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Table of Contents

• Why Americans are Considering Legal Self Defense Options
• Legal Self Defense Weapons - What are They?
• The Most Common Types of Legal Self Defense Weapons
• Legal Self Defense Weapon for Minors
• Best Legal Self Defense Weapons for Women
• Best Legal Self Defense Weapons When Traveling
• What is the Most Effective Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapon?
• Legal Self Defense Weapons by State
• FAQS
• Final Thoughts

Legal self defense weapons have been uppermost in American’s minds as societal changes have created anxiety, and gun use has not yet been the recourse for many.  Since 2015 searches for the term have risen by about 40% recently (a search index of 45 to about 65 recently).

 

What does this all mean? Are legal self-defense weapons a viable option for personal security? What does the law say, especially in CA, NY, and IL? 

Read more to find out.

Why Americans are Considering Legal Self Defense Options

American citizens were far safer until the start of Covid-19. That is because most citizens started taking their security into their own hands. The percentage of people in the United States who own at least one firearm in their homes has steadily increased since 1972. 

An equally damaging recession followed the rise of the death toll triggered by Covid-19. More people took to the streets, determined to earn their wages through petty crime. Americans require self-defense now more than ever. 

There are alternatives to guns that not only offer ease of use and discretion but are also more affordable and less likely to draw unwanted attention from law enforcement agencies. These alternatives can be equally effective for personal protection without the severe physical damage often associated with firearms. Moreover, they don't require significant physical force to be effective, making them a practical choice for many people.

Only some people know how to use a gun properly. Some folks have a natural 'eagle eye' and don't need to learn how to aim. But for most of us, holding a gun correctly and shooting accurately requires a good chunk of training and practice. In most cases, you can't just pick up a gun and be good to go.

Legal self-defense weapons, such as stun guns or pepper sprays, are much easier to carry than guns. Our list is your one-stop guide to all the alternatives that are out there. So, get ready to dive in and discover the weapon that resonates with you and fits your needs perfectly. 

 

Legal Self Defense Weapons - What Are They?

Everyone needs self-defense. That is easy to understand. However, the laws relating to self-defense are a bit tricky. Not every kind of self-defense is legal, and the consequences of injuring someone with a gun in your hand are much worse than using a  self-defense weapon that does not cause much harm, even with an untrained hand. 

Studying your rights concerning self-defense is a great idea. This information will allow you to decide whether you want a gun or another more manageable legal weapon.  

Self-defense classes are becoming much more popular, especially among women. However, most people will likely freeze and forget all their self-defense lessons in a challenging situation. A weapon is your best bet in this scenario. All you need to do is point and exert some force; it will do your work for you. 

Legal self-defense weapons are weapons you can use to defend yourself against any attacker without breaking the law. Their legality differs from state to state.

 

The Most Common Types of Legal Self Defense Weapons:

1. Tactical Pens

This self-defense weapon is an easily concealable pen with an added tip. Students usually carry them in emergencies where someone in close contact threatens to hurt them. 

2. Flashlights

This self-defense weapon is used to distract or disable an attacker temporarily. The beam that emits from the flashlight serves to blind them for a while. The flashlight can also be used to administer blunt force. 

3. Pepper Spray

This is a popular self-defense weapon. It usually comes in a pocket-size spray can containing a liquid created from a unique blend of spices. When sprayed, this liquid can disable an attacker for 15 minutes or more!

4. Tactical Knife

A tactical knife is a self-defense weapon that can be used outdoors in combat. This knife can be used to injure an attacker within proximity severely. 

5. Personal Alarms

Personal alarms are usually used to notify people of your danger. They can be whistles or buttons that you can press, which create a loud enough sound to distract an attacker or notify law enforcement. 

6. Tactical Gloves

These cover your arms and wrists so that you don't injure them when involved in a fight. They are also comfortable in that they do not hinder your movement when you are handling a weapon. 

7. Stunt Gun

Illegal in some states and restricted in many, this gun is a favorite amongst a lot of people. It is, yet again, a self-defense weapon suitable for proximity situations where you can easily reach your attacker. The gun administers an electric shock, which disarms your attacker almost immediately. 

8. Multipurpose Items

As the name suggests, these items can be disguised as everyday products and serve multiple purposes; they function as everyday items that can be used in different ways, including self-defense weapons. A good example is a tactical pen; you can use it for writing too!

9. Phone App

Nowadays, applications usually come to your rescue before you get the chance to use a weapon. These apps alert authorities if you are in trouble. They can even send your location to your loved ones to let them know your location through GPS and track you if you get attacked. 

 

Legal Self Defense Weapon for Minors

 

According to the NSVRC, around 25% of females and 15% of males are subjected to sexual assault on college campuses. This means that more and more minors in the United States seek ways to protect themselves from harm. 

Self-defense is a must, and weapons that can be carried to school are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. You, as a parent, cannot always be there to protect your children, especially at school. Arming them with legal weapons is the way to go.

 

1. Tactical Pen: The Practical Option

This particular device is not blatantly aggressive and can easily pass off as a writing tool. Within classrooms, defense weapons may seem out of place. However, defending oneself becomes much easier with something as concealable as the tactical pen. This may be the best self-defense weapon because of how practical and space efficient it is. 

