UK: Who delivers stun guns to the UK "legally".

matchesmalone · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 09:15 PM

A bit about me: 40 year old man with Family and wife. Recently one of my neighbours had a burglary. They were assaulted by these burglars with no recourse. So to cut a long story short , i want a good stun gun to protect my family and property.

I was told that there is a legal lophole where stun guns can be delivered to the UK legally if they need assembled. So the recipient needs to build them. So in that context its not illegal to recieve a Stun Gun that needs assembled. Is this true? Can someone tell me if this is true. And if so can anyone name a European retailer that does so?

Thelasttrueone · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 09:35 PM

Make sure you have some kind of alarm system or a good dog, all the weapons in the world are no good if you're asleep.

Steve_TPF · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 01:23 AM

I was under the impression stunguns are illegal in the UK. If so, it's illegal to own and use one, however you get hold of it. Using an illegal weapon, even in self defence, would probably get you a jail term - thus taking you away from the family you wish to protect.

My advise would be to first fortify your home. Bars on windows, and bolts on doors. This greatly reduces the chance of anyone breaking in, and gives you time to call the cops and grab hold of the solid, 3-foot stick that I reccomend you obtain. Legal to own, and legal to use under the right circumstances.

Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts offers training in a variety of stick-fighting styles. They are affiliated with other clubs as well, so they should be able to help you find something in your area.

I fully understand your desire for protection, but unless it is done within the law it will get you in a great deal of trouble.
The large dog is a good idea too.

Jago · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 09:41 AM

Bars on the windows is a bad idea, because you're screwed if there is a house fire and the doors are blocked. Alarm, dog, what ever. For defense, I'm not too familiar with the laws over there, but, if there is an object there simply for "defense" (over here), then you can get charged with assault for using it over here. Because it serves no other purpose other than beating the shit out of someone (i.e if there is a baseball bat under the counter of a petrol station, the person at the counter WILL get charged for using it, as it is only there to be used as a weapon, they don't sell baseball bats at petrol stations).
But, I'm not too sure about homes, or the laws over in the UK.
Perhaps rather than bars (to keep your windows closed), get long pieces of wood or metal pipes or what ever, long enough to go inbetween the sliding part of the window and the window frame, if that makes sense. They can still break the windows, but I'm sure the sound of shattering glass will wake you up, and still leaves the windows open as another option for escape in the event of a fire.
Like Steve mentioned, if you get caught using a stun gun (if they are illegal), you will end up in trouble with the law, so probably best to look for a legal alternative.
Wish I could help you out further in regards to the loop hole, but I know nothing about the UK legal system, perhaps there is someone here who does and will post. If you do get one, just be careful, so you don't get caught using it(and hope to god they don't have a heart condition etc

).

matchesmalone · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the replies chaps. After doing a nosy on the poor effectiveness of most Stun Guns, i have decided i am going to get a Cold Steel sword. Shows up how ridiculous UK law is. A citizen of the UK cant purchase a Stun Gun that is not that effective, but they can buy a sword that will take your head off in a single blow!? Just highlights the stupidity of British law.

With regard to the security issue my house is secure, but i still dont have peace of mind. Having something like a stun gun under secure conditions would have lifted that burden but alas its not to be.

Thelasttrueone · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 06:21 PM

A . . . SWORD?!?! Those aren't very easy to use especially not indoors.

Steve_TPF · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 01:32 PM

There are two main problems with a sword. First the lack of availible space inside the average home, and second the fact that it is a lethal weapon. Its use would only be justified if the attacker represented a lethal threat (knife, gun etc). This is why I recomended a stick.

Re. bars on windows: Burglaries are far more common than fires. I'd take my chances. There's nothing to stop you having a hinged grill that locks from the inside, either.

headcase · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 04:54 PM

But I'd rather have to deal with a burglary then a fire. And I'd very mucy rather be trapped inside during a burglary than a fire.

Steve_TPF · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 11:53 AM

Each to their own. If I was the one who mounted the bars though, it would be possible to exit through them, so that wouldn't worry me. (I'm a tradesman, I know how to do these things.)

Most house fires are started accidentally by morons anyway...

french tickler · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 06:17 AM

i love the UK i have family there actually, i just want to say it upsets me that your government has deprived UK citizens from bearing firearms and other effective weapons. i dont know if the UK guarantees a right to self defense, but either way it is in my hope that you are able to get armed with a stun gun or whatever it is you need to defend your family. i know that citizens of the UK can acquire firearms legally but i do know it is rather difficult to do so and there are very tight restrictions on which firearms you may have. anyway, before i ramble too much, if you cannot obtain a stun gun, you should settle for a good hunting knife, or a billy club, or some other type of blunt weapon. martial arts weapons would be a fine investment. if you can give me any information on UK weapon laws, i would be glad to give you advice on which weapons you should buy for home defence. by the way, keep in mind that a good air powered pellet rifle can actually get the job done quite well.

french tickler · #11 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 06:33 AM

of in the UK you are entitled to a right to self defense, then i would reccomend the purchase of a firearm though it is in my knowledge that firearms are an inconvenience for a UK citizen to obtain. once again if you could inform me of UK weapon laws i would gladly reccomend an effective weapon to purchase. the state i live in not only guarantees a right to bear arms, but a right to self defense. so naturally because of that, my area has virtually no gun control and as a matter of fact the lowest crime rate in the nation. i may possess and use a military grade weapon for self defense. if someone breaks into my home i have the right to shoot (not kill) him. if he is armed or somehow life threatening then i do have the right to shoot and kill him. we also may carry our arms in public and use our weapons for defense of others and property (which is why i may shoot trespassers). once again i dont have fair knowledge of UK law so i dont know if you are entitled to rights like mine, but if you do buy a sword, i would reccomend a short sword or rapier, they are both lethal but of a decent size and weight to be used indoors. either way good luck in your quest to get armed and defend your home.