When it comes down to it, there is no better preparation for your direct survival than self-defense. Now, this doesn’t mean you walk around guns blazing all the time- though it also doesn’t exclude them either.
Create a personal defense solution that makes sense for you and your family by combining mindset and avoidance skills with lethal and nonlethal defense tools.
Mindset & Avoidance
Deterrence and de-escalation are always preferred over conflict.
The best way to accomplish this is with situational awareness, which is important enough and has enough nuance that we’ve written a guide on it: Prepper Situational Awareness.
Being mindful of your own behavior, appearance, and thoughts can also help. We’ve called it ‘Prepper Zen’ before, and it’s the learned ability to control your reactions by adjusting what you are focusing on.
These skills can help you avoid conflict altogether, or de-escalate a situation that would normally result in violence.
Of course, they are not effective in preventing conflict 100% of the time- so pairing these skills and mindsets with self-defense tools is the ultimate goal for personal defense.
Non-lethal self-defense tools are less regulated and can be more acceptable to use in everyday situations. Some people call these ‘less-lethal’ because you can still kill with them in certain situations, and they should only be handled with an understanding of this consequence.
Pepper spray is one of the top options here. It is inexpensive, comes in many deployment methods, and comes in various formulas. We’ve reviewed most of the top brands for self-defense: Best Pepper Sprays | Tested & Reviewed.
Energy weapons, such as stun guns and TASERs, are great for close quarters or those who don’t want to risk pepper overspray (asthmatics). Check out our suggestions: Best TASER & Stun Guns | Tested & Reviewed.
Getting extended reach is a good idea, and batons can help with that. Many people keep a baseball bat, club, or baton at their bedside, but you can also get expandable batons for EDC. Check out our review: Best Expandable Batons | Tested & Reviewed.
You can also find improvised weapons around your house to stave off intruders and buy yourself time, although these are typically a last-resort option.
Lethal Defense
Lethal defense can be legally tricky, even in our Second Amendment brandishing America. Using lethal force could land you in hot water with the law.
Firearm training, especially Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) classes and home defense training, should spin you up on all of that. Our site is dedicated to preparedness, and while we are shooting enthusiasts, we prefer to stay in our lane.
There is a huge variety of firearms out there, but some stand out for CCW and home protection:
- CCW – Check out the Best Pistols for Preppers.
- Shotguns – You can find 12-Gauge shotguns in a wide range of prices. Get a pump-action for great deterrence, and load it with low-recoil buckshot (avoid slugs and birdshot).
- Rifles – Long bolt-action rifles are less ideal, but highly modifiable AR platforms are popular with preppers for a reason.
With all of these, ammo will be needed for training and prolonged emergencies. Check out our ammo deal tracker to stock up at the best cost-per-round.
While knives are definitely a lethal tool, they are significantly worse than a firearm for self-defense. You could use them as a last resort, but they also require training to be effective, and may prove to you why you shouldn’t “bring a knife to a gun fight.”
EDC vs. The Home
The risk for confrontation while you are out and about can be just as high, if not higher, than a home intrusion. Personal defense gear that is designed for easy carry works best for your Everyday Carry loadout.
You’ll see our EDC Guide and Checklist recommend these explicitly:
It even talks about how some conventional tools, like carabiners, could be used for self-defense.
Home defense cares less about portability, and this is why shotguns really shine as home defense firearms. They pack a punch, have a deterrent racking noise (if it’s a pump-action), and defense-oriented ammunition.
Bats, batons, projectile TASERs, and other ‘reach’ weapons work well as less-lethal options in the home.
The Final Word
Everything we discussed for personal defense requires some level of training. It doesn’t have to be formal, but it does require some forethought and familiarity with your tools of choice.
Everyone’s personal defense plan is a little different, based on their abilities, resources, and goals. Create a robust plan that incorporates many ways to scale your deterrence and match any escalation.
If you haven’t looked at home security yet, head to that category to see how you can situate your home to help defend yourself. Otherwise, it’s time to move on to even more gear: survival-oriented tools.
See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.
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