Self-defense with blank firing guns - a practical insight

Last year, three times as many small firearms permits were issued in Germany as in previous years. The security situation in Europe has drastically worsened, and public trust in security is dwindling.

While the security situation is being downplayed by various "experts" and the rapid increase in alarm guns in society in connection with the issuance of small firearms permits is seen as troubling, the public no longer feels safe and is taking the few remaining opportunities to take security and physical integrity into its own hands.

This is, or something similar, is the situation as a consensus of both sides. But are these alarm guns suitable as self-defense tools? What should be considered? Under what conditions can they be used? Most importantly, how does one use an alarm gun for self-defense?

The Best Fight is the One You Avoid.

When it comes to self-defense in a situation of emergency defense (according to §32 (2) StGB), any means that is appropriate to ward off a present, unlawful attack is permissible. The principle of proportionality must be maintained. The judiciary determines this proportionality separately for each individual case.

However, suitability or unsuitability is not determined by the chosen means, but by the effective and skillful use.

However, when one finds oneself in such a situation, the objective view quickly gets lost. Matters such as proportionality or the suitability of the chosen means are quickly no longer considered. Then, it is important to rely on one's skills with the tool being used.

To invoke an old saying by Sun Tzu ("The Art of War"): The best fight is the one you do not engage in... However, if you are forced to fight, make sure you win.

An alarm gun has an immense psychological effect, not only on a potential attacker, but above all on the person carrying it. Alarm guns provide a sense of security, as they carry a tool that allows one to take control of a situation under one's own command. Just this feeling gives self-confidence, which generally also affects one's aura and body language.

Simply having a secure and confident presence in public can deter a potential attacker from pursuing their intentions. This is a way to avoid a fight.

In the event of direct confrontation, having an alarm gun holstered provides a good backup solution as support for a decisive de-escalation.

However, such a situation requires a great deal of self-control from the defending person, as a multitude of impressions and feelings are simultaneously influencing. This is what is known as the "Fight or Flight" situation; the decision to fight or flee. This decision is typically made by the opposite party, putting additional pressure on the defending person. Keeping a clear mind in this situation can only be achieved with a plan. This plan can be very simple, but it must be accessible and feasible at that time.

This brings us to the second part of the above quote: "However, if you are forced to fight, make sure you win." An alarm gun can be of good service here, but only if you know how to use it.

De-escalation before Confrontation

If there is still enough distance from the aggressor, it is always advisable to de-escalate first. It is important to remain as calm as possible, knowing that you can follow your plan and switch to an alternative at any time - the gun in the holster.

De-escalation follows these basic aspects:

• Calm, clear language

The aggressor is made aware that their behavior does not achieve the desired intimidation effect that was intended.

It is important not to speak too quietly or too loudly. Having the knowledge of an alternative solution ready in the holster provides good moral support. Initially, one should avoid direct threats of violence, as this can prompt an aggressor to act before you. Also, it is best not to indicate right away that you are carrying a gun.

• Body Language

An erect, open body posture shows presence and de-escalates. Open hands towards the aggressor signal peaceful intentions.

This is important in order to reduce the level of aggression in the situation. This provides opportunities to avoid a fight. Even now, having the alternative in the holster provides psychological support.

Open hand gestures as a sign of peaceful intent also make it possible to clearly communicate to an aggressor to keep their distance, but also provides a quick access to the holster if the situation requires it.

• Search for Escape Routes

During the de-escalation phase, it is important to look for opportunities to escape the situation without having to fight. If an opportunity to escape presents itself, it should be taken. This could be another person who is directly approached, or someone passing by nearby; sometimes just the distraction of the aggressor by a vehicle noise or similar can be enough.

In a situation of emergency defense, it is by no means the task of the defending person to bring the aggressor to justice or hand them over to the authorities. This would be false heroism. The goal is to get out of the situation with one's own skin intact as long as your body is still covered.

The Alarm Gun as a Tool of Physical Violence

The biggest misconception of those "experts" who advise against alarm guns is that they only see them as ignition devices for blank cartridges. These guns can do so much more!

Often, de-escalation is not possible, or does not work, and it leads to direct confrontation with the aggressor. In this case, an alarm gun offers various possibilities for use.

• Bring into Action

Drawing and aiming the gun from the holster initially is very deterrent to most aggressors. Especially if done in a professional manner. As with de-escalation, this gesture must clarify above all that one is not only capable of handling the situation, but that it is under control.

If a mistake is made here, the effect can quickly be lost. Fumbling in a handbag to find an alarm gun, or endless digging through clothing to get to the gun in a belt holster or inside-the-waistband holster (IWB), not only appears highly unprofessional and unsafe, but also takes a lot of time and destroys credibility with the counterpart within moments.

If the gun is skilfully and quickly presented, the next step is to not give the counterpart the opportunity to identify the gun as an alarm gun. If this happens, the gun loses its effective use.

 Purposeful for this is the so-called "low ready position". The gun is aimed at the ground in front of the aggressor in the ready position. This way, it is not possible for the counterpart to recognize a thread for a firing cup or a barrel stop. Darkness or shadows provide additional support.

• Loud, Direct Commands

Threatening with an alarm gun ONLY works when supported by clear verbal and body language. If de-escalation was worked towards possible "cooperation" in the earlier phase, now the focus shifts to making it absolutely clear who is in charge. This is done through short and clear, unambiguous commands, command language! While doing this, it is important to raise the volume without shouting or overdramatizing the voice.

It is important to give physical expression to the words, which under the circumstances of a situation of emergency defense requires a fair amount of self-control.

Even in this situation, it is important to seek escape routes and use them when the opportunity arises - the goal is not to bring the aggressor to justice, but to get out of the situation unharmed as quickly as possible.

• Warning! Direct Attack!

The purpose so far has been to keep the aggressor at a distance. However, this no longer works in direct attacks. In these cases, an alarm gun can take on two functions:

• Gun
• Tool of physical violence

Both functions require a skilful handling and solid knowledge.

As a tool of physical violence, the gun is used for blows and strikes to sensitive body areas.Blow to the TemplesStrike to the Carotid ArteryStrike to the LarynxStrike to the Kidney

Through these actions, pain and possibly injuries are inflicted on the aggressor, enabling one to escape the situation.

Up to this point, the alarm gun serves as a tool of physical violence.

Blast and Irritant Ammunition

The use of an alarm gun to fire blank cartridges falls legally under the use of firearms. A distinction is made between blast ammunition and irritant ammunition. It should be mentioned beforehand that the use of irritants is fundamentally only permissible for animal defense. Fundamentally because in a situation of emergency defense, discharging irritant ammunition is considered unrealistic and disproportionate.

The use of blast ammunition, especially in darkness and limited visibility, can be very effective if applied thoughtfully.

Firing an aggressor directly with blast ammunition comes with a serious risk. It is more effective to give a grand entrance to the use of a warning shot rather than directly shooting at the aggressor. It is important to ensure that the aggressor does not have a reason to doubt one's intentions. Prior to firing a shot, one would want to communicate non-heavy feed, that they are moving the gun away from the aggressor - ideally towards a background that does not reveal a potential projectile (e.g. grass, trash bags, water, etc.), surfaces that generally do not produce deflection. Few attackers are as unwavering to carry on an attack after being shot at.

If the distance is already so close that an effective deterrent with a warning shot is no longer possible, or if physical contact has already occurred, as a defender one must know exactly what is done.<