Self defence item for tourists

Kiwi cop

Kiwi cop

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Okay, I know that tourists to the U.S. cannot buy pistols, and it is questionable about buying long guns, but what is the legal position on buying other self defence items such as O/C spray and tasers/stun guns?

And where would you purchase these? A local gun store?

Just curious.
 
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Kiwi cop said:
Okay, I know that tourists to the U.S. cannot buy pistols, and it is questionable about buying long guns, but what is the legal position on buying other self defence items such as O/C spray and tasers/stun guns?

And where would you purchase these? A local gun store?

Just curious.
Click to expand...

Yes. And online.
 
I imagine you could buy O/C spray in any store in America that carries it. It's not in any way a restricted item AFAIK. Tasers/stun guns might be different.

A local police supply or Army-Navy store is more likely than a typical gun store.
 
I think some municipalities may have ordinances against O/C spray and tasers. I can also state that I have ordered both successfully off Amazon for delivery here in Oregon.

You might be able to order off Amazon for delivery to your hotel.... Arrange in advance with the hotel though. I did that with a hotel in California where my family was staying one summer, though we were there for well over a month.
 
It’s not that easy... Just because you can buy something doesn’t mean it’s legal to possess.

Our laws are inconsistent and difficult for even US Citizens to follow. Laws concerning pepper spray can vary by State, County and city. New York, New Jersey and I’m sure other States regulate their use, possession and the strength. Stun guns, tasers and knives are regulated even further. About the only defensive tool you can legally carry almost everywhere is a sturdy cane and you better be able to fake a limp!

Study up on the places you plan on visiting. Use common sense and stay away from high crime areas, especially at night. The USA isn’t as dangerous as you may have heard, but there are places I simply wont go; even in the middle of the day. You can buy wasp and hornet spray almost anywhere, but never admit you have it for defensive purposes.
 
As an LEO, from a civilized country you would probably generally get professional courtesy for carrying non-lethal weaponry in the US. Not applicable to California, Illinois, Massachusetts or New York.
 
Houston Rick makes a good point.

Is LEOSA (HR 218) specifically US agencies?
I have never looked at it except through the eyes of active duty or retired US agencies. IS there any language that would bar a non-USA active duty LEO from utilizing LEOSA?

But do look at the TAZER site and then double check the states you want to travel in.
 
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Real simple---visit any hardware store and most any grocery store and buy a few cans of the wasp/bee/yellow jacket spray. Get the type that sprays 10-20 feet and not the foaming type. Perfectly legal anywhere. Big can and probably not easy to conceal, but would certainly be a great defensive item to be used on any hooligan about to do you harm.
 
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ajgunner said:
Real simple---visit any hardware store and most any grocery store and buy a few cans of the wasp/bee/yellow jacket spray. Get the type that sprays 10-20 feet and not the foaming type. Perfectly legal anywhere. Big can and probably not easy to conceal, but would certainly be a great defensive item to be used on any hooligan about to do you harm.
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NO

There are MULTIPLE videos all over You Tube debunking the Wasp Spray myth. In a couple of them the person is sprayed right in the face with zero incapacitation.
 
pmanton said:
My every day cane is a Kabar defensive cane.
Not a good as a .357, but is just might help me get out of a jam.
Click to expand...

Ha...I see what you did there: EDC=every day cane ;)

Smoke said:
NO

There are MULTIPLE videos all over You Tube debunking the Wasp Spray myth. In a couple of them the person is sprayed right in the face with zero incapacitation.
Click to expand...

If you’re worried about wasp spray being ineffective, check out this stuff. I used to keep a can of it between the seats of my service van. Chews up gaskets like there’s no tomorrow and guaranteed to stop carjackers, thugs, robbers, and other ne’er do wells in their tracks.

LOCTITE Gasket Paint Stripper, 18 Oz. - 4KM53'|'135544 - Grainger

Edit: found an old can I still had
 

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tlawler said:
Kiwi...are you guys planning another US trip?
Click to expand...

Been planning to come back since our flight lifted off from GBI Houston Nov 14th 2018 :D:D:D:D

Have had two planned trips (three now as September this year is also probably not going ahead) cancelled due to covid. We hope to be back next April for three weeks or so, this time with a tour group.

I have to admit that although we were warned we would be in some pretty high risk areas (Albuquerque, St Louis) we certainly never felt at risk, although I was conscious of being on a higher alert than I would have been here at home and took care on the roads not to offend anyone too.

The question arose during a discussion at work a few days ago so thought I'd ask. I did look on Amazon but saw no prices of options to buy.
 
pmanton said:
My every day cane is a Kabar defensive cane.
Not a good as a .357, but is just might help me get out of a jam.
Click to expand...

Not a Kabar, bu a 36" solid hickory livestock cane from Lehmans does a real good imitation of a defensive cane for about 1/3 rd' the cost of a K bar, or any other *defensive cane*

If you can shove a 400 lb hog around with it, a 180 lb man should pose way less of a problem.

It's the training that counts, not so much the equiptment.

Rob
 
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