pepper spray

If I had to carry, it would be a .357. I think OC a .357
would keep the crazies away.

While I agree, the pepper spray is a good non-lethal alternative that is lighter. Plus, if pepper spray discharges accidentally in your holster, you've ruined some clothes. If a .357 discharges, it could ruin your day.

Bonus: A case of mistaken intent (someone running in your general direction with no intent to harm you that you mistake as an assault) can become a simple case of assault and not manslaughter or murder.

It's also a lot harder to miss with a good can of pepper spray. And you don't need a concealed carry permit for it in most places.

I carry pepper spray with me usually only on evening runs. Around where I live in the city, There is a homeless shelter/Dorothy Day center so alot of Homeless people. I have never been bother by them or anyone before, but like most of you say, better safe than sorry.

I also work part time at a bar and come home between 3-4 AM on some weekend nights. With a few hundred in cash on me, and sometimes having to park a block or 2 away from my apartment, I like having my pepper spray

I carry pepper spray because I run a track at evening and dusk time. Its not only good at keeping creeps away, but also any dangerous animals (bears mainly). Its not harmful to them, but it is a definite lifesaver at times.

I bike on local trails and just started carrying pepper spray. I had an "incident" with a dog, turned out ok but could have gone badly! I am prepared now!

If I had to carry, it would be a .357. I think OC a .357
would keep the crazies away.

.357 beats the hell out of your hands (assuming you're using .357 magnum rounds and not .38 specials). Go with a .45ACP; lower velocity round, nice gentle recoil. :laugh:

Agreed on the kick of a .357. Tough to bring it back down quick enough to get off another round accurately if you need to (for us ladies, that is).

That said, I prefer the simplicity of a revolver for self-defense. Less to malfunction in the heat of the moment.

No, I don't carry pepper-spray. But I always recommend that you carry SOMETHING. Better safe than sorry is my thinking...

I think you are better off being aware of your surroundings and avoiding the situation altogether. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Besides weapons have a way of being turned on their owners.

A couple of tips which we offer in our Running Clinics

1. People will basically attack you for three reasons...Most assailants are after money. Carry what is called throw away money. A handful of cash you can fling in your assailants face which will dissorient and allow you to create distance. If they are after money... they'll go for the cash. Beyond money, the assailand is either trying to hurt or rape you.

2. Be aware of your environment and let others know where you are going and when you will be back. Avoid dangerous situations (i.e. don't run in alleyways at night) and allow your natural senses to work (can you see/hear people around you?)

3. Instinct is the most important tool we have to keep safe. If something doesn't feel right, chances are it isn't. Listen to your instincts.

4. Eye contact. You can often determine an individuals intentions via eye contact. It is also a deterrent as it shows confidence and reduces the element of surprise.

5. Use the buddy system. If someone is looking for trouble, they usually will pick on individuals rather than pairs. Especially if your buddy is Chuck Norris.

6. Avoid carrying items that may make you a target. (i.e. that new IPhone that you are so intently listening too... Thieves like those too (especially when your attention is on it and not your environment.)

7. If you are attacked... You have a right to defend yourself. Yell "No" loudly and continue to yell. Make as much noise as possible. Create an exit for yourself by attacking pressure points (knees, groin, armpits, throat, eyes, ears). Don't make it easy.

8. If you still cannot escape, make as much noise as possible and create as undesirable a situation for your assailant. Not my idea, but one of my students suggested that soiling yourself would derail a rapist quickly.

Its the middle of the afternoon... I could likely post more, but would still caution against carrying a weapon. Yes, its easy on paper to say how we'd blow someone apart with a 357 or beat them with a baton... the truth is that more people are harmed by their own weapons than those belonging to a criminal.

If I had to carry, it would be a .357. I think OC a .357
would keep the crazies away.

.357 beats the hell out of your hands (assuming you're using .357 magnum rounds and not .38 specials). Go with a .45ACP; lower velocity round, nice gentle recoil. :laugh:

Agreed on the kick of a .357. Tough to bring it back down quick enough to get off another round accurately if you need to (for us ladies, that is).

That said, I prefer the simplicity of a revolver for self-defense. Less to malfunction in the heat of the moment.

No, I don't carry pepper-spray. But I always recommend that you carry SOMETHING. Better safe than sorry is my thinking...

The .357 is a revolver, but is heavy as hell. Not
too bad of a kick because of the weight. Also not
ideal to go running with, unless you strap a brick
to the left hand side of your waist to even out the
weight. Ok, maybe 2 bricks. LOL
I use the local gym, so I'm not too worried about it.


Yes, I'm aware that a .357 is a revolver... Thus my clarification that even though it kicks I'd still rather carry it (a revolver) than a .45 ACP.

My .357 of choice is a Ruger 4" barrel. Not as heavy as the 6" (which still kicks like a mother, in my opinion) and fits in more places, but has even more of a kick. Just my 2 cents.

I carry dog mace. I wish a mother f*cker would.

the mace works...I was sprayed by a drunk mailman...it was brutal..that's all you will need....

I always have it on me and unfortunately have had to use it multiple time. Trust me, it's better to be safe than sorry! All the times I used it the attackers had no intentions of 'bringing me back safely'..... So I make an effort of having it with me at all times.