Californians, what do you carry instead of a firearm?

Posting this here because this forum gets the most action. Mods feel free to move if this isn’t ok.

My wife and 5 yo just came home from the train station (Ashby BART) and my son tells me “we saw some guys punch a guy in the tooth”. My wife says two guys walked up to some poor SOB, sucker punched him in the mouth, took his shopping bags, and casually walked away. This sort of thing has been happening so much more recently. Armed robbery, battery etc.

I hate it here now more than ever and am trying to hash out an exodus from California altogether. But in the mean time, what do you carry? Obviously no one in this state is carrying a firearm. Do you carry a taser? Pepper spray? What are the alternatives? I realize I may not be able to react fast enough if something like this happens to me, but I still want to be able to defend someone else if I can.

 

I'm a Californian and I carry a firearm. Legaly.

 

They carry joints

 

How difficult was it to get the permit?

 

They carry snowflake buckets.

Your best bet is to move out.

 

What makes you think so??

 

Not difficult at all. Take an eight hour course.

 

I carry a SIG 45. No problems getting a CCW.

 

Thanks. I’ll PM you. I have questions.

 

I carry a knife but more because it's a useful tool.

Fortunately that isn't banned, yet

 

Best advice I can give is always be aware of your surroundings and follow your gut. If don't look right or feel right, most likely it ain't right.

 

I’ve been told a CCW in LA County is very difficult. True??

 

I simply don't make myself a target. Pay attention to my surroundings and don't trust anyone. I pretty much think everyone is going to punch me in the face.

 

I carry a very sharp, well tuned Kershaw 4.5" blade, not a switch but can be deployed with my index finger in the blink of an eye. But more importantly is Situational Awareness. My girlfriend is always asking me what I'm staring at, listening to, etc. I see & hear things across the restaurant that she was oblivious to. I like to think that gives me a headstart if that issue starts headed our way.

 

I do imagine that the sheriffs are quite a bit more understanding in your area...

 

True, not in OC.

 

I rely on my military training such as hand to hand and Pugil stick training

 

What do you mean?

 

My dad always told us "don't be paranoid, be aware."

 

La county is incredibly difficult to get a ccw. But....
Taser works great, wife carries mace, knives are stupid, very easy to get disarmed when that close. I keep a nice billy club in the truck, and if we head out of town my favorite xd-9. Also, move. We’re aiming for 5 more years then we’re gone. Dunno where yet tho