Need to buy a gun that does not require a license

[Thelibran]

Hi:
I am new to this forum, just became a member. I must congratulate all the administrators and moderators of this forum on running a clean and meaningful forum.

A little bit about myself:
US Citizen of Indian origin, born and raised in Bombay, spent 16 yrs in the US of A, migrated back to India in 2006, staying in Bangalore, Whitefield area, and am delving into the real estate business as a side business so that I can retire soon. My normal 8-5 job is that I work for a MNC. Due to the nature of my real estate work, I am usually carrying lots of cash and am traveling to weird places and meeting strangers. I need to protect myself because it is only a matter of time before I get mugged or someone pulls a fast one on me.

What do I need:
I need a non-lethal hand gun that does not require a license. I have heard that non-Indian citizens do not get licenses (we can't even vote) so I am not even going to try. I need a non-lethal weapon because I really don't want to kill someone even in self-defense. I don't think people have the right to take someone else's life whatever the provocation. But I think self defense is a right of every individual.

Is there a hand gun or revolver in the Air gun category (non-lethal) that looks like the real thing and most importantly it does the job of stopping a mugger (or two), It should look, sound and work like the real thing but fire non-lethal bullets. Does something exist or am I dreaming?

I have also enrolled into a self-defense (street fighting) course because it keeps me fit and generally boosts my confidence. SO I might not need this gun, but then again it will be many years before I can stop many people with just my hands.

Please offer your expert advise.

Thanks, Venki

[Mack The Knife]

Hi Venki,

Your views on self defence are debateable but to answer your question a blank firing handgun would suit your requirement.

Just bear in mind that pulling out a gun and/or firing a few shots in the air may not always defuse the situation.

[badshah0522]

Wellcome venki!!!!!!!!11

[mundaire]

What do I need:
I need a non-lethal hand gun that does not require a license.

You want a non-lethal gun for self-defence? And pray what do you expect the group of would be muggers to do when you pull out this non-lethal gun and they in turn pull out a propah "lethal" gun?!!

While in some cases you may actually be able to use your "non-lethal gun" to scare away unarmed muggers or those armed with only knives/ sticks in most circumstances you will end up escalating the situation and most probably get yourself killed in the process!

One of the basic rules of engaging in a confrontation is NEVER and I repeat NEVER pull out a gun unless you intend to use it to apply LETHAL FORCE.

Since the person accosting you does NOT KNOW that your gun is non-lethal (something I presume you will be actually depending on for it to be effective), he must proceed under the assumption that you have a real gun and intend to use it against him. So either he flees - if he believes you will not shoot him in the back (something he cannot be sure of) OR he tries to either disarm you or disable you... of course if he is armed himself he will almost always try to ensure that he gets in the first shot... remember he'll be shooting REAL bullets.

I have heard that non-Indian citizens do not get licenses

Where exactly did you hear this? Incidentally this is untrue, you only need to be legally resident here and not a citizen to apply for an arms license.

(we can't even vote)

What does voting have to do with getting an arms license? Are foreign citizens residing in India unable to drive a car here simply because they are not Indian citizens?

I need a non-lethal weapon because I really don't want to kill someone even in self-defense. I don't think people have the right to take someone else's life whatever the provocation. But I think self defense is a right of every individual.

Your above statements contradict each other. It might be fun to watch while you explain your theories to your would be attackers....

"Excuse me sir(s), I'd like to tell you that I don't believe killing another individual is right, therefore I am not going to use all possible means to protect my life; as in doing so I may inadvertently cause your death(s) while protecting myself - something which is extremely abhorrent to me. I do hope all of you fine fellows appreciate my restraint in doing this and treat me fairly in return."

who exactly do you think muggers/ robbers/ rapists/ criminals in general are? Gentlemen who play by the rules?

and most importantly it does the job of stopping a mugger (or two),

I think you may be better of saying "Boo!" - it'd be equally effective and they may just spare your life as they'd be too busy laughing...

but then again it will be many years before I can stop many people with just my hands.

