Everyone wants to feel safe where they sleep, so it only makes sense that you would want to know the best weapon to keep by your bed at night.
From the silent shadows of a trusty baseball bat to the weighty reassurance of a firearm, the options for bedside self-defense weapons are as diverse as they are personal. But have you truly thought about your options?
Let’s talk about the different types of weapons to keep near your bed at night, as well as which ones are the most effective.
Weapons with Reach
Whether it’s a sturdy bat or a collapsible baton, having a weapon with extended reach allows you to maintain distance from potential threats. These items offer a strategic advantage, giving you the ability to confront an intruder without getting too close.
Stealthy and Silent Options
For those who prioritize surprise, stealthy and silent options become invaluable. From tactical pens to compact pepper spray, these weapons are designed to catch intruders off guard while minimizing noise, allowing you to protect your family without alerting the entire household.
If you have teenagers in your home, it might be a good idea to let them keep pepper spray and other non-lethal self-defense weapons near their beds. This will ensure they have a chance to fight off an intruder.
Firepower and Deterrence
In situations that demand a higher level of deterrence, firearms, and tasers can provide the necessary firepower. While the use of firearms comes with responsibilities, they remain a potent tool for discouraging intruders and ensuring the safety of your family in the face of imminent threats.
Firearms are definitely a controversial topic, but we’ll save all of that discussion for Quora, where one user asked:
I am anti-gun but want to be able to defend my family should an intruder break in. What weapon is best to keep by my bedside?
Quora.com User
As you can imagine, the answers and comments were full of debate and interesting opinions.
The fact is, nothing even comes close. If you’re looking for the best weapon to keep near your bed, the next question should be which gun you feel the most comfortable using.
Non-Lethal Alternatives
For those who prefer non-lethal options, devices like personal alarms, flashlights with strobe features, or even a well-trained guard dog can serve as effective deterrents. These alternatives offer protection without the permanent consequences associated with lethal force.
Dogs are the absolute best deterrent (alongside cameras and alarms) – because nobody wants to risk fighting off a dog. It gives the people who live there time to respond. And if they have time to respond, they can call the cops and grab a gun. Intruders want nothing to do with that!
Accessibility and Training
Ultimately, the effectiveness of a self-defense weapon relies on accessibility and proper training. Ensuring that your chosen weapon is easily reachable in the dark, paired with regular training to handle it effectively, enhances your ability to respond swiftly and protect your family in critical moments.
Even with little training, a gun is going to be your best bet. If you have a dog, even better! As always, we recommend installing an alarm system in your home so you will get a wake-up alarm if someone tries to enter your home. Having time to prepare is crucial, as without it, a gun, or any other weapon, is not going to be enough.
