Are air pistols effective to carry for self defense (instead...

Answer by Fritz
Submitted on 4/7/2004
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I have to agree that your better off not carrying at all. Air guns are not going to kill anyone, and for that matter even deter an assailant who is high on drugs or even adrenaline. Heck your lucky if a .22 will even help. First off, most air pistols that have any kind of power are way too big for conceal carry. They are bulky and in a stressful situation would not do you any good. IMHO, your best bet would be to carry at least a small 380 auto pistol. You can carry it in your purse or keep it near your bed when at home. If you don't own a gun now, i take it you may know have ever used one on a regular basis? Then take a class in handgun safety, then go and get you Conceal Handgun License (if your in a state that allows CHL's. Believe me, if you know how to use one properly, and practice fairly regularly, you will know what to do when the time comes (God forbid you ever have that time come). I know many women who are afraid of guns, but believe me, taking one of these classes will remove all mystery and mystic and you will see that it is a good tool for defense. Hope this helps. Try this web site http://www.womenshooters.com/ Good Luck

Answer by chappy
Submitted on 7/18/2004
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Carrying an air pistol for self defense would be exceptionally unintelligent. You might frighten someone, but many can ID an air pistol and God forbid you ever had to use the thing, it would never do the trick. You are far safer unarmed or carrying mace/pepper spray. If you want to carry a gun, a compact .38 revolver or 9 mm auto is a good choice. These cartridges can be had in reasonable size pistols, are powerful enough to take someone down, and are very controllable and accurate... good for a new shooter. Also, the ammo for training can be bought in bulk for cheap money. Steer clear of larger rounds like .357 Mag., .45, 10 mm, etc. These are too damn much for a beginning shooter, particularly for most females.

Answer by Xring
Submitted on 12/20/2004
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using an air pistol in any caliber is just plain dangerous - more so for you than the person you intend to shoot at. It stands to reason that most criminals have at least seen and been close to firearms before - and can therefore probably tell the difference between an actual firearm and an air pistol! Pepper spray is an excellent item to carry - and I would definatley consider it. Also, look at small frame automatics, and small revolvers chambered for a cartrige no smaller than either a .380Auto, or a .38special if you're using a revolver. I would not use anything larger than probably a 9 MM, or .40 S&W because something like that afforementioned .45 and .50 cal cartriges will not be as accurate for you because of excess recoil and will not allow for quick follow-up shots. All this is assuming that you're not really an experienced shooter. Remember, you're trying to STOP the person, but you also don't want the recoil to physically remove your hand from your arm. You must find a "happy-medium". -Mike - Texas State Rifle Team

Answer by saptarshi datta
Submitted on 9/5/2005
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Carrying an air pistol for self defence is really not at all a good idea. Peeper spray seems better idea than air pistol. If you really fascinatated about pistol and dont wanna make that too leathel then you can think for .22 Rimfire pistol. Its very small easily concealable and dependable. .22 rimfire bullets have enough power to put someone down and will cause instant death if shoot in the head or chest other part of body will immobilized the person. they are cheap easily avialable extreamly easy to shoot for a begineer with almost no recoil and almost silent. .32 is also a wise choice for those who dont want to make their personal handgun too leathel nither a kids toy.

Answer by airgunner
Submitted on 10/29/2005
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Whoever said that c02 pistols can kill someone is high on crack. A C40 or crosman 357 are the worst airguns out there as far as power goes. The only air pistols that are capable of doing damage is a falcon or an ar6, but both of those are just cut down rifles and are VERY big. They resemble old flintlock pistols. Both are PCP (pre-charged pnuematic, NOT Co2, and the AR6 pistol can produce 30 foot pounds of energy) The problem with c02 guns is that when temerature drops so does the pressure in the co2 cartrige, so you will lose all power on a cold day/night. Second of all, you would have to have the co2 cartrige already pierced to be prepared, and chances are that it will leak out by the time you have to use the gun. Unless you like replacing the cartriges every day. Listed to what other have said about getting a .380 auto, it is your best bet.

