When one is at home they generally are not thinking about defending themselves. Home is frequently considered to be a safe place and most people are off their guard in familiar surroundings. Statistics show, however, that this is a common place to be attacked. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared to defend oneself in a home setting. There are many self-defense weapons suitable for this job but they differ greatly in their applicability and general ability. You may also have personal beliefs and preferences that further dictate what weapon is the best choice for you. Therefore this article picks out the best 5 home defense weapons across the board, and no matter who you are at least one of these should suit you. Note that none of these weapons are firearms. These are options for people who want to stay away from purchasing a semi-auto shotgun or pistol. A defense shotgun can be a very dangerous way to engage in self-defense. You don't need something that uses deadly force, like a defense gun, to get the job done.
ViperTek Mini Stun Gun - $
What this device lacks in range, it makes up for in power and versatility. Though you do need to be up close and personal with an attacker or bad guy, one cannot always know who is a danger nor do they always have time to access their properly stored, more lethal, weapons. Having a reliable stun gun on hand seems like a basic idea but even the smallest effort can help repel an attacker. The fact that stun guns can go basically anywhere makes this a good option for the owner who is looking for some additional security in a variety of venues. ViperTek is a trusted brand in the taser industry, so it should come as no surprise that this rechargeable product comes with a lifetime warranty. It also comes with an LED flashlight and in multiple color choices for whatever works for your lifestyle.
Taser Bolt - $$$$
Though they can be on the expensive side, a taser gun is a very good option for home defense since it has the stopping power of a taser, but does not require the user to be up close to their attacker. This particular model has enough range to put a comfortable 15 foot distance between you and the person you are using it on. The voltage it packs is enough to put someone down for up to 30 seconds, which is long enough for you to get to safety. This stun gun by Taser-Self Defense is so powerful and reliable that it is backed by trusted law-enforcement technology. It also includes laser assisted targeting so even a novice can feel protected having this at their side. This gun also has multi-cycle capabilities so it can be reused and give enough time for the owner to make a safe escape.
Mace Brand Police Strength Pepper Spray Pepper Gun 2.0 - $$
This pepper gun was just remodeled and released this year by the perennially trusted self defense company Mace. This is for the homeowner who wants a weapon that can incapacitate in a non-lethal fashion, but also have the look of a real weapon for initial deterrence. If one is concerned about the orange colored barrel, it can easily be painted black to blend in and give a more realistic look, especially in low light. Unlike many other products in this price range, the Mace pepper gun can be reloaded with new cartridges after it has been used. It includes a LED light (battery required) that comes on after holding the trigger so the shooter can both aim effectively and so an intruder can be further visually incapacitated. With the power of the Mace pepper spray product, it does not take much to stop someone in their tracks. Though the average customer review is excellent, if there is anything wrong with your gun Mace has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will work with their customers to ensure their product works correctly or is replaced.
Police Security Heavy Duty Stun Gun - $$
Calling this device a stun gun does not do it justice. This device is a baseball bat on steroids. Its aircraft grade aluminum alloy body packs a wallop greater than any wooden bat, and its high voltage taser action is enough to incapacitate any attacker. It includes an LED flashlight that is bright enough to illuminate large areas and temporarily blind anyone who looks at it without protection. There is a safety on and off switch which protects the user from accidentally triggering the taser. It also uses rechargeable batteries instead of replaceable, and includes a charging cord, so you can save money on batteries. If you are the kind of person who feels comfortable getting close enough to an intruder to make contact, but also want the option to knock them out, this is a great option.
Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter .22 Air Gun with Scope - $$$$
Though the most expensive item on this list, an air rifle is still cheaper (and less deadly) than an actual firearm. The ammunition is also far cheaper. This gun made by Umarex uses a spring piston break-brrel as the source of its power, so you will not have to change any cartridges or worry about having a fresh one in the weapon in case of an emergency. Though it is meant to be able to shoot long distances, and comes with a scope for that exact purpose, the Umarex air gun can be quite effective in the confines of a home. At .22 caliber, this takes one of the largest pellets of any air gun and can shoot up to 1000 FPS when using alloy ammunition. Combined with a pointed or hollow point pellet, this gun can do enough non-lethal damage to deter intruders. It has enough power to take out small animals, so if you are in an area where rabid or aggressive wildlife is a concern then this rifle should be strongly considered.
There are many weapons on the market, but ultimately the choice comes down to what you are comfortable with. Straying away from semi-automatic handguns or shotguns is a good way to ensure that you won't get caught up in law enforcement issues with firearms, but you'll still be providing yourself and your family with personal defense. Even with the self-defense weapons listed here, there are a few higher powered options that are not allowed in some areas, so make sure you know the laws where you live. This applies to both ownership and use.