Self Defense

Self-defense is an essential part of self-reliance. It's the act and mindset of taking control of your own safety, of recognizing that should an unfortunate circumstance arrive, you can have the power to keep yourself and your family safe.

This can come in many forms. If you're in the U.S., a firearm is the best option for self-defense. However, owning a firearm is an incredible responsibility. It takes introspection and some genuine self-reflection if you are willing and able to use it in a self-defense scenario. I'm certainly not the one to tell you what is right in that respect, and nor should anyone else.

If you choose to purchase a firearm for home defense, I'd recommend either an AR-15 or Shotgun. Bullets penetrate matter. Interestingly, the round used by an AR-15 goes through fewer walls and drywall than a shotgun or pistol. However, the best weapon to use for self-defense is the one you're most comfortable with, period.

If you choose to own a firearm, I would urge you to obtain training. There are multiple options to do so, but I recommend the NRA's education courses.

The education arm of the NRA is almost entirely separate from the political arm (something I'm personally grateful for.) While it'll vary from instructor to instructor in that regard, the content of a Basic Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun course is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with different types of firearms and start on that journey.

Outside of firearms, (and in addition to,) there are multiple options. Martial arts are a fantastic way to improve both fitness and mastery of one's self. For day-to-day life, pepper spray and other non-lethal options are ideal to have on hand if other options aren't preferred or available.

Personally, I recommend a layered approach. At the very least, having a non-lethal option at hand is what I see as the bare-bones level of options. That means pepper spray/gel, or knowing martial arts.

While I have some products recommended in the Store tab, I'd urge you to consider what best fits you personally in terms of self-defense.