Self-protection is a paramount concern with millions of people across the US. However, many states and localities have laws which prevent the carrying of lethal weapons such as handguns for self-protection. Plus, there are many people who do not want to use a handgun for self-protection, preferring a non-lethal variation.
Selecting a Non-Lethal Weapon
Before you go running to the nearest store or online to purchase a non-lethal weapon, you should first assess your specific needs, capabilities, and budget to ensure that you are purchasing the right one for you.
- Size
- Area of Use
- Portability
- Accessibility
How big is the non-lethal weapon you intend to use? Is it something you want to carry on your person, in your pocket or purse, or can it be carried in your vehicle? You’ll need to answer these questions before going to the next step.
Where are you intending on using the device? In your home, on your person when traveling, or perhaps in your vehicle?
How portable and accessible the self-defense device is should depend on your own mobility, set of skills, and intention. A person of limited mobility may want a self-defense device that keeps an attacker at a distance. However, some of the best non-lethal weapon devices are most effective when coming into direct contact with the assailant.
From this list, you should be able to understand the best type of device that suits your needs, abilities, and location of where it will be used. Now, you just have to find the right device. The good news is that there are many non-lethal weapons available on the marketplace. They are easy to use, efficient, and do not require a license or permission from local, state, or federal authorities. However, you will have to choose the best non-lethal weapon for your use.
What follows is a sample of the different non-lethal weapons available along with their benefits and drawbacks. You should also consider that you can purchase more than one type depending on your needs. For example, a smaller device such as pepper spray for personal protection while keeping another type in your home.
Four Popular Non-Lethal Weapons
What follows are four of the most common self-defense weapons outside of guns on the market today. Each of them offers advantages and issues that you will need to account before making your purchase.
- Pepper Gun: Easily one of the most popular of all non-lethal weapons available, the pepper gun or pepper spray comes in different sizes and can be used quickly in case you are attacked.
Description: The gun or spray includes a mixture of pepper along with other chemicals that causes temporary blindness when it strikes the attacker. The effect comes from the pepper components which causes the eyes to tear up to the point where it is difficult, if not impossible for the assailant to see.
Pros: There are several advantages, starting with its effectiveness as you only need to hit the attacker in the chest and the pepper ingredients will do the rest. You can keep a potential assailant at bay, providing you enough time to get away. It’s also easy to use and comes in different sizes and types from sprays to guns that hold pepper cartridges.
Cons: You may not have time to use it if you are surprised and the pepper inside does loose its potency and ability to be effective over time, usually 2 years. This means that you will need to replace the spray or cartridges from time to time.
- Stun Gun or Stun Baton: You have probably seen the stun gun in action, most notably in demonstration videos along with news reports. Over the past decade, the stun gun and stun baton have become quite popular thanks to their effectiveness.
Description: Both the gun and baton or stick operate by applying an electrical charge directly to the assailant. Once incapacitated, you have plenty of time to get away and go for help.
Pros: When the charge is delivered properly, the assailant will be incapacitated as no person can withstand the effect of the electricity. The gun or baton is easy to use as you simply press it against the attacker while pressing the activation button. Plus, the electrodes can penetrate thick clothing, so there is little in the way of defense that works.
Cons: You will need to use the weapon directly, which means getting up close for it to be effective. For those with limited mobility, this can be problematic.
- Tactical Flashlight: On the surface, this seems to be an ordinary flashlight. However, there are two exceptions that make the tactical flashlight an exceptional self-defense weapon.
Pros: The first advantage is that the tactical flashlight offers a powerful light which temporarily blinds the attacker. Also, a strobe light may be used to disorient the assailant as well. Second, the flashlight comes with a hardened, aluminum casing which can be used to strike the attacker if needed, so you can get away. It also doubles as a standard flashlight, helping you see in blackout conditions.
Cons: Less effective in full daylight conditions and you must be close to strike the attacker.
- Bean Bag Gun: This is an interesting weapon that has gained attention in recent years, although it has been used by some police and defense forces in countries around the world.
Description: This is a gas-powered device that hurls a small bean bag up to 135 feet per second which is designed to knock the wind out of the attacker.
Pros: It’s simple and powerful, able to stop an attacker quickly from a distance. In most cases, the attacker will recover in a short time without permanent damage but giving you enough time to get away.
Cons: The bean bag gun is larger than most non-lethal defense weapons and may not be practical for many situations.
Choosing the best non-lethal weapon for your needs will depend on several factors that you have to decide is right for your needs. Be sure to go over the options first before making your final decision.
Click Here for a list of available non lethal self defense weapons for purchase.