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Self Defense Weapons
Every person has the right to self defense against someone that is attempting to harm you, someone you love, and someone unable to protect themselves. CYFworld believes in the second amendment and the proper use of firearms for protection. At the same time, we believe that all who own a firearm should be properly trained. Using a firearm for protection isn't right for everyone. Here we share some insight to consider, as you decide if a firearm is the right self-defense tool or you. For those that carrying a firearm is not the right choice, we also share some of our top picks for non-lethal self-defense weapons.
Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons & CYFworld recommendations
Byrna LE Pepper Pistol
Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel
Byrna LE Pepper Pistol
The Byrne LE Pepper Ball Pistol fires pepper balls 340 ft per second with an effective range out to 80 feet. For those that are not comfortable with a firearm, this is a non-lethal alternative for self and home defense. There are also holsters available.
Phoenix Home Shield
Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel
Byrna LE Pepper Pistol
Pepper Spray Gel is a proven deterrent for attackers. This large Law Enforcement grade Pepper Gel is ideal for maintaining distance with bursts effective out to 25 feet. We recommend this product for protection in the home and in areas where a larger can of Pepper spray can be conveniently carried or easily accessed.
Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel
Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel
Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel
In a more convenient carry option that can be attached to your keychain or bag, this Law Enforcement grade pepper gel is what we recommend for everyday carry with an effective range out to 10 feet
Sabre Tactical Pepper Gel
Sabre Tactical Pepper Gel
Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel
Sabre Tactical Pepper Gel is significantly smaller than Phoenix Home Shield with more capacity than Sabre Keychain Pepper Gel. This Law Enforcement grade pepper gel has an effective range out to 18 feet and comes with a belt clip and holster, which provides a great alternative to either larger or smaller Pepper Gel options.
Kimber Pepper Blaster
Sabre Tactical Pepper Gel
Kimber Pepper Blaster
Made by the Kimber, a gun manufacturer known for quality, this Pepper Blaster shoots Pepper gel 90 miles per hour at your assailant. An inside the waistband holster can be purchased for convenient carry. This is a great product, with the only downside we found being that it only has two shots.
Vipertek Stun Gun
Sabre Tactical Pepper Gel
Kimber Pepper Blaster
The advantage of Pepper Spray is that you can maintain your distance from an attacker, but in enclosed places, like a vehicle, this Vipertek Stun Gun packs a punch.
Kubaton
Kubaton
Kubaton
A Kubaton is a simple weapon that focuses all of your striking power into a small point, causing pain to any part of the body and significant damage to vulnerable areas like the face, temple and neck. The great thing about a Kubaton is that they can be carried anywhere
Is a Firearm for Protection right for me?
The Firearm Perspective
The firearm controversy continues to make headlines. Fear is used by people on both sides of the issue to advance their agenda. It all comes down to Education, Training, Respect for the firearm and Personal Responsibility, to take advantage of the self-defense benefits, while avoiding innocent people getting hurt. A firearm is neither good nor bad. It's a tool that can be very useful when used correctly and with the right maturity.
- Approximately 15,000 murders occur with guns each year. It is estimated that guns are used in Self-Defense up to 2.5 million times per year (Armed Resistance to Crime: The Prevalence and Nature of self-defense with a gun; Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology)
- Women use guns 200,000 times a year to prevent sexual assault (Armed Resistance to Crime: The Prevalence and Nature of self-defense with a gun; Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology)
- Deciding to carry a gun for self-defense without the proper training or the emotional maturity required, can result in serious bodily harm to you or an innocent person, as well as place you in prison. For many people, non-lethal forms of self-defense are a better option
- Using a gun for self-defense is not right for everyone, but everyone should know gun safety and how to use a gun properly. This includes our children. We can control what is in our home, but we can't control what our family encounters in neighborhoods or in the homes of others.
Is a GUN the RIGHT protection for me?
To determine if a firearm is the right protection for you, you must answer “yes” to the following:
- Have you gone through firearms training?
- Have you gone through using a firearm in self-defense training?
- Are you comfortable with all of the functions of your gun?
- Can you consistently group your shots within a sheet of paper (8”x12”) at 15 feet?
