Tazer in Chicago?
- Thread starter BriaWyatt
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IANAL, but I think Tasers and OC are illegal in Chicago. I found this via a quick Google search but I am sure there is more info on the subject out there.
http://www.selfdefenseproductsflorida.com/StatesProhibit.html
http://www.selfdefenseproductsflorida.com/StatesProhibit.html
Tasers are illegal to carry in all of Illinois.
Jeff
Jeff
kingpin008
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I just wanted to add - in my opinion, a taser is a poor choice as a defensive weapon for civilian use.
Possible litigation nightmares aside, For a taser or "stun gun" type weapon to be of any real use, both barbs must penetrate the target and remain attached for a long enough length of time for the target to be immobilized. The chances of both of those barbs puncturing and holding securely in a struggling suspect wearing even the flimsiest clothes seems a little too low for my personal comfort.
Also - to be able to depoly a taser in the first place, you've got to be within..I think it's 20 feet or less? And you've got to maintain that distance to ensure it remains in your control and is not ripped out by the target and possibly used against you. That's a heck of a lot closer than I want to be to any attacker. At least with pepper spray, you can spray and move, spray and move. Much easier to control your proximity to the attacker, while still maintaining a reasonably effective weapon.
I dunno. Not really what you asked, just thoughts I have on the subject. Tasers and the like have always struck me as a poor example of a defensive weapon. Useful in some situations, for sure - but definitely far from ideal in my mind.
Possible litigation nightmares aside, For a taser or "stun gun" type weapon to be of any real use, both barbs must penetrate the target and remain attached for a long enough length of time for the target to be immobilized. The chances of both of those barbs puncturing and holding securely in a struggling suspect wearing even the flimsiest clothes seems a little too low for my personal comfort.
Also - to be able to depoly a taser in the first place, you've got to be within..I think it's 20 feet or less? And you've got to maintain that distance to ensure it remains in your control and is not ripped out by the target and possibly used against you. That's a heck of a lot closer than I want to be to any attacker. At least with pepper spray, you can spray and move, spray and move. Much easier to control your proximity to the attacker, while still maintaining a reasonably effective weapon.
I dunno. Not really what you asked, just thoughts I have on the subject. Tasers and the like have always struck me as a poor example of a defensive weapon. Useful in some situations, for sure - but definitely far from ideal in my mind.
yesit'sloaded
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The only time cops use tazers PROPERLY there is another cop backing them up with a drawn gun. College students talking out of turn at assemblies don't need such precautions though.
Don Gwinn
Moderator Emeritus
State law defines a Taser as equivalent to a firearm in terms of carry, possession and transportation.
Chicago additionally bans OC, Mace, tear gas and knives with blades longer than 2.5" (2" if you're under 18.)
Chicago additionally bans OC, Mace, tear gas and knives with blades longer than 2.5" (2" if you're under 18.)
Deanimator
Member
Self-defense is unlawful in Chicago. You're expected to just be a victim of whoever wants to savagely exploit you in whatever way they see fit.
It's why it's MY favorite city, even more than Pyongyang...
It's why it's MY favorite city, even more than Pyongyang...
Bigjake
Member
Best case scenario, carry the OC and deal with the consequences later. If she ever needs it, some dumb socialist law will be the least of her worries .
Hey Don, you're from IL, any idea on what violating that law gets you?
Hey Don, you're from IL, any idea on what violating that law gets you?
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jad0110
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From what I've read here and elsewhere, bare hands are about it. Mace illegal in Chigaco? That tells you something right there.
See Deanimator's sig line
.maestro pistolero
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I'm of the opinion that most responsible, (otherwise) law abiding folks are way less likely to get caught with a gun (much less pepper spray) than they are likely to actually need one to use in self defense.
And by self-defense I would include simply drawing a gun to discourage a stated threat by a potential attacker. It's happened to me twice at ATMs. No police were involved because the would-be robbers backed down when I resisted. (I was legally CCW at the time)
Fortunately, they were bluffing with their hands in sight so i didn't need to shoot. End of story, everyone went home that night.
Although both needing to use a gun for defense, and getting caught with one are both very unlikely events for most of us, I think the scales tip toward heavily toward the likelihood of actually needing one at some point.
That said, I would ask, how much should one care about the consequences of violating an unconstitutional carry law if illegally carrying that gun (or pepper spray) saved your life?
(by the way, never attempt to intimidate someone with pepper spray, it only works if actually used, even better if there's an element of surprise)
And by self-defense I would include simply drawing a gun to discourage a stated threat by a potential attacker. It's happened to me twice at ATMs. No police were involved because the would-be robbers backed down when I resisted. (I was legally CCW at the time)
Fortunately, they were bluffing with their hands in sight so i didn't need to shoot. End of story, everyone went home that night.
Although both needing to use a gun for defense, and getting caught with one are both very unlikely events for most of us, I think the scales tip toward heavily toward the likelihood of actually needing one at some point.
That said, I would ask, how much should one care about the consequences of violating an unconstitutional carry law if illegally carrying that gun (or pepper spray) saved your life?
(by the way, never attempt to intimidate someone with pepper spray, it only works if actually used, even better if there's an element of surprise)
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Taco Grande
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I used to work nights in a pretty bad area on the west side of Chicago. I carried illegally and had to draw, but not fire, twice. Neither incident involved the police and both ended when the goblins saw I was armed. Pretty similar to "maestro's" experiences, but I had no carry permit, as they do not exist in Illinois.
I'm not recommending your sister get a gun, but "maestro" made a good point, what is more important; legal troubles or a life?
I'm not recommending your sister get a gun, but "maestro" made a good point, what is more important; legal troubles or a life?
maestro pistolero
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I would add that in 17+ years of daily carry as a citizen (who would not likely be mistaken for cop), I have not once been asked about the Sig P228-sized lump under my shirt. Not even during a two week vacation in NYC, before I was as informed about NYC gun laws as i am now. Of course I wouldn't attempt to go into a courthouse or government building, or anywhere there was a metal detector.
I'm convinced that what contributes to my relative invisibility as CW carrier, is my total comfort and ease about it. I'm not constantly touching (security check) which is a "tell". I'm very situationally aware but don't appear vigilant or paranoid. I put it in a secure holster and LEAVE IT ALONE.
I'm convinced that what contributes to my relative invisibility as CW carrier, is my total comfort and ease about it. I'm not constantly touching (security check) which is a "tell". I'm very situationally aware but don't appear vigilant or paranoid. I put it in a secure holster and LEAVE IT ALONE.
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