Unfortunately, we are facing an unprecedented attack on our Second Amendment rights across the country. Correspondingly, wherever gun rights are removed, criminals are emboldened, and crime increases dramatically. However, that does not mean you are completely without a means of defending yourself. In times like these, non-lethal self-defense options become an essential part of life, and here are a few to get you started.

10 Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons for 2023

PepperBall VKS Pro Plus

Featuring a solid reinforced construction, the PepperBall VKS Pro Plus utilizes the familiar AR-15 profile. Taking the place of the buffer tube is the 15 cubic inch 4500psi carbon fiber tank with integrated pressure meter. Chambered in 0.68 caliber, the VKS Pro Plus launches pepperballs 150 feet with a kinetic energy of 10-28 J.

Providing the aim is a removable red dot optic and backup flip-up sights. Additionally, the M-LOK handguard provides options for other accessories, like the included adjustable folding foregrip. The VKS Pro Plus includes a Round and VXR-compatible magazine with a 10-15 round capacity. However, it is also compatible with gravity and electronic hoppers for a capacity up to 160 rounds.

MSRP: $1,575.00

For more information, please visit PepperBall.com.

PepperBall Blast

Providing a more pocket-friendly platform, the Blast is a single use option with replaceable barrel. Each barrel contains 9 grams of powder, which offers 3x the payload per shot (3 projectiles worth of powder). Operating on a 1.8g N2 cartridge, the Blast has an effective range of 10 feet with an 8-pound trigger pull.

Barrels for the Blast can be purchased with live or inert powder, for training purposes.

MSRP: $162.00

For more information, please visit PepperBall.com.

Byrna EP Launcher

Featuring a compact pistol design, the EP Launcher can be carried on the body like a standard pistol. Chambered in 0.68 caliber, the launcher includes a 5-round magazine and launches Byrna pepper projectiles at 300 fps. Likewise, the pistol has an effective range of up to 60 feet.

Utilizing an 8g CO2 cylinder, the EP Launcher will provide 25 shots per cylinder. To preserve cylinder life, the launcher features Byrna’s patented Pull-Pierce technology. The cylinder is stored in the launcher unpunctured until the first trigger pull. Once the trigger is pulled for the first time, the CO2 is punctured, and the projectile is launched simultaneously.

MSRP: $299.99

For more information, please visit Byrna.com.

Byrna Mission 4 Bundle

Another AR-15 platform for home defense, the Mission 4 bundle from Byrna comes with everything you need to get started. This includes the Mission 4 launcher, a rifle bag, two 19-round coupled magazines, a small accessory kit, 88g CO2 cartridges, and two 95ct containers of Byrna Kinetic balls. The replaceable CO2 cartridge is housed in the stock and can be disconnected via a gas on/off switch.

The Mission 4 includes an M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny rail along the top. As a result, you can attach any optic or other accessories. In addition, the rifle includes flip-up adjustable rear and front sights and a vertical foregrip. The Mission 4 has a speed of 365 fps with an effective range of 100 feet.

MSRP: $899.99

For more information, please visit Byrna.com.

Umarex P2P HDX 68

Adding to the home defense options is the shotgun-like P2P HDX 68 with a rugged full metal receiver. Operating on an 88g CO2 capsule, the P2P HDX offers 70 rounds per capsule. Chambered in 0.68 caliber, the internal tube magazine holds 16 rounds of P2P defense balls in rubber, inert, and OC pepper.

The single-action HDX operates like a shotgun with pump action round chambering. Featuring a full-length Picatinny rail along the top, the shotgun can accept optics or other accessories. However, it ships with removable front and rear sights.

MSRP: $300.84

For more information, please visit Umarex.com.

Umarex T4E TR 50

For the revolver lover is the T4E TR 50 from Umarex. Chambered in .50 caliber, the T4E provides 6 round capacity of P2P defense balls. The power is supplied via a 12g CO2 cartridge housed within the grip. As a result, the revolver provides up to 12 rounds per CO2 cartridge.

Like standard revolvers, the T4E is loaded via the rotating cylinder-style magazine. When you are ready to fire for the first time, apply a light blow to the bottom of the grip to pierce the CO2 cartridge. At this time, an optical and tactile pressure indicator will notify you that you’re ready to fire.

MSRP: $99.95

For more information, please visit Umarex.com.

Taser Pulse

Along with pepper-based deterrents, tasers like the Taser Pulse are a great way to temporarily disable an attacker and escape. The Pulse has a small form factor and weighs only 8 ounces, making it easier to carry regularly. Likewise, the high-impact polymer taser is durable and maintains a familiar pistol form for a recognizable operation.

Offering a 15-foot range, the Pulse allows you to keep distance between yourself and danger. However, when deployed, it will immobilize an attacker for 30 seconds, so you can get to safety. And if you discharge it in self-defense and drop it to escape, Taser will replace it, free of charge.

MSRP: $399.99

For more information, please visit Taser.com.

SABRE 2-In-1 Stun Gun with LED Flashlight

Offering both the protection of light and a 1.820 µC (Microcoulombs) charge, the SABRE flashlight provides rechargeable operation. Posing a non-threatening form, the stun gun operates as a 120-lumen flashlight in everyday situations. However, if the threat gets too close, the stun gun can be deployed to deliver a powerful, painful charge.

Featuring aircraft-grade aluminum construction, the light can also be utilized as a blunt-force weapon if necessary.

MSRP: $34.99

For more information, please visit SABRERed.com.

Streetwise Mini Barbarian Stun Gun

Ideal for the home or vehicle, the Mini Barbarian provides a 3-in-1 solution. Housed in the shockproof aluminum alloy housing is powerful Triple Stun Technology with three points of contact. Likewise, the LED flashlight helps with essential target identification, ensuring you are delivering the juice to the right person.

If the stun operation fails to slow your assailant, the heavy, knurled housing acts as a final blunt-force deterrent. At 14 inches long, you can maximize the swing and force of impact.

MSRP: $49.95

For more information, please visit StreetwiseSecurity.com.

Cold Steel Brooklyn Smasher

Finishing out the list of non-lethal self-defense options is the good old behind-the-door standby—the baseball bat. Or “tire checker,” as they are called when kept in a vehicle. The Brooklyn Smasher from Cold Steel boasts 39 ounces of solid injection-molded polypropylene for maximum impact and longevity. Likewise, they are stronger and more durable than most traditional bats and won’t rot, crack, splinter, or fade.

The interface is simple and self-explanatory—almost everyone has swung a bat at some point in their life. Just swing for the fences. If my grandmother were alive today, she would probably replace the bat behind her door with one of these.

MSRP: $41.99

For more information, please visit ColdSteel.com.