- Do you have the safety precautions (safe, trigger locks) available to keep your firearm away from children or others who should not have access to your firearm?
- Are you willing to shoot and kill an attacker to protect yourself or others from death or serious bodily harm?
Shooting Fundamentals
Gun Rules (adapted from the NRA and Hunter's Safety Programs)
- ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
- ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use (concealed or bedside guns are in use)
- Know the target and what is beyond
- Know how to use the gun, take it apart, and clean
- Know how to determine the correct ammunition
- bullet type is on the gun barrel
- ammunition type is on the ammo box and often on the bullet
- Use eye and ear protection during practice (backfire can cause eye injury)
- Alcohol and drugs hinder judgment and awareness. Don’t use them when handling firearms
- Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized people
Live Training
Nothing beats in-person firearms training. In addition to gaining comfort with your shooting positions and the function of your firearm, having experience in target acquisition, staying controlled and steady with the loud BANG and recoil management that prepares you for a follow-up shot is something that can only be done during firearms training with a real gun and real ammunition. Video coming soon. Subscribe below for access and content updates. Contact us for live training, available in Arizona.
Improve your Skills at Home
In addition to live fire training, with the price of bullets and the time it takes to get to a range, practicing at home will significantly improve your skills. Most modern pistols can be dry-fired, which means you can pull the trigger without a bullet in the chamber. This improves your ability to quickly acquire the target, implement a smooth trigger pull while keeping your sights aligned, and follow-through, which is keeping sight aligned on the target after pulling the trigger. Before doing this, take out the magazine, or check the cylinders in the revolver, do not have any ammunition in the area, check the chamber to ensure it is empty, then check the chamber again. Still, point in a safe direction. Some pistols, like rimfire (22 caliber) should only be practice fired with snap caps. Check the firearm owner's manual.
Training and Replica Pistols
Having a training pistol that only shoots a laser or a BB gun replica of your firearm will also allow you to continue to practice at home, which will accelerate your learning, comfortability and accuracy with your firearm. Some of the most popular replica BB guns are as follows:
- LaserLyte training pistol (simulates Glock 19)
- Glock 19 replica BB gun
- Sig P365 replica BB gun
- Smith & Wesson M&P9 replica BB gun
Simple resetting targets or a target trap are a great addition to the back yard for any of these replica BB guns, for training and family competitions.
Firearm Self-Defense in the Home
Eliminate Unauthorized Access:
- First rule: Keep unauthorized people from accessing your firearm. With biometric safes and trigger lock options, keeping your firearm out of the hands of those who should not have access to them, while allowing you quick access when you need it, has become much easier. Below are a few of my favorites that are used in my home:
- One of my favorite handgun safes is the RPNB mounted sliding safe. I have access to a firearm at a moment's notice in different parts of the home. This is easily mounted on your night stand, broom closet, and many other places that you spend time and may need quick access to a firearm if placed in a compromised position. This safe is more expensive than other options, but for me, it has been money well spent.
- In a nightstand drawer, out of sight from others, the AweSafe has been another great, quick access safe that has room for one or two additional magazines that the sliding safe can't hold.
- Trigger locks are another option that I use with home defense rifles, but that also work well with handguns. For non-AR style rifles, shotguns and pistols the CXGRISE biometric trigger lock works well and literally pops off when you place your finger on the sensor. For AR style rifles I use the AYIN Viking.
- Personally, with young children, despite teaching them to respect guns, when using a semi-automatic with a lighter trigger pull, I take an extra step to maintain their safety by not having a bullet chambered when the gun is not on my person. It only takes one quick motion to pull back the slide, but it gives me peace of mind.
Clearly Identify the Target and Beyond
- In addition to the firearm, have a mounted tactical light, a tactical flashlight or headlamp to allow clear identification of the potential threat before utilizing your gun in self-defense.
- Be VERY vocal in warning the potential threat that you will shoot if they do not leave/stop. Give clear directions to control the situation (i.e. drop the gun, move to your left, on your belly, hands out, palms up, cross your feet - video coming soon!)
- Consider over-penetration into rooms where other family members may be located when pulling the trigger in self defense. Always know your target and what's beyond.