This pen is built to withstand a lot of force. The practical self-defense weapon tip can break glass and inflict damage on the attacker.

Minors need to receive training from their parents before using this weapon efficiently. 

Pros: 

• Great for situations where the attacker is in the child's face
• It is easily concealed
• Not overly aggressive

Cons: 

• Self-defense is impossible without proper training
• Not that affordable
• Not of use for long-distance threats 

2. The Slingshot: For Long Distances

This weapon is designed to help minors who might be too frail to put any force behind a weapon. The pull of the slingshot adds force to the bullet or pellet in the sling, which makes for a solid impact when used against an attacker. 

This is great for emergencies. It cannot be used at school; however, in playing areas or on trails, this is an excellent weapon against threats of all sorts (even aggressive wild animals). 

Pros

• Great for threats at a distance
• Easy to carry
• Easy to teach 

Cons

• It cannot be brought to school 
• There are high chances of a casualty 
• Children may misuse it as a toy

3. Alarm Based Self Defense Weapons

These are usually given to younger children prone to getting lost in a crowd. They must press a button or blow a whistle whenever they find themselves lost, kidnapped, or in danger. 

Most self-defense weapons of this type are loud enough. They can quickly alert the authorities if your child is in danger and even send you a signal if you are nearby. 

Pros

• No real training is required
• Non-lethal
• Affordable

Cons

• Not of use in aggressive situations
• Not of use when the child is far away

What about other self-defense weapons? What about specific ones for women? We have a few suggestions!

 

Best Legal Self Defense Weapons for Women

With the rise of self-defense studios across the United States and an increase in female law enforcement officers, self-defense weapons are gaining popularity among women. This trend is fueling a powerful movement of women taking their safety into their own hands. They're investing in tools that provide a means of escape in dangerous situations, marking a significant shift towards personal empowerment.

Many kinds of tools allow women to walk the streets independently without worrying about sexual predators.

We are here to list some popular ones that women usually go for. 

 

1. Pepper Spray/ Mace: The Go-To Solution

 

In case of doubts, one should stick to what they know the best. Pepper sprays have been a popular choice amongst many people for a long time now, and they will continue to be so. Female minors mostly use these weapons against pedophiles and human traffickers. Older women also use them against rapists. 

They are easily concealable and are mainly used as non-lethal devices (such as tear gas) that disable the attacker for some minutes for personal protection. It is a spray that contains a specific blend of spices, causing severe distress to any attacker that inhales its fumes and preventing the dangerous situation from escalating to a violent crime. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Non-lethal
• No practice is required

Cons

• It cannot inflict much damage
• It does not work for everyone
• Hard to deploy in violent situations
  
  

2. Tactical Weapons

 

This can be a tactical pen or a knife hidden in things like a belt or a hair comb. It could even be a tactical pen to damage attackers closer to the face. 

It is much easier to carry tactical weapons inside your purse. Since women need to protect themselves at all times of the day, be it from workplace harassment or threats on the streets. Carrying a bulky weapon around isn't the ideal situation. 

Pros

• Easy to hide
• Easy to carry
• Easy to use

Cons

• It can be lethal if used the wrong way
• It is expensive
  
  
  

3. Stun/ TASER Devices

 

A stun gun or a TASER is the best choice if you want to tilt towards more aggressive weapons. The difference between the two is simple; the stun gun works at a close distance, whereas the TASER works from a distance. 

A stun gun can administer a million volts to an attacker simultaneously. It can be lethal; thus, research needs to be done on the stun gun laws in your state before investing in one. 

Pros

• More impactful than other weapons
• Easy to use
• Easy to hide

Cons

• Not legal in every state
• Expensive

What devices work best when traveling? We have a few on our list!

 

Best Legal Self Defense Weapons When Traveling

Traveling is hard. It becomes much harder to protect oneself when on the road, especially if you are a woman. Human trafficking and sex trafficking are at an all-time rise. 

Protection from attackers is much easier when using a weapon. What are some of the best self-defense weapons to travel with? 

1. Concealable Devices

When traveling from state to state, you ideally want to make friends or socialize with people. It becomes harder to connect with someone if they keep eyeing your gun. Look for devices that are easy to hide, such as the tactical devices mentioned above. 

2. Non-Lethal Devices

Every state has its stance on different self-defense devices. Be careful that the device you carry is a non-lethal one. 

3. Easy-To-Carry Devices

When you travel, you want to enjoy the city instead of worrying about your luggage. You want to avoid being tied down to a bulky self-defense device. Look for devices that are light and easy to carry. 

 

What is the Most Effective Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapon?

 

It depends on what you are looking for. Are you searching for something aggressive or just a tool that would disable an attacker long enough for you to escape? Are you working with a limited budget? Is it for you or your child? Are you a man or a woman? 

The most popular device that many people usually go for is pepper spray. This is because it is one of the only legal self-defense weapons in all states (restrictions apply). This does not mean that laws do not exist around it. One needs to research the many restrictions imposed on the device recently. 

