Saturday, January 23, 2010

Lethal vs. Non-Lethal Personal Security Weapons

By Teresa Bernard

The world we live in is an unsafe place and rising violent crime rates confirm that fact. For this reason, it is imperative for citizens to be cautious about their personal safety. One way this can be accomplished is with self-defense weapons. Self-defense weapons can be either lethal or non-lethal. Let's examine the differences of each.

Lethal Weapons

Rifles, shotguns, handguns and knives are examples of lethal weapons. These particular weapons can inflict severe wounds and their effects can be permanent as well as deadly. Most require instructions in their use and some require a license or permit to carry. Regular practice is also needed to become and stay proficient in their use. Sometimes the line between self-defense and assault can become blurred when these arms are used to defend yourself, as it can be considered "a use of excessive force" especially if your attacker isn't armed. Keep in mind that your lethal weapons can be used against you if your attacker manages to overpower and disarm you. When using firearms, you must know your target and what is beyond the target to avoid injuring innocent bystanders. These deadly weapons are not for the inexperienced. Lethal weapons can be expensive to own and the responsibility of ownership is much greater. If you are willing to use lethal force to protect yourself or your family, then you may have to live with the repercussions for the rest of your life.

Non-Lethal

A non-lethal weapon is a device purposely designed to be used to bring someone to their knees without causing fatal harm or and permanent injury. Unlike standard arsenal, non-lethal weapons use a method other than deadly force to reach the objective. Examples of non-lethal weapons are defense sprays such as pepper spray and mace, and energy devices such as stun guns and tasers. When properly used, non-lethal weapons will not cause severe injury, death or have any permanent consequences. Yet they are effective in stopping an attacker long enough to give you time to flee. A license or permit is not needed in order to carry any of these kinds of weapons. Any person can use them with very little or no special tutoring. Many have safety precautions, which will render the device inoperative if an assailant takes it away from you. Another benefit of non-lethal weapons is there is lower risk of innocent bystanders being seriously harmed because none of the effects are lasting. They are much more affordable than other types of weaponry.

You Decide

The type of self-defense weapon you decide to carry, weather lethal or non-lethal, is a personal choice. Keep in mind, being armed and prepared to use a self-defense weapon won't stop the progress of all crime, however, it can considerably diminish your odds for an attack and greatly improve your chances for survival if you are attacked.

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