Answer by Violent K
Submitted on 11/11/2005
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No. Carrying an air pistol is not an effective choice. Like kalashnikov said, don't pack unless you're ready to use it. Being ready means knowing how and when to use your weapon. Even then, you're probably better off carrying something non-lethal, IE Pepperspray/MACE or even a Keychain Baton. Remember, Violence begets violence, and that's the last thing any person could want in an unfair battle. If you do decide to carry a pistol, I'd recommend a 9 millimeter pistol. Even though a Browning 9 mil is a piece of $#!+, it's still effective up to about 25 metres (that's about 75 feet, for you imperialists). Given that fact, you probably won't have a chance to use it within 5 metres (15 feet) of a running assailant. You pull your piece, your assailant pulls theirs... it's just a matter of training, willingness to take a life, and luck at that point. I wish you luck with your decision. -Violent K- A Canadian Army Guy who likes his guns :D

Answer by John 7247
Submitted on 11/19/2005
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Some air pistols may be used for self defence and clearly are no toys! They are clearly capable of killing at close quarters,-even though their'stoppingpower' may not be like that of a Fire Arm. Their presentation will constitute a deterrent to a potential attacker,-thus the use of such a weapon may not altogether be unintelligent but depend on the situation. Because of this their sale should be subject to the ordering party meeting the criteria of a 'responsible ' person,- never to be used by a minor! Rememember a CO2 Gun such as the Anics Skif A 3000 which I myself own, is capable of penetrating the major part of a swede or even an entire melon, not to mention a coconut!! There is no question about the potential damage these guns can do! Why are they still handled as Toys?? The police should come clear on this!

Answer by Eric
Submitted on 4/6/2006
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Interesting question. I doubt that by carrying a bb gun you would get yourself into more trouble than if you didn't carry one, but I would think you should keep yourself out of situations with which you could get into trouble. It is common knowledge on the job that a gun can be used against you just as well as you can use it. With this in mind, I'd rather get shot with my own bb gun than with my own .45 Before you buy any gun, consider a good self defense course and dedicate yourself to taking care of yourself instead of wishing for a gun to take care of you. In many situations ( close quarters ) your keys could prove to be more valuable against attackers than any gun would be. I know this isn't the case in hollywood however, but how much glory is there in someone disabling an attacker with car keys? Guns are good for those with the proper training to use them, people who have expended thousands of rounds of ammunition in high-stress environments to ensure that they are capable under fire. Life is short, be prepared.

Answer by John Doe
Submitted on 8/23/2006
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well... id hate to ruin some of your rants but well, it is no longer the era where high caliber handguns are enormous. the new Para .45 GAP is actually smaller than a 9mm Beretta. but in my opinion you should take Fritz's idea to good use and get regular practice with small calibers and move your way up. just don't get too cocky. the only one shot kills are those that hit the head or blow chest cavities open. people have been known to be fully capable of combat even with a bullet lodged in their chest. i take it you are also squeamish at the thought of killing someone seeing as you never had a gun and prefer to use the "less lethal" air pistol. street fights are bloody, nasty little scraps. people get their faces stomped into dust. street gunfights are more brutal, people get shot while crawling. i'm not saying to use either of these extremes, but be prepared to shoot to kill if you must.

Answer by OIF Vet x 2
Submitted on 10/10/2006
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An attackers "fight or flight" instincts come into play when a would be victim points ANY type of firearm at him. A BB/pellet gun will only "hype up" an attacker and get you more seriously injured when he finnaly gets his hands on you. Acceptable ballistics for self defense is 10 inches penetration minimum. A human skull or sternum will stop an air pistols projectile dead in its tracks, if your depending on the phsycological effects of pointing a firearm at an attacker to save you, your in a heap of trouble. A .22 caliber pistol only has a 33% chance of stopping an attacker IF you hit him in the torso. .25 Caliber bullets have even been reported to "bounce off" a human skull. The "any gun is better than no gun" philosophy does not apply to air guns. If you are dead set on not buying a gun, go with pepper spray, your odds of surviving an attack are better than using an air pistol. If you are concerned about having something to defend yourself with you can purchase a rossi .38 for about $250 or a bersa .380 for the same price. One shot stop statistics based on real world situations rates these guns at about 70%, but keep in mind these pistols are capable of fireing more than one shot :-) . Go to a gun range, the range officers are the nicest people in the world and will show you how to use a firearm. Shooting is fun hobby and gets you familiar with how to use a firearm, it also makes for a great date. eliasabedraboh@hotmail.com

