Re: [Paddlewise] Guns? When and Where?

Mark

I'd opt for pepper spray.  Not CS or CN (tear gas), it has no effect on most
animals.  Look for the OC in the strongest solution you can get.  My
employer issues me 10%, but the strongest civilians can get in my state is
5%.  It works on just about all mammals, although I've had it fail on a few
humans, and you won't get the Fish&Game folks trying to hang you out to dry
like they will for dispatching the wrong critter.

If you still want to pack, I know a little bit about that.

What:
Long guns are unwieldy in a close environment like a small tent.  For
defensive firearms I'd get a 44 mag. revolver with a 6 inch barrel in
stainless steel and load it with the heaviest hollow-points I could find.
Of course, all the little parts inside aren't stainless
steel, so a very small amount of salt-water means an extensive cleaning. I'd
stay away from semi-autos, they are not nearly as reliable in dirty and wet
situations without constant care.

Where:
Where it is lawful.  I've arrested a lot of creeps with guns, but also a few
otherwise decent citizens who for whatever reasons were illegally packing.
It ruined their whole day.

Where if legal:
Within reach.  I don't mean to be flippant, but I can bore you to death with
stories of guys who had all sorts of fancy spots for guns and couldn't get
to them at just the wrong time.

When:
Within reach when you're asleep.  Elsewhere before you think you might need
it.  Sort of like a PFD.  When you need it, it's too late to put it on.
Can't see much reason to need it while on the water.

Special note:
Most folks don't know what happens when you shoot a large mammal in a
non-hunting situation where you can't take careful aim.  It ain't like the
movies.  They don't get "knocked-down", they get a small hole put in them.
If the brain, spine and big leg bones are intact, they may continue their
activity until enough blood leaks out and they lose consciousness.  A lot of
bad stuff can happen in those seconds.  Pepper spray is quicker.

Having said all that:  I can lawfully pack anytime, anywhere in my state and
I can't remember the last time I carried off duty.  They wear holes in your
clothes.

Don't take the sarcastic responses too hard.  The question was just too
easy for anyone with a sense of humor to pass up, like shooting fish in a
barrel.  I wish I had written this under a pseudonym so I could have some
fun with it.

Bob


----- Original Message -----
From: "Sailboat Restorations, Inc." <sailboatrestorations_at_worldnet.att.net>
To: "MSN/RiDem" <RiDem_at_email.msn.com>; <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2000 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Guns? When and Where?


I just wanted some practical  thoughts about what/when/where to carry.  To
those who offered it, thank you
> very much.
>
> Mark






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