that delivers a current pulse at a distance
A Taser is a stun gun that shoots electrodes at a distance of 7 m and delivers a pulse of current. The operating voltage of the device is 50 kV, which is enough to pierce a layer of clothing and send current through the attacker’s skin. The open circuit voltage is not given for this device, since its electrodes are ejected. The design of the device includes two batteries; they are charged from the electrical network.
stun gun Taser Pulse with Laser
Advantages:
- striking range - 7 m, which is quite a lot for defense;
- powerful;
- two batteries.
Flaws:
- very expensive, not everyone will allow you to buy it.
The cost of the product is the highest among this class of devices, about $395.
The best individual alarms
For a child or girl to fight huge hooligans on the street is almost always a losing proposition. The way out of an unpleasant situation is to call the police or simply respectable citizens for help. The personal alarm on the key fob will scare away the villains with its loud roar and signal to others for help. The design of the alarm allows it to be quickly found among things in your pocket and easily activated. The devices are decorated in various styles, from designer to simple and discreet. This product can be used anywhere without any permission in case of a threat.
ROBOCOPP SOS Personal Alarm - the most famous personal alarm
This stylish little thing with a bright design looks like a keychain. To turn on the signal, you need to pull out the fastening ear, and the device will turn on the siren; to turn off the device, the latch must be put in place. The device is waterproof; manufacturers claim that it will work even under water.
personal alarm ROBOCOPP SOS Personal Alarm
Advantages:
- stylish, popular among many, alarm system;
- waterproof.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the device is about 15 dollars.
Vigilant – individual alarm system for car drivers
The gadget is made in the style of a car alarm. When you press the button there is a roar of 130 dB, this is one of the loudest devices. The product is reliable, it is difficult to break it or muffle its sound. The following colors are available:
- red;
- black;
- green;
- yellow.
The key fob contains a fake trigger. If the key fob is thrown on the ground, an audible siren will sound.
An inconspicuous device that does not attract attention, looks like an ordinary trinket that can be attached to a child's or lady's bag. To turn on the gadget, it must be torn off from the mounting ring, and the security siren will start. The alarm sound is standard and therefore understandable to others - it is a call for help.
Individual alarm system for Vigilant car drivers
Advantages:
- the loudest device;
- the device is invisible, similar to a toy.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the gadget is about 16 dollars
Bear Gentleman - personal alarm for a child
The device is hidden in an ordinary children's soft toy, which practically does not attract attention. The sound strength of the alarm is about 130 dB. Among 6 color schemes, the child will choose a toy to his liking. To make a danger sound appear, you do not need to tear the toy from its mount, just pull the siren loop.
personal alarm for a child Bear Gentleman
Advantages:
- average cost;
- loud noise;
- convenient to use.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the product is about 13 dollars.
Popular pepper sprays and gels
The product, which is quite harmless to health, has a strong stopping effect. Today this is the most popular protective agent. To stop the attacker, the agent is sprayed in the area of the face, getting on the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth, causing a very strong burning sensation and painful shock. The enemy is temporarily blinded and unable to think rationally.
In enclosed spaces, pepper gels should be used; they are more viscous and can be used over a longer range.
SABER 3-IN-1 - the most famous pepper spray canister
When comparing pepper spray canisters to stun guns, their strengths are more lethal than stun guns.
pepper spray canister SABER 3-IN-1
Advantages:
- if gas gets into the eyes of an attacking person, the stopping effect will last long enough;
- gas is sprayed over a distance of up to 5 m;
- the can contains 35 portions of gas;
- effective not only on people, but also on animals;
- Saber products are used by police officers all over the world, which indicates their high efficiency.
Flaws:
- not detected.
This pepper spray is the best safety equipment among all the pepper sprays.
The cost of a can is about 6 dollars.
SABER Red Kuros - pepper spray keychain for absent-minded people
The spray bottle hidden in the keychain will always be at hand. Even the most absent-minded person is unlikely to forget his house keys. When using a device, you need to develop the skill of putting it into combat mode.
pepper spray keychain SABER Red Kuros
Advantages:
- not expensive;
- comfortable in using.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The device costs about $5.
SABER Red Pepper Gel - pepper gel for indoor use
During an attack in an elevator, spraying the spray risks exposing the person defending himself to pepper spray. Manufacturers have developed pepper gel for use indoors; it has a more viscous and thick consistency. The gel sticks to the skin and does not scatter to the sides. The attacking person, trying to remove the gel, reflexively smears it all over his face and further aggravates the situation for himself. Gel cans have an increased range of impact, they hit 10 m, and therefore they can be safely used on the street. They have only 18 charges, unlike their spray counterparts.
pepper gel SABER Red Pepper Gel
Advantages:
- increased impact range;
- can be used outdoors.
Flaws:
- low charge;
- dangerous for the defender himself.
Gel pepper spray costs about $13.
SABER RED Pepper Gel – pepper gel for people involved in running sports
Often, joggers jog in parks in the evening, when the park is almost deserted. At this time, unwanted encounters may occur and to ensure safety it is better to have a protective agent in the form of pepper gel with you. The canister is conveniently attached to the hand with Velcro and is always at hand. A single press of the thumb launches a stream of gel at the offender. The gel is not dangerous for the defending person; it is sprayed only in the direction of the target.
