That's quite a weapon. I could use something like that on my walks as there are too many attack dogs everywhere now (usually in pairs) just waiting a chance to get loose and I am afraid of them. I've been a K9 search team member since 1977, and for the last decade or so, our most frequent and worsening problem has been attacks on search dogs by feral strays or packs.
But while a SMG like the MP40 is very useful, particularly in cities, against an armed opponent who may be some distance away, a dog has to get in immediately close before he can use his [or their] weapons. And considering the probability of such closer-rang encounters, particularly in the dark, our choice for such work is instead the shotgun, usually a shorty version, since we may be operationg our own dog on lead at the time.
Accordingly, a semi-auto is preferred, though a short pump repeater is certainly acceptable. There are several good versions from which to choose, and several possible ammunition choices that will put down a large agressive dog on the attack instantly; my preferred #1 buckshot load throws 20 pellets of .30 caliber each at once.
The SMG certainly has its place. But for what you describe and for my specific need against that particular threat, the shotgun works nicely. And loaded with a solid slug or other *interesting* projectiles, it will also handle a bear.
Well, those are impressive but I can't carry one of those around in my walks because they probably aren't legal in town. I supposed if I lived in the country I could legally carry a shotgun on my walks.
I'll have to think of something else. My girlfriend got attacked several years ago and she jumped up on the roof of a car but there aren't always cars close by and these dogs often run in pairs. The dog still got her leg and she made the owner have it destroyed.
I don't trust pepper spray to do the job for several reasons.
Never cared much for guns but things are different now. And normally I like dogs, but you don't mess with the big ones. I think sometimes their owners use them as an extension of their personality and train them to be somewhat mean. I guess if they don't they aren't any good for protection though. Sorry I got this thread sidetracked but this has been bothering me for some time.
I know people who live remotely out east and they aren't really safe from bears. So they get big dogs to protect them . . .