Photo Credit: iStock

A firearm isn’t an option for everyone. It may be for the legalities that come with it, the moral dilemma that firearms can present, or you’re simply not interested in possessing a firearm for a host of other reasons.

This post will provide you with some common non-lethal – or less-than-lethal – options for self-defense, whether you’re not interested in carrying a firearm or would like to expand your options.

Byrna

Byrna is a growing brand that sells non-lethal self-defense products. According to the website, there are “no background checks, its products are legal in all 50 states with over 400,000 units sold and over 12,000 5-star reviews.” Byrna’s mission is “To provide civilians, law enforcement officers and security professionals with a safe, reliable and effective non-lethal alternative to traditional firearms that will allow Byrna’s customers to protect and defend themselves, their families and their community without the need to resort to deadly force.” Another reason to support this brand is that its products are manufactured here in the USA!

The more that I learn about Byrna and its products, the more impressed I become. Click the video to learn how their self-defense products work.

Taser & Stun Gun

Axon, parent company of TASER, is a popular manufacturer of electronic control devices for both professionals and civilians. While similar in function, there are minor differences between Tasers and stun guns. For example, the stun gun requires close contact for it to be effective; whereas, the Taser will dispense probes into the threat up to 15 feet away. Like with anything, check your local and state laws before you attempt to purchase these items. For example, in Michigan, stun guns are illegal yet Tasers are legal as long as you possess a valid concealed carry license, have successfully completed additional training in the use and risks of a Taser, AND the device has an identification and tracking system that allows it to be traced to the buyer.

Currently, we are planning on acquiring our credentials to provide Taser instruction to civilians in order to provide additional training options for those that would like to acquire the training upon completing their concealed carry course.

Pepper Stray

When you think of pepper spray, what comes to mind? Kimber? SABRE? Two of the largest suppliers are SABRE and Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP, Inc). Here are the main differences that I’ve seen between the two…

• ASP, Inc: With the Defender series, for example, the OC is dispersed in a mist rather than a stream like other pepper sprays, which can be more beneficial depending on your circumstances. According to the website, it’s “packed with the exact same OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) irritant used by law enforcement. It’s a 10% concentration of 1.33% major capsaicinoids—a potent formula capable of quickly disabling an attacker, buying you time to get away.”
• SABRE: Depending on the situation, you could either go with pepper spray or gel. Pepper gel is “safer with a greater range; this [Runner Pepper Gel] canister contains 35 bursts (5x the competition) for protection against multiple threats and has an impressive 12-foot (4-meter) range for protection at a safe distance.” The SABRE Red Pepper Spray, for example, is a “small but powerful 0.54 oz container which deploys a ballistic stream to reduce wind blow back.”

Similar to Tasers, we’re also planning on acquiring our credentials to conduct pepper spray courses and are looking into both SABRE and ASP, Inc as I see the benefits of both programs. Another option that I like when it comes to pepper gel is the Kimber PepperBlaster II.

Final Thoughts

As previously stated, firearms aren’t for everyone or every situation. This is why I recommend seeking out instructors that can properly train you in various disciplines as I’m a firm believer and advocate for having as many tools in your toolbox as possible from training in firearms, martials arts, Tasers and pepper spray to name a few. Until we acquire our credentials for these courses, I recommend taking our introductory course where we cover Tasers, stun guns and pepper spray in further detail. If you’re not able to attend a class but have questions, you can reach out for a 1-on-1 virtual consultation on Minnect and Smeeple.