By Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
Non-Firearm Self-Defense
We discuss various elements of personal safety and self-defense with a focus on firearms; and of course that makes sense, we are a shooting range.
However, there are members of the family that are not comfortable with the idea of shooting another person; or you may be in an environment that prohibits the carry of a firearm. There may still be the risk of threat; and you may want to be able to protect yourself, family and innocent bystanders even if you don’t, or can’t carry a firearm.
We point out that in self-defense with a firearm; you want to STOP the attacker. In non-firearm self-defense, we also want to stop the attacker. We’ll just use a different tool.
In a minute, we’ll list some of the tools designed for non-lethal self-defense; however, it is important that regardless of the tool – firearm or not – you learn to use that tool and train in the usage of that tool.
The purpose of self-defense is to recognize that you could be at risk of a threat and you train to be ready to react to that threat. The attack may cause you injury: but you survive, irrespective of whether the attacker survives. You just want to get away.
In a recent conversation with a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu instructor; he pointed out that Ju-Jitsu is a competitive sport. You might think that someone with his training would not be concerned with someone attacking him. He pointed out that some moves in the sport might work in a violent attack; many may not. It’s the mindset of the target that determines the outcome of an attack. What moves can be employed to refocus on how to inflict enough pain on the attacker to be able to get away.
The same is true with non-firearm defensive tools. They are not tools to be used with the expectation of killing. They are tools to render the attacker immobile enough for you to get away. Now, you do want to do as much damage as you can; you don’t want them chasing you, and the scars make it easy for identification when caught by law-enforcement.
Let’s point out here that a violent encounter will NOT be the same as a “bar fight”. There are NO rules, there are NO boundaries and the attacker has but one agenda – render you immobile or dead.
A firearm is just a tool. Your ability to be aware of your surroundings, to be able to prevent or manage a potentially violent situation remains the same whether you carry a firearm or any other defensive tool.
Defensive tools include products designed and sold to be used for self-defense. Some are specialty tools; some look like everyday items.
Some of these tools include, but are not limited to:
- Tasers and Stun Guns
- Mace, Pepper Spray and Pepper Ball Projectors
- Baton, Billy Club, Kuboton,
- Pocket Knife
- Tactical Pen
- Crowned Flashlight
Of course, any item you can carry in your hand that provide a force multiplier can also be a tool of self-defense. Strike someone with your car keys and it will hurt. Jab them with an umbrella and they will stop approaching you. Your hands and the digits of those hands that can be used to inflict pain, as well as your elbow and feet. You always have some kind of tool with you. Most importantly is your mind; stay calm, plan your defense and execute.
Irrespective of the non-firearm tool you determine to carry – if you decide to carry one at all; learn how to use that tool and train to use all the tools at your disposal.
On a different note: when were you last at Saddle River Range? If it’s been more than a couple of months; you need to set aside a couple of hours, grab your gun bag and come visit. Those shooting skills are perishable. Come in and get some practice.
Stay alert, and stay safe out there,
© Copyright 2026 Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
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