That's the first piece of sense in your post - it truly would take years to master whatever martial art you are learning. But do keep in mind that using any of these martial arts to defend yourself would necessarily involve hurting your attackers. Unarmed combat means that you would necessarily have to physically DISABLE your opponent to be able to gain control of the situation.... are you sure you're ethically prepared to do this while defending yourself?

I apologise for the harshness of my post, but I cannot stress enough the fact that carrying a replica/ blank firing gun into a self-defence situation is probably the worst possible thing you can do to protect yourself. You're far better off carrying nothing with you and handing over your money without a whimper... at least that way you will live to see another day!

Cheers!
Abhijeet

[Pran]

Welcome aboard Venki!

I think its a bad idea to carry a toy gun around. I suggest you continue with your martial arts program and carry a knife to defend yourself if you feel your life is threatened. Don't ever get into street fights on Bangalore streets if you can avoid it- you will end up in the police station with your assaulter pretending the victim (ask me how I know)

Pran

[OverUnderPump]

Welcome to IFG Venki,

I see that you have been initiated, hope you find your association with IFG to be enriching.

If you plan to use force(as in martial arts)to stop a potential attacker(some years down the line), the same thought process should apply while using a gun. So please reconnoiter the need to save your soul (Its either you or them, what the heck mate easy choice)

regards

OUP

[shahid]

Banglore I presume is more educated and developed than most other places in India. It is a city of civilized cosmopolitan population with a small crime rate.

If you feel threatened here too, I would say apply for an arms licence and do equip yourself with a .32 handgun, either pistol or revolver as bare essential.

Being a resident you have RKBA, exercise your right. Buy yourself an inexpensive IOF revolver / Ashani .32 pistol or a .22LR revolver.

[Prabhath]

Welcome aboard Venki. Have to agree with the other members when they say that a replica or a toy gun will not do you any good when the real need arises. A knife is your next best option. Else a good blank firing gun, preferably an imported one should suffice..........I hope.

[james]

Hi venki , I strongly belive that local made arms are as common as knives in INDIA ,atleast pepper spray of good quality is must under the explained situation. One thing is sure if this pepper spray is applied effectively ,it is the hell lot of weapon ,not by theory but with practical experience , if sprayed on eyes the bad guy would prefer shooting himself to get rid of pain. Anyway carrying .32 iof revolver is always the better option but pepper spray attracts much less complications on application.Cheers ,James.....

[eljefe]

try 'cobra' pepper spray

[msandhu]

Hi Venki,
Welcome to IFG.. some of the non-leathel weapons that you can use for self protection are like pepper spray, stun guns , tasers etc . I am currently in USA so i do not know if all these are legal to carry and what is their availability situtation in India. Since you r originally from US so u should be knowing that most of security guards ( who cannot carry fire arms) are armed with these things
For more info on these products you can refer to following links
http://www.safetygearhq.com/

Cheers
MSandhu

[diskaon]

cobra pepper spray is good. one female at office carries it. and by mistake it got discharged inside her hand bag itself..... We had a half day after that.

[b.baracho]

Welcome aboard Venki, I read all the comments and advice given to you by all members, I agree with them totally , I have learnt that you seem to be a non violent type of person.
remember these words, a wise man runs away from a fight and lives to fight another day there are lots of ways to protect yourself from would be muggers, when you carry large sums of cash use a personal security or escort, deposit all transactions in a bank at your earliest and never ever tell people when you carry large sums of money follow few saftey rules and it will prevent a bloody confrontation in life.

[badshah0522]

I have heard that non-Indian citizens do not get licenses (we can't even vote)

I know many Anglo Indian residing and also foreignors who are resding in India and have Arm license,even they brought the guns from the native country.

[amk]

Welcome aboard Venki!

I think its a bad idea to carry a toy gun around. I suggest you continue with your martial arts program and carry a knife to defend yourself if you feel your life is threatened. Don't ever get into street fights on Bangalore streets if you can avoid it- you will end up in the police station with your assaulter pretending the victim (ask me how I know)

Pran

So how do you know Pran? Tell us the story.

AMK