Would a 4D maglite make a useful weapon (a club) for self defence? Thinking about keeping one in my car?

Question

Someone told me he has one of these in his car, not just in case he breaks down in the car, but if someone trys to car-jack or assault him.

US readers please note that I live in the UK, so keeping anything that actually is a weapon (like a police baton, or even pepper spray), would be illegal (whether this is a good or bad thing I don't want to go into).

Answer 1

As I might get a puncture I carry a tyre-iron under my seat. Its legal.

Answer 2

I have read all the answers to this question and in my opinion 'Ian UK' has the best response, particularly from a legal perspective. In most juristictions, it is unlawful to carry any implement for the purpose of using it as a weapon. It is ok to have a MagLite 4D torch if you intend to use it for a breakdown, etc though.

Also, with the proliferation of grappling knowledge that is making its rounds courtesy of the UFC and PRIDE, people are becoming more and more aware that keeping a fight in close and tight, can be devistating on a person that: either cannot grapple, or does not know how to defend against grapplers. In groundfighting and clinch fighting, a heavy 'club' like implement like a flashlight begins to lose its effectiveness anyway as it is extremely difficult to generate enough power to use effective strikes in some sort of bearhug/thai clinch range (not to mention the ground)!

Thirdly please watch this video http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=awC25dmLoE...

Seeing as you live in the UK I would highly recommend you begin self protection classes under a British Combat Association (BCA) accredited coach (see google). Additionally check out Bob Spour (an ex SAS lad who runs self protection seminars now and then) and Mick Coup (Who has been described as a fantastic instructor see http://www.corecombatives.com/.) Richard Grannon is another highly skilled instructor in the UK.

As a general rule, people who stay aware stay alive. Be switched on. Use mental dialogue to maintain a running commentary in your head of what's going on around you. And remember, always try to avoid trouble and definately only use violence as a last resort. (It isn't wise to gamble being on the wrong side of a court...or on the wrong side of the ground.)

Take care and I hope this helps,

R.

Answer 3

it certainly would. I keep a 2D on my person and have had to use it before now. The only compaint with a 4D is that it may be difficult to pull out quickly, I tend more to recommend a 2D or 3D

Answer 4

You would think so, wouldn't you? It's a hefty piece of kit. One good thump and it's Goodnight Sweetheart. There's a snag, though. It's such a big weapon that the baddy can see it coming, and chances are that he's been in more fights than you have, and will whip it out of your hands and bash YOUR brains in. Not what you had in mind? A drum of ordinary pepper in his face will get his attention, and if found in your car, well it fell out of your shopping bag earlier and was on it's way to the kitchen.

Answer 5

They actually have a police versions of the Maglite 6 cell flashlights. They use C sized batteries which allows the aluminum walls of the battery case to be much thicker. The heavier and stronger case also has better balance. In the right hands the police version of this flashlight can do a lot of damage. In fact several U.S. police departments have stopped using Maglites because some officers got a wee bit too brutal with them. The term "flashlight therapy" means to beat on someone with a police issue flashlight.

In a pinch even the lighter weight civilian version is better than nothing but keep in mind an aggressive court official still might think of this type flashlight as a weapon too.

One could also use a breaker bar for defense. Keep it in a place you can get at it quickly. Reason for carrying the breaker bar is in case you have a flat tire the breaker bar and right sized socket are much better tools than the lug wrench that came with the car.

Answer 6

I keep a 3D MAG light in my truck, which in a pinch could be used for self-defense, and is a dandy bright and robust flashlight also! The 3D model is pretty quick to whip out, also.

Answer 7

I have always kept one in my car,very good weapon, Mag lite is for a use in the car in case of a breakdown

Answer 8

The offensive weapons laws in the UK state that an offensive weapon is anything that's made intended or adapted to be a weapon.

Some things are what's known as an offensive weapon per se (latin, 'as is') such as a flick knife or knuckle duster in that its only use is as a weapon.

Some things are adapted to be a weapon such as a baseball bat with nails in it.

Some things are intended as a weapon such as someone carrying a torch to use as a club

In order words, if you intended to use it as a weapon then it falls under the definition.  If however its in your car to use to light your way if you broke down, this is a different matter.

Answer 9

that's all well and good if a person attacks, but what about the alien invasion, what you gunna do then eh? alittle late to break out the double barrel lazer cannons and give it to them full power

Answer 10

The best defence is to keep your car doors locked. You wouldn't be able to beat off two attackers anyway, especially if they had weapons.

If you break down call assistance if threatened, it is all you can sensibly do. If you beat some poor thug with your torch you would most likely end up charged with assault, or worse.

Answer 11

A 2D cell is better as it fits in your door pocket.