Carrying Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tools

For many of us, grabbing a pistol before we walk out the door is second nature. Some may carry on-body in a holster while others choose off-body carry in a purse or backpack. Sometimes, though, we are faced with the challenge of heading to a location where it is illegal to carry a firearm, a “gun-free” zone. In those situations, it’s important to have a backup plan for personal protection because, honestly, you just never know when the bad guy will choose you. At these times, we need to decide what non-lethal self-defense tools to bring along and how we should carry them. 

Choosing Your Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tools

First, choosing the best self-defense tool is very personal, just like deciding which size and brand of firearm you want to carry. YOU need to determine what tool works best for you. Do some online research to find out what self-defense tools are available. Then, reach out to your friends and find out what they carry, especially if they attended training classes. Ask them what they like about that weapon and if they’ve tried any others. Once you have an idea of the tool(s) you may want to learn more about, check if there are any classes you can take nearby. Hopefully, an instructor in that discipline will suggest a specific brand or style you should purchase. 

Carrying Your Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tools

Some people carry self-defense tools in a pocket or attach them to a belt, which is called “on-body carry.” Others choose off-body carry such as in a purse or backpack. Shelley Hill, of The Complete Combatant, carries two pepper spray units, one “on-body” in her pocket and the other “off-body” in her purse. If you carry your self-defense tool in a purse, find a style with a separate compartment that you can dedicate solely to that tool. This allows for quicker access and faster deployment. You won’t need to jumble through other items searching for it. Also, when you store it in a separate compartment and use some type of holder, you can station it in such a way that allows you to retrieve it quickly without fumbling.

I found a minimalist purse, the Shay Slip Leather RFID Crossbody from Lady Conceal, designed for carrying tasers and pepper spray. The main pocket is perfect for a phone, glasses and lipstick, and it has three built-in slots for credit cards and cash. A separate outside zippered compartment contains a Velcro pouch. Besides pepper spray or a taser, it is also a great place to store a flashlight or a knife. 

It’s imperative to train with any self-defense tool you choose to carry. You must learn how to deploy your weapon of choice quickly and use it effectively. Consider pepper spray. You want to be able to remove it from your purse in a way that puts your thumb right where it needs to be with the nozzle pointing away from you. 

Practicing with Pepper Spray 

If pepper spray is your choice, purchase an inert version (which contains water and is usually in a blue dispenser) so you can practice using it and determine how far the stream goes. You DO NOT want to do this with real pepper spray and risk the chance of it deploying in your house or even outside. 

I reached out to Shelley Hill of The Complete Combatant for her tips on using pepper spray:

• Purchase your pepper spray from a reputable brand.
• Buy a matching practice unit along with your live pepper spray unit. 
• When practicing, remember that everything is contextual. Be prepared to make changes in your decisions and actions as the situation progresses.  
• Practice on a humanoid target at a distance of 10 to 12 feet. 
• Decide where you want to carry your pepper spray, on-body or off-body. Whatever you decide, you must practice until it becomes second nature with quick, explosive deployment if necessary. 
• Retrieve the pepper spray from wherever you store it. Gripping it tightly while making a fist and using your thumb to press the button. This is a strong hold that allows for more control and better aim. Also, if needed, you can quickly move from an extended arm deployment to a retention situation. 
• When practicing, retrieve your pepper spray from the designated area making sure the spicy end is facing your target. Grit the canister tightly (kind of feels like you’re making a fist), lift the lid with your thumb, slide your thumb in and press the button. This is a strong hold that allows for more control and better aim. Also, if needed, you can quickly move from an extended arm position to a retention position.
• When “spraying” the pepper spray, extend your arm toward the target and make a small sweeping motion from ear to ear, targeting the eyes while using simple verbal commands with a loud, firm voice. Command your threat to stop. Accuracy is critical; now run away.
• In the perfect world, you would pre-deploy your pepper spray because the closer the attacker is, the quicker he can close on the attack cycle.
• Side note: Some pepper spray units are strong enough to withstand impact when in your hand. That means if the bad guy gets within striking distance, keep a tight first on the pepper spray unit, increasing your punching power. Compare this to holding a roll of quarters in your hand when punching. The pepper spray canister fills the gap in your fist and makes a fist harder, which means there is more force behind the punch.

Note: Shelley Hill’s suggestions are helpful when deciding if pepper spray is a tool you want to carry for self-defense. If you make the decision to carry it for personal protection, make sure you get the training you need to understand the tool and learn how to properly deploy it under the watchful eyes of a trained professional.

It’s reassuring to know that all CCW Safe plans cover the use of any legal weapon, including improvised weapons, to defend yourself or a third party from a life-threatening attack. This inclusive approach guarantees that you’re protected – no matter what you choose as your self-defense tool. This benefit is especially encouraging for those of us who often encounter “gun-free” zones, where traditional self-defense tools might not be accessible.

Learn how you can become a member at CCWSafe.com

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  About Michelle Cerino

  Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino →