Another alternative to consider is a Taser. These are not legal in all states, but they are not considered firearms, so when asked if you have firearms onboard you can legally answer, "No." Using a non-lethal Taser instead of a handgun, it's easier to: 1. Make the right decision in time 2. Hit the target 3. Live with the consequences of using the weapon A Taser may not be the perfect weapon, but it's simple, easy to use, will incapacitate anyone, and (this one's arguable) will not cause permanent damage. More info at: www.taser.com For the record, I have no connection with the makers or sellers of Tasers, but I think a Taser makes a useful onboard self-defense tool. --Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater Hannu wrote: Regarding firearms; I have an observation to make, and hope that people will take these questions with the extreme seriousness they deserve. a firearm, if one is taken on board, is meant to be used by you to shoot at and seriously wound or kill another human being. You may often have only 3-5 seconds to make this decision. It is NOT MEANT to fire warning shots, although they may sometimes be used effectively. Q1 Can you make the right decision in that time ? Q2 If you have to shoot, will you hit your target ? Q3 Can You live with the consequences (legal and moral) ?