Concealed Carry Corner: Types of Non-Lethal Items

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about the importance of less-than-lethal options when carrying a firearm. That article sets up the concept for this week’s article, so be sure to click the link here if you happened to miss last week’s article. This week, I want to continue talking about less lethal options since they are not all created equally, especially when it comes from a legality standpoint. From last week’s comment section, it seems like some completely understand the goal of less lethal, where others don’t grasp it, which is perfectly fine. That’s why it’s important to talk about the bigger picture to get a complete understanding. Let’s take a closer look at types of non-lethal items.

Pepper Spray

When it comes to a less-lethal option to carry with a firearm, pepper spray really is one of the best options across the board. Pepper spray does have its drawbacks, especially if you decide to go with a stream, gel, or fog version of pepper spray. Depending on how large of a bottle you have, there’s certainly the chance that you can negatively affect your own ability when spraying someone, but there are also advantages to the overall idea of pepper spray. Smaller pepper spray options are typically based on the fog method of release since you don’t have to be accurate and can just spray in the general direction in which the fog is dispersed and finds the eyes and nasal cavity. These smaller units look very similar to a metal pen but offer 12-15 shots of pepper spray per canister.

If I had to pick one option to carry for overall size and weight, it would be the smaller pepper spray canister. There are larger cans of pepper spray that offer more options but come at a cost. These cans may offer more spray but sometimes can become rather bulky, which makes it tricky to conceal easily every day. If you have something like a bag or briefcase, it’ll be easier, but the canister size is still important to take into consideration. All things considered, there’s little to no risk of killing someone from pepper spray, where other options aren’t always less lethal depending on the use.

Flashlights

One of the lesser thought about options is the ability to have a bright light in dark situations to show a potential threat you’re prepared. Having a 1,000+ lumen flashlight may be something you already carry if you don’t like to have a weapon light on your carry gun, and it’s important to incorporate it into a less lethal role as an early deterrent. Not many think of a bright white light as an early, less lethal deterrent, but shining a powerful light into a threat’s face can disorientate them enough to try and get away rather than continue their aggressive behavior. Now, I will be the first to admit that a white light won’t do much for you if you’re already in a confrontation, but this is a good early deterrent, especially if you’re someone who always has a handheld light on your body when going out. It may not save you, but it’s a good tool to incorporate if you’re already carrying it.

Knives

If I could stop people from one thought, it would be that your pocket knife is a less-than-lethal tool in self-defense situations. Knives have been taking people’s lives since the dawn of time, and to say it’s a less-than-lethal tool you carry is beyond ridiculous. If you happened to stab someone to stop a threat rather than draw your firearm, it will be really hard to disprove to a courtroom that you weren’t ready for overwhelming violence or actively looking for it.

While I understand you can’t draw a firearm in certain situations, I would have to be in a really bad spot to draw my knife and defend myself just for the legal ramifications that will be following that act, but in a self-defense situation, anything is fair game to stop the threat. I understand having a folding knife, but I would absolutely say to avoid calling a knife a less-than-lethal tool in your toolbox. It’s an option, but there are plenty of actual less-than-lethal options to pick from.

Overall Thoughts

While there are a number of options to consider when it comes to less-than-lethal self-defense, there are some clear choices when it comes to the best options and some not-so-great options. In my opinion, pepper spray is the clear winner when looking at less-lethal options. It stops the threat for a considerable amount of time. Other options like stun guns and batons may slow someone down for the short term, but they sometimes don’t incapacitate like you need it to be. Flashlights have their place but aren’t as effective as OC/Pepper spray, but if you have one of those, it's better than nothing.

What do you guys think is the best option on the list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If you have questions on less lethal items or firearms, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.

TFB’s Concealed Carry Corner is brought to you by GLOCK