Answer by k0dizzle
Submitted on 2/24/2007
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I have a Gamo P80 and For my law enforcemet class i had to write a paper on air guns so i banded together a couple freinds to borrow their co2 guns and shot a .45, 30-06, 30-30, .38 and a .22LR into balistics gel to measure penetration, we took 5 bb guns and shot them through a velocity trap used for shotgun pellets (simalar) and got ratings form 200fps up to 1200fps the 22 did 980 fps and 2 of the bb guns penetrated deeper but when it came to pistols the airguns penetrated 3'' max into flesh as where some of the others like the full metal jacket .45 (Military Spec) went 2.5' into the gel, But if you shoot someone with a bb pistol with a pointed tip pellet you can fracture ribs, or even shoot their luns/ heart if you get a good shot (the throaght is the #1 place with a pelet gun or the jugular)

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Question by Karen
Submitted on 12/1/2003
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Are air pistols effective to carry for self defense (instead of guns that shoot bullets)? I'm a single female and I don't own a gun. I'm trying to find out if an air pistol would be suitable for protection. Thanks.

Answer by Phil
Submitted on 2/2/2004
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I reckon that anything that looks dangerous is more than suitable. Air pistols don't have the power of guns that fire live ammo, but should be suitable for scaring attackers with! You want to check up on laws concerning the use and carrying of guns for self defence before you start arming yourself. Phil

Answer by Joe from NY
Submitted on 2/18/2004
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Air pistols are really cool. I like to shoot my friends little brother in the legs when he annoys me. It is a riot.

Answer by kalashnikov
Submitted on 3/12/2004
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I believe carrying an air pistol for self defence is a worse idea than carrying nothing at all. By producing what looks like a firearm you raise the stakes to a level you may not be able to handle. What will you do if your attacker draws his firearm? Shoot him in the eye? We have a saying at my shooting club - "don't draw it unless you're going to use it" which I guess you can modify to "don't draw it unless it is usable!" Get a pepper spray. I have defended myself against six gang members without even reaching for my revolver using pepper spray.

Answer by jason
Submitted on 3/22/2004
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Co2 pistol can cause seruios ore fatal injury but only if they are at point blank range some of them have more then 400fps,and all of them have this warning on the side. pepper spray sounds like the better of two only because its easy pray them in the face from a distance then it is to get close enough for the co2 pistol air pistol to be any good

Answer by average joe
Submitted on 4/6/2004
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you don't have to use a weapon if you draw it, but you should be willing and prepared... what if all cops used their weapons when they drew them... I'm sick of people saying crap like that !! I've drawn my gun numerous times, and never had to fire a shot in all but one incident. Anyways, do you hear a vent releasing steam ?

Answer by Gunner Keats
Submitted on 4/17/2004
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If you are gonna carry a BB gun for protection make sure you have a .45 for back-up

Answer by david
Submitted on 5/19/2004
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ya ive been shot with a few different bb guns...they hurt...but i dont think theyd stop stop ne 1 dead in there tracks....now a .50 desert eagle is what u want!

Answer by mimosa
Submitted on 6/7/2004
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A Co2 pistols like the c40 or maybe the 357 can kill a person if the distance is around 30 feet or less, believe me. It depends of course where are you gonna shout the person. Watch out !!

Answer by SHow u how to do this
Submitted on 8/21/2004
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If you cant get your hands on a good firearm, i suggest you get a Powerline 622x Air Pistol .22 cal. It fires .22 caliber Pointed pellets that will penetrate flesh, even through thick clothing. It may not Drop your attacker in his tracks like lets say a .45 or .40 cal, but the initial shock and pain of the .22's will give you ample time to flee the scene. If you wanna do maximum damage to attacker, i suggest Grouping your shots extremely tight, maximizing injuries.

