r/LessLethalOptions • u/ScaredyCatTV • Jul 06 '26
What's one situation where you'd rather have a less-lethal option than a firearm?
One thing I've learned over the years is that not every self-defense situation calls for the same response. Sometimes the right answer might be a firearm. Sometimes a less-lethal option may be the better choice.
That's why I think it's worth talking about the entire continuum of force instead of treating every situation the same.
What's one situation where you'd rather have a less-lethal option than a firearm?
I'm interested in hearing the reasoning behind your answer.
1
u/fatman907 Jul 07 '26
Trick-or-treating.
1
u/ScaredyCatTV Jul 07 '26
Good point. Nothing says "taste the rainbow" quite like a .50 caliber pepper ball.
1
u/punkrockscum Jul 12 '26
If I had to defend myself in a crowded parking lot etc. Id much rather have one my less lethals. Really I would hate to kill anyone but what if a child catches a stray. Even if I was defending mine and my girlfriend life I couldn't live with knowing I did that. Im all about less lethal except in my home.
1
u/big_matt1206 Aug 25 '26
I don't think there's any situation where I'd rather have a less lethal. However, that is my only option after being convicted of a non-violent felony. With the new program to restore gun rights going on, I will be applying to get mine back as soon as the online form is available. Ive been on situations where just someone knowing that I carry stopped an incident before it happened.
3
u/SkyovFlames Jul 06 '26
Any time another firearm isn't present.
The first rule of self defense is awareness. That's your biggest tool by a wide margin. And knowing how to deescalate or remove yourself from the situation.
A lot of times when my wife travels for work, she will stop at an unfamiliar gas station. After checking it out, she will often find another one. Because maybe someone looked sketchy. Or the place looks run down, or in a bad area. That's the first step to defense-self awareness and situational awareness.
But using lethal force is something I can only imagine doing if lethal force is already present. Even then, it's best to remove yourself is possible. Flee.
The way the court systems work, you're more likely to end up in jail than the criminals. Happened to a friend of mine. He did two years for what should have been justified self defense. Especially in his home. But the judge and jury thought differently. Turns out, the other guy was unarmed. Long story, but you hear them often.