Best defense weapons for women running

I know a few women who run 20+ miles with their dog. Personally, I can’t imagine running with a gun, but....God bless the USA....

A knife would be the best deterrent per-weight. Plus it can be made into a spear, which can stop everything and everyone without a firearm.

Attack the eyes (push, claw) then go for the balls

Move to a first world country

treadmill in your basement

Zee wrote:

Husband looking into getting me a hand gun or tazer to start taking with me on long runs. Anyone have experience /knowledge of what the best weapon (gun,tazer,pepper spray) to ward off an attacker? Most convinent to carry/easiest while running and how to carry the most effectively? I've been upping my mileage and run trails and in more remote areas so I do runs of 10-20 miles so running with a dog is not really an option. Any advice on storing when not in use (I do worry that we have little kids in the house). I don't like feeling the need to run with a weapon but sometimes when I am on longer runs alone I do wish I had something with me. Any serious responses?

As a father, if a younger child of mine, girl or boy wanted to go out for a longer run (those days are decade plus away) but my point is, at the minimum peppery spray gives them a chance to flee and inflict some serious pain from the attacker. The story of the young girl out in Iowa made me sick to read, couldn't finish the story. Such a disgusting act, and my condolences go out to her family.

I know a women who runs all her solo runs with a small pistol. If you are really worried about it you could get pepper spray, there are cheap, running specific (small easy to hold etc) types. 10-15$ and a slight annoyance during the run (holding anything is) sounds like its worth the peace of mind for you.

- RunnerSam

I would use military-grade pepper spray, or the most lethal kind of pepper spray you can get. Or I recommend getting a deadly pistol.

Sounds excessive, eh? Perhaps. But being safe is priority. I thought about getting a serrated dagger for my friend on her 21st birthday, but she's an alcoholic. I thought about getting a taser/stun gun, but they don't deliver. So I have to drive somewhere to get one...

I'm a black belt though. I can literally do this:

https://media.giphy.com/media/Cf3ZcH9D3uHtK/giphy.gif

Can you?

North American Arms Black Widow, in a small sweat-proof bag.

https://northamericanarms.com/product-category/firearms/pug-mini-master-black-widow/black-widow-pug-mini-master-black-widow/

Don't carry any weapon that you don't fully understand how to use. If you were to get a pistol/revolver, enroll in a defensive shooting class(es). Take a concealed carry class (laws/legal aspect).

Shebang makes has some excellent products for women.

https://www.cancanconcealment.com/products/big-shebang-womens-holster-for-large-firearm-concealed-carry?variant=1176836412

http://burningbarrels.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Capture4-281x400.png

Glock 43 is a micro 9mm pistol with low recoil. There are many ways to holster it: ankle, back/front of shorts, bra, shoulder. One of the most popular for conceal carry.

http://i1.wp.com/www.louisianaconcealedcarryassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_7945.jpg

Zee wrote:

Husband looking into getting me a hand gun or tazer to start taking with me on long runs. Anyone have experience /knowledge of what the best weapon (gun,tazer,pepper spray) to ward off an attacker? Most convinent to carry/easiest while running and how to carry the most effectively? I've been upping my mileage and run trails and in more remote areas so I do runs of 10-20 miles so running with a dog is not really an option. Any advice on storing when not in use (I do worry that we have little kids in the house). I don't like feeling the need to run with a weapon but sometimes when I am on longer runs alone I do wish I had something with me. Any serious responses?

The answer is a dog. If you are running in a remote location for 10-20 miles anyone who attacks you is going to be pretty serious about it and surprise you. Plus you’ll be tired. Odds are they’ll be armed and you won’t get a chance to fight back. But the right dog turns the tables.

Also you clearly don’t know anything about weapons or defense or you wouldn’t be asking. Arming yourself is probably more dangerous than not.

I started to look into gel pepper spray. I read these are better when it is windy and also some will leave a color on the person where they were sprayed. I have a german shepherd and she can not keep up for 10-20 miles. I will usually do a loop and drop her off at home when she starts to really drag then drop her off at home. She is great on other runs.

Glock 43 wrote:

Glock 43 is a micro 9mm pistol with low recoil. There are many ways to holster it: ankle, back/front of shorts, bra, shoulder. One of the most popular for conceal carry.

http://i1.wp.com/www.louisianaconcealedcarryassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_7945.jpg

That is my CC of choice. No way would I want to RUN with it, though.

The best defense is awareness, good judgment and knowledge of self defense techniques. Do not be afraid to yell or scream in a proactive (vs. reactive) manner. Make eye contact with men and say hello (to make them aware you see them) but do not smile or act overly friendly. Run with a phone with GPS tracker, if need be. Like a previous poster said, if attacked get to his eyes first to stun then incapacitate him by going for the genitals. Then run and scream like hell. Do not behave like a victim.

Don't listen to the idiots here suggesting that you run with a gun. Pepper spray might work, but only if you're prepared to use it before you are attacked. Remember, pepper spray can incapacitate the user, as well. When sprayed it goes into the air and cause the user to cough and have watery eyes. It is virtually useless once the attacker is in close range of you and/or has grabbed you already.

The reality is most women are attacked by men they know or agree to meet/think they know. In general, you don't have to fear the unknown stranger especially if you're well prepared.

FWIW, I didn't mean to suggest that running with a gun is a good idea. I meant to respond to the question "what type of gun should I run with", the assumption being that the decision to run while strapped had already been made.

Run with a caring guy friend who can and will rip the heart out of anyone who would attack you

Thanks for the responses. Running with a dog is something I used to do (German shepherd and a lab) but neither can keep up now with daily longer runs. There were some pretty good responses about the pepper spray and I would not want to use something that would inhibit my ability to get away. In a perfect world we wouldn't have to worry about these things. Any other thoughts?

Zee wrote:

Thanks for the responses. Running with a dog is something I used to do (German shepherd and a lab) but neither can keep up now with daily longer runs. There were some pretty good responses about the pepper spray and I would not want to use something that would inhibit my ability to get away. In a perfect world we wouldn't have to worry about these things. Any other thoughts?

What did Cheryl Strayed take on her immortalized hike of the Pacific Crest Trail?

World's Loudest Whistle from REI.

Don't over-complicate.