The best self-defense weapons are easy to use, affordable, and legal (to a large extent). 

Reading up on practicing self-defense would go a long way toward ensuring you know what you should aim for. 

 

Legal Self Defense Weapons by State

Legal Self Defense Weapons in California

They come hand in hand with restrictions. Laws differ from state to state, and learning how to navigate them can take time. Some of the weapons that are legal in California include;

1. Pepper Spray 

• It can be carried for self-defense. 

2. Stun Guns and TASERS

• It can be carried for self-defense. 

• Minors can't carry it. 
• Convicts can't carry it. 
• Addicts can't carry it.

3. Alarms

• It can be carried for self-defense. 

4. Specific Knives and Guns

• They can be carried for self-defense. 
• Anything that does not count as a "utility knife" cannot be carried. 
• Anything that is not a folding knife cannot be carried. 
• Knives cannot be carried unfolded. 
• Only some types of guns can be owned. 
• Minors cannot carry them. 

 

Legal Self Defense Weapons in NYC

Self-defense tools in NYC come with set guidelines. Not all weapons can be used, and those that can be used come with restrictions.

1. Pepper Spray

Pepper sprays have been legal for quite some time in NYC. However, some restrictions have been imposed on them in the recent past. 

• A minor cannot purchase pepper spray. 
• A convict cannot purchase pepper spray. 
• Pepper spray can only be carried in a small container that can fit into your pocket. 

2. TASER / Stun Gun

Recently, these devices could not be possessed by people in NYC. This was until the courts realized the importance of security and allowed people to buy and carry the devices. 

3. Some Types of Knives

One can carry small knives which are still sharp and impactful when used. Until it is concealed, you cannot be charged with breaking the law. You cannot be arrested until you use it to threaten someone without cause. 

4. Alarm Based Devices or Whistles

These are popular as they are non-aggressive. All you need to do to alert someone is blow on this alarm whistle or press a button. 

 

Legal Self Defense Weapons in Illinois

They can be carried on you. However, certain restrictions prohibit you from using them in specific ways or in certain places. 

1. Not everyone can use stun guns. You need to be 21 and above, have a good criminal record, and not be an addict. 
2. Using the weapon would be best if you had a good cause. 
3. You cannot use it in a place where alcohol is being served. 
4. You cannot use it at a public gathering where you pay for a ticket, in a school or college, within or near a public park, on public transport, or within public housing. 
   
   
   

Legal Self Defense Weapons in Texas

Texas offers a lot of opportunities for personal defense. The laws are more relaxed than in other states. Some of the self-defense weapons allowed in Texas are;

1. Stun Guns or TASERS

You can use stun guns and TASERS in Texas if you are not threatening a police officer or using them against innocent people. 

2. Brass Knuckles

Brass knuckles were prohibited in Texas up until recently. They are allowed as long as you don't disturb a city's law and order situation. 

3. Knives

Texas has the most relaxed laws regarding the usage of knives. Since camping is common in the state, most knives are allowed. 

4. Pepper Spray

As long as you are not a minor, you can buy pepper spray in Texas. Even minors can use it with consent obtained from their guardians. However, the spray can only be carried in small amounts and cannot be used with malicious intent. 

 

Legal Self Defense Weapons in Georgia

The same laws apply to Georgia. Stun guns and TASERS can be carried as they exist outside the boundaries of licensed weapons. However, these weapons are illegal in some places, such as schools or colleges. 

The same goes for batons or chemical sprays!

FAQS

Is There a Non-Lethal Gun?

Non-lethal guns do exist. These can be anything from guns that shoot pepper spray to firearms that shoot TASERS. Police officers have also been known to use riot guns that stop riots from escalating to dangerous levels. These are non-lethal.

Is Bear Spray Legal to Use on Humans?

No, it is illegal as it can cause temporary blindness, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. However, laws within states defer. 

Some states do not specify the weapons you can use to defend yourself against an attacker. Thus, it is still being determined what the law is on bear spray in those states. 

What Household Item Can You Use to Protect Yourself?

If you cannot find or reach your self-defense weapon in case of a sudden attack, here are some items you can use to protect yourself. 

1. Insect Spray

It acts as an excellent replacement for pepper spray!

2. Keys

You can use these instead of brass knuckles. 

3. A Simple Pen

If you do not have a tactical pen on hand, use a simple one instead. All you need to identify are soft spots!

Make sure to invest in a good home safe in case of burglaries or forced entries!

Are Rubber Bullets Legal for Civilians?

No particular laws exist against rubber bullets. However, the level of harm inflicted on a person can lead to a whole other conclusion in the courtroom!

 

Final Thoughts

We must be very careful when researching and purchasing legal self-defense weapons because every state has a unique law around these weapons. This means that incorrect usage can lead to arrest. 

Make sure you research weapon laws within your state before investing in a legal weapon. And If you have bought a weapon, it is good practice to store it safely. Using gun safes is your best option!

 Moreover, look for guides or instructors that can teach you to use these weapons properly so that you do not hurt yourself! Self-defense is essential for safety and instills courage within yourself to roam the streets independently without fear of being attacked.