Answer by Ranger-1
Submitted on 12/3/2004
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I believe that if you have a decent air pistol, e.g., Walther, Gamo, etc., and aim at the face of your attacker/mugger, you will do some damage, maybe even take an eye out. That would demoralize most attackers. But, you had better know how to use a pistol, and you had better be prepared to shoot at a human being. Most people would not be prepared either technically or morally.

Answer by ruko
Submitted on 12/5/2004
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Pepper spray for something to carry for self defense. Shoot for the eyes. Test the spray regularly as they tend to decrease in pressure over time. Take a course in self defense. Kicking the gonads into the goon's stomach will usually stop him long enough for you to escape. A little eye gouging will help too. Scream alot .

Answer by wrench
Submitted on 12/7/2004
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I have a co2 pistol that shoots 1000fps. It's loaded with darts, that if not stop them it will shure slow them down.

Answer by Some Guy
Submitted on 1/4/2005
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The problem with carrying an air gun, is if you shoot them with it, it might produce a stinging sensation, and then if they have a real weapon, or are just a lot bigger than you, you are likely to really annoy them, and then they may be more antagonized to do you harm.

Answer by Steve
Submitted on 2/16/2005
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I think you should invest in some pepper spray. I successfully used it to ward off three groups of attackers in South America. The main problem with any weapon of self defense is having the ability to deploy the weapon rapidly. People who want to assualt you or rob don't usually give much warning. Go with the pepper spray and be careful of the back draft from head winds. Good luck

Answer by jimbo
Submitted on 3/8/2005
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You can carry an airgun if you want, but make sure the front sight is filed off, or it'll hurt when the BG takes it from you after being shot 6 times and shoves it up your butt.

Answer by cookie
Submitted on 3/20/2005
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saturday the 19th of march me and my friends were attacked whilst meeting a friend i was punched in the face and whilst i was down i drew my pistol with pointed 177s in my mag i looked on to the ensuing brawl and i pulled the trigger luckly i never hit any of my friends but one of the offenders was hit and both of them ran away i belive that carrying a pistol is the ideal option it creates less harm than a real weapon but provides just enough power to injure them my friends were all very thamkfull that i had my pistol and i belive we would have been seriously hurt if i didnt bring my pistol

Answer by Pointblank
Submitted on 6/5/2005
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comming from poverty i know that you use what you got or what you can get. I carry a Gamo Co2 revolver with a 10 round cylinder filled with either pointed hunting pellets or beeman silver arrows belive me 10 pellets in the chest at 410 fps is enough to drop almost anybody and 10 rounds in the groin will do even better lol.

Answer by THE REAL ANSWER
Submitted on 8/10/2005
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I would use my modified .22 pellet Co2 pistol. IT has 8 co2 powerlets atttched to a modified pump (adds 2lbs to carry plus the gun lol) and it shoots around 1,552 fps (confirmed clocked speed at the local air rifel shooting competition. WIth my gun... gas uses up quick and u only get 2 shots lol... i put a hole through a 1 1/2 ft tree with it about an inch wife lol. No joke.

Answer by douglas
Submitted on 8/26/2005
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well now. an pistol would be dumb . however you can get a break barrel air rifle in either .22 or.25 caliber that is highly capable of penetratong human flesh. most can be modified to under 18" , like a sawed off shotgun

Answer by robo cop
Submitted on 9/10/2005
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Even a 22 caliber pistol is not recommended for protection. This is far more powerful than a standard Air pistol that would be small enough for conceilment. Plus you have to look at reliability. Most C02 guns do not recommend that you keep the gun pressurized while not in use. The alternative would be a manual pump. Not very practical. If you are just trying to scare someone, carry a replica. If you want to defend your self, carry at minimum a 9mm.

Answer by John
Submitted on 10/2/2005
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CO2 Pistols , if they look the real thing, can be used to discourage an attacker. Always bear in mind that some can kill and maim but they have little stopping power and may not even penetrate the clothing! Remember this if you are confronted with someone who may be under the influence of drugs and thus not be in control of common sense. - Please do remember, some of the more powerful CO2 Pistols are capable of doing real damage and should not be confused with toys 'to shoot at the legs of little brother'.

