It can be a dangerous world out there. Recent mass-shooter incidents show a spotlight on our problems with violent crime, but the trend began as far back as 2020 when we saw a historic surge in murder rates across the country.
Staying safe in such turbulent times often means relying on self-defense accessories to protect oneself. Here are some of the top options that anyone can use effectively.
- Mace and Pepper Spray
Chemical defense tools like mace and pepper spray are one of the most effective ways you can protect yourself. And it’s for the simple reason that anyone can use it.
While you may not be able to disable an assailant outright, the press of a button can stun an aggressor long enough to create a vital opening for you to escape or find help.
- TASER Devices and Stun Guns
A high-quality stun gun or taser can immobilize most attackers for several seconds, making them both great defensive options. An important distinction, though, is that while people often use the two terms interchangeably, they’re different devices.
A stun gun is a close-quarters device that needs to be applied directly to an assailant to stun them. A TASER, by contrast, is a ranged weapon that can strike a target from up to 15 feet away.
Each has its pros and cons. Which one is the right choice for you depends on how confident you are in your aim versus your ability to apply a stun gun in close quarters.
- Tactical Knives
While laws may vary from state to state, nearly every municipality allows individuals to carry a tactical knife of some length. This can make them a strong tool if firearms are not available or if you choose not to carry one.
When picking out a knife, look for two qualities.
One, invest the money to get a high-quality knife from a recognized maker. A low-quality knife from the flea market won’t hold up in an emergency. And two, pick out a blade that is at least three inches in length, but still below the maximum allowed for concealed carry in your area.
- Home Gun Mounts
We didn’t discuss guns or gun accessories in this list for two reasons. For one thing, selecting a self-defense firearm is a complex topic that merits a separate discussion. And for another, gun laws vary from one locale to another, so not everyone can count on having a gun available.
But we’ll make one exception in the case of home gun mounts. Keeping a gun in the home to defend yourself from intruders is permitted in almost every municipality. But unless you have ready access to that weapon in an emergency, it won’t do you much good.
That’s why products like the Magna arm gun mount exist. In effect, it’s a gun holster that can be mounted on walls, heavy furniture, or any other solid surface to give you quick access to your firearm should you need it. In a home invasion scenario, that ease of access could be a literal lifesaver.
Protect Yourself by Carrying the Right Self Defense Accessories
These last couple of years have seen a rise in almost every variety of violent crime across the board. Violent theft, racially-motivated assaults, and acts of mass violence have all become a fact of life.
Carrying the right self-defense accessories can make the difference between survival and tragedy. And these are only a few of the options you can use to defend yourself. To keep up with emerging self-defense tips, be sure to follow our latest security news and guides.
