People make mistakes. They make errors in judgement. People also change.
On Facebook in the 1776PatriotUSA Group page a women – 55 years old – posted a question asking for advice:
It was recommended that I should post this question to the group here. What if you were convicted of a felony when younger, and cannot own firearms? When I was 20, I had a boyfriend that mugged a guy. When I refused to tell the police anything, I was also arrested and charged. So I cannot have firearms in the house. Or own any. What would you think would be the best alternative self-defense weapons? I was thinking about learning archery, and I have a slingshot that I practice with. What are the pros/cons of having a taser?
Tough situation and circumstance. Although it may be easy to say “well, that’s the price you pay” or “don’t care what the law is I’m gonna have a gun” she is trying to do the right thing and doesn’t want to end up back in jail.
Imagine yourself in her position. What options are available? I conducted some research and it’s not promising. Much of the information found was very dependent on State and local laws. In some areas felon’s cannot carry ANY weapon concealed. Knives are often restricted based on blade length. Some states restrict air gun ownership to felons. The options are very limited.
In several of my comments I mentioned – and it was taken just a bit wrong – the use of high end air soft as a deterrent. In no way am I recommending air soft as a self defense weapon. Many of these “toys” provide the appearance of real firearms. Imagine coming across a farm with several patrol’s walking a perimeter carrying AR-looking rifles. A deterrent? Yes. A weapon to defend the property. Not even close. A burglar getting hit with a full-auto barrage of pellets COULD persuade the invader to take off.
I would hate to be in a situation where air soft, a pellet gun, bow, or even black powder was my only options for self defense.
Thoughts?
Rourke
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Talk to DA about an exspongment order and have it removed. Never know seen it happen before.
How about a crossbow or a standard bow.
I agree with legal route first. Talk to local state rep or senator where you vote and exhaust those options first. That is a tough story.
I have to echo the others about seeing if her record can be expunged and checking into what constitutes a weapon in her state. I can’t offer any other suggestions for long-range defense, but to protect herself up close and personal, there are self-defense or basic martial arts classes and pepper spray. Inside the home could be wasp spray, butcher knives, and iron skillets. By bringing the issue here, I’m sure that she’s more interested in guarding the perimeter, but maybe if she secures her home first and then works outward she’ll feel more confident.
She should own the best air guns she can afford. If she goes PCP she could have a more powerful rifle then most people carry for self defense. Consider an Air force Texan in either caliber. Many powerful gad or spring piston break barrels now available for less then 200.00. Air weapons are not considered to be firearms.
gas* or spring …
Well we are all of one opinion here it seems… Should we form a group? 🙂
https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/camp-18
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From a legal site: Not my legal opinion!!!!
The United States Constitution limits Congress’ authority to enact laws affecting purely local matters. Congress therefore limited the reach of the firearms statute to guns having some effect, no matter how small, on interstate or foreign commerce. Despite this limitation, the law applies when the gun was manufactured in one state and possessed, received or shipped by the felon in another state, even if the felon is ignorant as to the state of manufacture.
You can reach your own opinion as to weather a firearm manufactured in-state and is sold in same state to a felony would be covered or not!!!!! Also state law would have to be reviewed as well. Texas is five years from conviction date or termination of supervision, which ever is later.
Again just an opinion not legal advise!!!
Re-curve crossbows are lethal, quite, and will penetrate almost anything. Including body armor. Steel or what not, well then you need armor piercing and that’s beyond most of our reach.
In fact, a guy posted a video of him shooting his cross bow and the bolt when through bullet proof, (resist) vest and penetrated a car door. A good re-curve is only $75 bucks, get some good tips for the arrows, (Bolts), and get a decent scope. Your talking very lethal. Of course this would have to stay in your house or where you end up at. The parts are cheap to replace compared to a compound bow with all those moving parts. Either way…the mental effective on the target and of course you can always get a piece of wood, shape it, and burn/harden the tip.
Then a good knife in the pocket. I mean the average person doesn’t usually carry a weapon. As far as a felony arrest. Honestly, I would think after a certain time limit you should be able to re-apply for certain things. Like owning a fire arm. In fact, you can with voting. If you’ve been a productive member of society, you can apply to vote after some time period. 5, 10, 15, years? I don’t know ,bu personally, if I came across someone that had a felony, was a decent productive member of society for years. I’m not inclined to say anything. Each situation is different.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVJVK9RFM5Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GPejLukzcY
Put one of these on your list!
I really, REALLY like that air gun!
Talk with an attorney, YOUR ATTORNEY, and see what is possible. Thats 30+ yrs ago, and a questionable charge at best. Do not go to the public DA or public defender. Period.