Before we go any further regarding what you should know about nonlethal weapons, know this first and foremost: Much as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, nonlethal weapons are in the eye – or hand – of the holder (user). What do we mean? Simply that pretty much any nonlethal weapon can turn lethal – and be considered as such legally – under the right circumstances.

Here, we'll take a look at some nonlethal weapons and introduce information that some may find surprising.

How Many Nonlethal Weapons Are There?

When people think of nonlethal weapons, a handful of items may come to mind, including the following:

●Tactical pen

●Heavy-duty flashlight

●Baton

●Pepper Projectile Pistol

●Keychain knuckle weapon

●Stun gun

●Pepper spray

●Taser

●Self-defense methods/moves

The truth of the matter is, if you do a Google search asking about the types of nonlethal weapons, you're going to get well over 6 million answers.

How Lethal/Nonlethal Is It?

While some devices for self-defense may have a lesser capability or likelihood of causing great bodily harm or death, there isn’t a fully nonlethal weapon for self-defense. When used against a human being, they are not without risk. They can, depending on how you use them, and just plain dumb luck, be lethal.

So, in the eyes of the law, no matter what the intent of a nonlethal weapon’s design, the use of it can be viewed as lethal force.

Whether you choose a nonlethal, less than lethal, or lethal weapon to carry for your personal safety, you must abide by the laws of the state/city/country you're in. What's more, the use of any weapon should be your last resort. If there are other options, they may be preferable.

Nonlethal Guns

Is there a "gun" that is nonlethal? On the market today, you'll find several pepper spray guns. Compared to OC sprays, they dispense a condensed stream at a higher velocity through a compressed gas propellant.

Other "nonlethal guns" available for purchase fire projectiles, also through a compressed gas propellant. To stop an attacker, the projectile is fired and impacts at a high enough velocity to cause pain. Hopefully, it deters the attacker.

From pump action shotguns, rubber bullets or beanbags can be fired as another form of nonlethal weapon use. Of course, to reduce permanent injury risks, these projectiles must be aimed at areas of the body that are less prone to severe injury. No matter how you intend to use the item, significant harm can result if these projectiles strike someone in a lethal, life-threatening area.

Deadly Force/Deadly Weapons

As mentioned earlier, even weapons that are classified as nonlethal can be lethal under the right circumstances. You can be accused of using lethal force if, for example, you do the following:

●Use a heavy-duty flashlight to strike someone in the head or face (as opposed to striking them in the arms, legs, or collarbone).

●Use a Kubotan, keychain weapon, or tactical pen to strike the back of the head, top of the head, throat, or eyes.

Let's face it, no matter what kind of self-defense method you're using, if it results in the death of your attacker, at the very least, you're going to be investigated. Hopefully, with a good lawyer and a self-defense claim, you will be exonerated.

Turn to TacOp Shop for Your Weapons

At TacOp Shop, we pride ourselves on our AR-15s, AR-10s, handguns, and other lethal weapons. We also offer an option for those who wish to go nonlethal. Our Byrna SD Pepper Spray is perfect for personal and home defense. The weapon is powered by CO2 (compressed air) and shoots chemical irritant projectiles and .68 caliber round kinetic projectiles. From 60 feet away, it can disable a threat. Where self-defense weapons are concerned, it is an incredibly powerful option.

We also carry a vast array of lethal weapons and accessories, including scopes, rifles, clips, handguns, and more. In addition to single firearms, we sell tactical kits that come with everything you need.

Got questions? Would you like to place an order? Please contact us at 801-980-4862 or email us at info@tacopshop.com.

You can also use our convenient online form to open lines of communication if you need more information. Fill out the form, send it in, and we will reach out to you.