Answer by nick
Submitted on 11/13/2005
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gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

Answer by John
Submitted on 12/18/2005
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I agree that carrying and Air weapon is a risk as it lacks the stopping power of a fire arm . However most attackers, in particular on the British scene are probably not expecting to be confronted by someone with,what at least looks like a fire arm and may thus refrain from further agressive action. I therefore do not consider carrying a Co2 pistol to be inappropriate. Make no mistake, at close quarter some of the more powerful CO'2 pistols will incapacitate and kill. They should therefore not be considered as toys.

Answer by TOGunslinger
Submitted on 12/20/2005
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Karen Honey are you blonde?

Answer by jinco69
Submitted on 12/22/2005
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I know that a CO2 pellete pistol that shots Flat Top Pellets can kill a person in two shots. A semi automatic Daisy powerline Model 4500 CO2 (0.177 cal) is what i carry on me at almost all times. You can put a co2 cartridge in and not have to take it out for as long as you want. If you shot some one in the chest or head they will die. this pelet (flat top) will penetrate almost any thing with in reasonable. THIS IS A GOOD CO2 Gun to get! trust me! Closest thing to a real gun and better than pepper spray!

Answer by Conrd
Submitted on 1/13/2006
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I would you should get a desert eagle oh yyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Answer by uhh
Submitted on 3/19/2006
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a bb gun for self defence is only a good if ur gonna use it against kids under 16 but if ur gonna use one carry pepper spray to use first just use the gun to shoot em in the ass after they fall

Answer by shooter
Submitted on 3/26/2006
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i just bought a bb gun and it looks exactly like a 45 (1911A) for you experts. I think it would be a great idea to keep in your purse. These people who tell you to get a real gun are crazy. This gun weighs only 1 lb. and looks real. you will only need to pull it out and then point and scream, the attacker will run off. if not shoot him in the face with a bb gun, it will be FAR more effective than mace or pepper (or onions for that matter). This is an old post so i am not sure you will read this, if you do I will give you the model of the BEST to carry.

Answer by fox
Submitted on 4/29/2006
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air gun bad idea! Mace/Pepper spray, good idea. Real gun, OK idea. If you are concerned about personal safety i can't say enough to take an empty hand defense course or enroll in martial arts. I carried until i was attacked one day. i saw the attack coming and still didn't have time to draw. fortunately my unarmed defense knowledge saved me.

Answer by madog
Submitted on 5/6/2006
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I have used a Co2 pistol (Gamo P-23) when taking bank deposits and used it once. I shot my attacker 5 times in the balls he went down like a sack. I still had 5 rounds to go. It fires 430fps nice and small and fires as fast as you can pull the triger. The thing is that you need to replace the co2 tank once every 30 days.

Answer by Tom
Submitted on 5/10/2006
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I think you should get a small .22 gun, then if someone trys attacking you and you shoot them in the eye i`m sure it would scare them off

Answer by your retarded
Submitted on 7/22/2006
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Why would a gun meant for shooting TIN CANS (with no penetration) WORK ON ANGRY HUMANS? you have to be the most ignorant person in the world. a good kick to the balls would be better than wippin out yo' fuggin pellet gun!!!! dang woman your retarded. judging by her ignorance im sure she is talking about "realistic" pellet guns which have to be very expensive to break the 400 fps barrier, even then a good kick to the balls is still better unless you plan on shooting the pupil. retard.

Answer by John
Submitted on 9/23/2006
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My CO2 pistol has a muzzle velocity of 410fps, and is kept loaded at all times in case anyone has the audacity to break into my home, in which case i will use it. But for backup just in case the pistol doesn't work, I also have machete. Which I will also be able to use.

Answer by matt 15
Submitted on 9/29/2006
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I must agree with chappy it would be very dumb. I would suggest a little 22 or 32 magnum, they are easy to control but have a lot of stopping power.