Mentally Prepare for Possibilities
- Visualize what you would do when encountering a threat that could cause you or your family serious harm. When you pull the trigger, do not shoot to injure. Shoot to kill. Center mass (chest area) would generally be the first shots fired. The head, when hit in the right spot, will immediately fully stop the threat, but is much more difficult to hit, especially under stress. Using a firearm in self defense is not like the movies. People often don't fall down right after being shot, especially when on drugs. Shooting just to injure can put you in a further compromised postion. Before using a firearm in self defense, you must really consider, are you able and willing to fatally shoot someone who is attempting to cause serious injury or death to you or a loved one?
Firearm Self-Defense Outside the Home
First Rule: When the firearm is not on your person, ensure it is inaccessible to those who should not have access to it. I have several small biometric pistol safes that fit securely under the vehicle seat with a steel cable attaching it to the steel bars underneath. I also use velcro strips to attach the safe to the vehicle carpet in some vehicles where the safe slides out while driving.
CCW (Concealed Carry) Laws by State
Defensive Use:
- Brandishing (unlawful display to threaten, intimidate, or harass) a firearm should only happen when a reasonable person would fear serious bodily injury or death when faced with a specific situation. It is a crime, otherwise.
- Deciding to carry a firearm means that you need to diffuse situations, as compared to instigating them or “adding fuel to the fire.”
- Justification for use of a firearm includes a "reasonable" person in the same situation would fear significant bodily harm or death.
How do I Concealed Carry?
Outside the waist band:
- Pros: ability to carry larger guns comfortably; easily accessible; optional lock system to prevent others from gaining control of the weapon. The ideal carry is on your strong side (right hip, if right handed), to allow easy quick access and maintain strong firearm retention ability
- Cons: difficult to conceal without a coat or jacket
- In places or situations when I open-carry, or when wearing clothing that allows concealment, this is my preferred carry method, while utilizing a Blackhawk retention holster with thumb release or Alien Gear Rapid force holster.
Inside the waistband
- I IWB carry 90% of the time. A preferred method for quick access, while restricting access to those attempting to grab your gun with multiple attackers is appendix carry (in front, just to the right of the belly button for a right handed person); The IWB holster I use 95% of the time is the Blackhawk Stache. It's more comfortable than other brands, better conceals a my firearm, and is sturdy, which aids with retention. I cut a piece of leather and attach it to the back side with a rivet tool to protect my gun from sweat. This is significantly more comfortable than plastic sweat guards on other brands. The Ultimate IWB Holster. is a holster I'll use occasionally. The suede leather makes it comfortable to wear. If my holster isn't comfortable, I don't wear it and it does me no good.
- Pros: Totally concealed and quick easy access, even with a mid-sized gun
- Cons: No holster retention system; may be less comfortable than outside waistband
- Pros: Easily accessible and concealable for small framed guns. Can be carried without a shirt.
- Cons: Can be bulky or heavy in your pocket; may have difficulty accessing while sitting
- Pros: Comfortable way to carry a concealed large revolver; you can fit extra magazines and other personal items; can be used when wearing tight exercise clothing
- Cons: You are wearing a fanny pack; not as quickly accessible as IWB/OWB carry.
Ankle
- Pros: Great ability to conceal for small frame handguns
- Cons: handgun can’t be drawn as quickly as IWB/OWB carry.
Choosing the Right Firearm
What Gun and Caliber should I use for Self Defense?
There is not necessarily one BEST gun or caliber to carry for self-defense or to use in the home or vehicle. The larger the "energy transfer" from the bullet to the attacker, the more leeway you have on shot placement and the higher your odds are for incapacitating the attacker. With that said, a firearm does no good while you are out if your firearm is at home in your safe. Likewise, the extra power or energy transfer from your firearm does not help if you cannot reliably handle the recoil and reliably hit your intended target. A good minimum standard is to be able to place all shots within an 8”x 12” target at a distance of 15 feet. Another factor to consider is how far a shot fired will penetrate through the intended target or through things like walls in a home. You are responsible for any damage your firearm causes, even if it is unintentional. In your home, a much larger firearm can be used. Many people prefer shotguns for home defense due to the fact that there is more forgiveness for poor shot placement due to the wide spread of each shot. Shotguns are also less likely to penetrate multiple walls that other choices of firearms will easily penetrate. At the same time, others, like Law Enforcement personelle want to ensure their firearm and choice of ammunition has the ability to penetrate thick clothing, or things like a windshield or car door. Each of these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing your self-defense firearm.