The cost of the protective gel is approximately $9.
pepper gel SABER RED Pepper Gel
Spray and special device for protection against dogs
In the spring, during the rut, dogs gather in packs and are aggressive. It is unwise to run away from angry animals; it triggers the hunting instinct. To protect against aggressive dogs, manufacturers offer an anti-animal spray that works at close range and an ultrasonic emitter that repels them at a long distance.
HALT Dog Repellant Spray – spray for dogs
The use of the spray will not cause any harm to the animal; the components of the gas include capsaicin, which is found in capsicum. The spray must be sprayed at a sufficient distance from the animal's mouth to avoid an attack. The spray will scare away an aggressive animal and force it to retreat.
The cost of the product is about 7 dollars, the range of use is up to 6 m.
spray for dogs HALT Dog Repellant Spray
Advantages:
- effective impact.
Flaws:
- high cost for such a means of protection.
The cost of the product is about 9 dollars.
Steel arms
The most common means of self-defense without a license is a household knife. This type of weapon is available in every home. Being hit with a knife is not so harmless. Sometimes a stab with a knife can lead to death, so only certain specimens are allowed for use.
The parameters for carrying and using a knife without a license comply with GOST. The slightest deviation from these parameters forces the owner to purchase a license.
- The length of the blade does not exceed 9 cm, and the length of the handle – 7 cm.
- If the length of the blade exceeds 9 cm, but not more than 18 cm, then you can use such a knife if it does not have a point.
- With a length over 18 cm, the tip is 100 mm higher than the butt.
Folding knives that have a blade ejection feature are considered prohibited weapons. It should be noted that it is not so easy to stab an enemy with a knife. To do this, there must be a certain physical and psychological preparedness. The law on weapons states that the use of a knife as a means of defense is not recommended due to its ineffectiveness.
Consequences and responsibility
It is important to remember the consequences of killing or causing grievous harm when attempting to defend yourself.
Article 114 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation states that if the attacker is inflicted with intentional grievous harm, this action threatens:
- correctional or forced labor for up to a year;
- restriction or imprisonment for up to a year.
Article 108 states that murder that was committed in excess of the limits of self-defense will be punished:
- correctional labor for up to two years;
- prison or restriction of liberty for up to two years;
- or forced labor for up to two years.
Recommendations
It is best to avoid dangerous situations that will lead to the need to defend yourself. But in other cases they are inevitable.
Then you need to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Carry two types of weapons.
- Take a short self-defense course, where you will learn the basic rules of defense. This will significantly increase the chances of successful self-defense.
- Don't panic, be decisive, hide your fear.
- Focus on the psychological factor and try to scare the attacker with one type of weapon before using it.
- Aim correctly. A failed shot will anger the aggressor even more.
- Regularly check the condition of the weapon so that at the right time it does not turn out to be useless.
Exceeding self-defense always results in criminal prosecution . It is important to know how to handle weapons. The presence of such weapons will not provide a complete guarantee of security.
Before purchasing weapons for self-defense, you should familiarize yourself with the legislation, in particular, the Law “On Weapons” and the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Stun guns
Another type of permitted self-defense weapon is stun guns. They are capable of striking with an electrical discharge that is formed between two electrodes. The attacker will be immobilized for some time. It is safe to say that a shock with a stun gun leaves no consequences.
When using a contact shocker, you must come close to your opponent. But there are also remote weapons. Those wishing to purchase a stun gun should remember that only Russian-made copies are allowed to be used, and the corresponding certificate must always be with you.
Gas weapon
Very often, many people wonder what weapons can be used without permission. A gas can can be used. It is the most affordable and simple weapon for self-defense. However, it does not require any permission. A gas canister is a container containing a caustic substance called an irritant. Today, five types of such substances are allowed to be used on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are capable of depriving a person of the ability to act actively for some time. When entering the body, irritants cause:
- Copious tears.
- Temporary loss of vision.
- Stinging in the eyes. Blood begins to flow from the nose.
- Severe skin irritation.
Spray cans are often equipped with a special fuse. Therefore, you won’t be able to press them accidentally. Thanks to this, the owner can avoid accidents.
Signal weapon
Signal weapons can only be used if their caliber does not exceed 6 mm. Any signal pistol can only attract attention with a noise or light effect, while frightening the enemy.
An example of a weapon is the Osa or Antidog pistol. In addition to its advantages, such weapons have one significant drawback - the impact on the shooter himself. Therefore, to use the wasp, you have to use rather strange rules, in which it is recommended to close your eyes.
Rules for using and carrying weapons without a license
You should not think that the lack of permission for some types of self-defense weapons allows you to use them without restrictions. There are established rules, violation of which entails quite severe punishment. Thus, you can only purchase weapons if you are 18 years old, so you will always have to carry your passport with you.
To carry pneumatics, you must have a passport for the device itself. Weapons should only be used in extreme cases. It is prohibited to use against children, disabled people, and pregnant women.
Pros and cons of stun guns
What weapons can you carry without a permit? Of course, this is a stun gun that you don’t even need to use, because everyone is afraid of it. With this device, there is a chance to instantly immobilize the attacker, but provided that the batteries have sufficient charge, that is, they are not discharged.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of such devices. For example, purely “household” versions are produced, as well as more serious models for police officers and security guards, including a unique symbiosis: flashlight + baton + stun gun.
There are models with firing electrodes, which allows you to hit the enemy from a distance of 2-4 meters. It is worth noting that such a self-defense weapon, which does not require special skills in handling it, can be absolutely useless in winter: a thick layer of clothing prevents the effect of electric current on the human body.
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