Recommended Calibers for Concealed Carry Pistols
Caliber: 38 special (revolver)/380 ACP (semi-automatic)
- Bullet Diameter: 9.1 mm
- Velocity: 850-950 ft/sec
- Weight: 158-110 grain
- Notes: minimum caliber recommended for self defense; minimal recoil
Caliber: 9 mm
- Diameter: 9 mm
- Velocity: 1000-1200 ft/sec (up to 1415 for 9mm+P)
- Weight: 115-147 grain
- Notes: The most common caliber used for self-defense with a handgun; Commonly used with Law Enforcement; low-moderate recoil
Caliber: 357 mag (revolver) / 357 sig (semi-auto)
- Diameter: 9.1 mm
- Velocity: 1200-1450 ft/sec
- Weight: 158-125 grain
- Notes: Renowned for one shot kills at 125 grain; moderate recoil
Caliber: .40 S&W
- Diameter: 10.2 mm
- Velocity: 1200 ft/sec
- Weight: 155 grain
- Notes: Common law enforcement round; moderate recoil
Caliber: .45 ACP
- Diameter: 12 mm
- Velocity: 800-1000 ft/sec
- Weight: 230-185 grain
- Notes: Slower with less penetration, but strong "knockdown" ability; high-moderate recoil
Important to note
- The smaller and lighter the gun, the greater the recoil felt
- Revolvers are simple and reliable. If the trigger is pulled and it does not shoot, pull it again to move to the next cartridge. On the down side, revolvers generally do not carry more than 6 bullets
- Semi-automatics increase bullet capacity, ranging between 6 and 22 rounds. They are more susceptible to jamming or miss-feeding than revolvers. When this happens, you must “tap and clear” the gun before firing again, to ensure that the magazine is seated correctly and to remove the bullet or casing from the action. (subscribe for video coming soon)
- A revolver that fires 357 mag will also shoot 38 special, but the reverse is not true
- For concealed carry, I have personally carried both revolvers (snub nose) and semi-automatics that shoot 357 magnum, 357 sig, 9mm+P and .40 caliber. I most often carry a Glock 19 (9mm +P) with a red-dot optic, due to my comfort level and years of experience with Glock. When I need a more concealable firearm, I tend to go to the Sig Sauer P365 (9mm). I shoot it well and it can be concealed easily regardless of what I am wearing. But, just like with an automobile, every one has a preference for what fits them best.
- Home Defense – All concealed carry calibers and guns can be used. Home defense allows for larger gun options, including larger calibers (i.e. 10mm) and rifles or shotguns.
- Important to consider: Rifles and larger caliber handguns include a risk of over penetration, which is an important consideration if houses are nearby or if other people are in the home
- Shotgun has been touted as a great home defense weapon, due to the large shot zone and the lower risk of over penetration into nearby rooms or houses.
Traveling with a Firearm
- Have a hard lockable case for firearm and ammunition
- Keep guns/cases out of sight to prevent theft. Steel cables or attached safes also make theft more difficult
Flying:
- Call or check airline website for firearm regulations
- TSA Guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition. In general, you must transport the unloaded firearm in a hard case that locks. The key or combination is retained by the passenger. Ammunition must also be carried in a hard container for ammunition or in the original manufacturer packaging. For other carriers not listed below, look at the airline website or call for information.
Vehicles:
Laws vary by state. Some allow loaded firearms, others require the firearm to be in locked containers for transport. Click HERE for more information on transporting firearms
Concealed Carry, Reciprocity, Purchase, & Possession:
Click HERE for State by State Summary.
Gun & Shooting Essentials
Hearing & Eye Protection
Gun Cleaning
First Aid & Trauma Kit
Safes and Trigger Locks
Training Pistols
CCW Holsters
CCW Insurance Coverage
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