Rising Popularity of Less-Lethal Weapons in America
Chandler Crumblish Paine is a dedicated mom and avid jogger living in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite being surrounded by family members who own firearms, she had never felt the need to carry one herself. However, growing concerns about her safety while jogging early in the morning or late at night prompted her to look for alternatives. As a result, she recently purchased a less-lethal pistol from a company called Byrna.
Crumblish Paine explains, “One day it just hit me — I’m a young woman out running at 4 a.m. without any protection. A less-lethal option gives me a chance to escape if necessary.” Her choice reflects a broader trend where both non-gun owners and gun owners alike are turning to less-lethal options for personal protection.
Blake Nance, a co-founder of a security consulting firm, also decided to invest in a Byrna pistol. A former Marine and police officer, he is comfortable with traditional firearms but prefers less-lethal options that minimize the risk of causing fatal harm. “It’s a bit like a paintball gun,” Nance states. “I just want something that lets me defend myself and get home safely.” He believes these less-lethal weapons can effectively deter attackers.
The market for less-lethal weapons, often dubbed “unguns,” has seen significant growth recently. According to industry reports, the global market for less-lethal options was valued at around $1 billion in 2023 and is projected to double by 2030.
Companies like Byrna have capitalized on this trend. The Massachusetts-based firm brought in a record $100 million in revenue over the past year and is rapidly expanding its retail presence across the country. Byrna specializes in pistols that shoot pepper-spray projectiles and hard plastic pellets, filling an important niche in personal safety.
Another notable player, Axon Enterprises, known for its Taser products, is also eyeing the consumer market. They promote their consumer models as “personal safety technology,” reflecting a shift towards meeting everyday safety needs. Axon’s representatives indicate that the company is investing heavily in developing its consumer product line.
The appeal of less-lethal weapons resonates with those who wish to protect themselves without the heavy emotional and legal burdens that come with using traditional firearms. Scott Brent, the CEO of JPX International, highlights this by stating that potential liability is a significant selling point. “If you use a handgun and injure someone, you’re opening yourself to lawsuits and severe legal consequences,” he warns.
Bryan Ganz, the CEO of Byrna, notes that a surprisingly large portion of his customer base—two-thirds—are actually gun owners seeking a supplementary form of defense. He emphasizes that the growing perception of crime and the desire to safeguard loved ones are driving this interest.
While these less-lethal options have gained traction, the ongoing issue of gun violence in America remains serious. The number of gun-related deaths in recent years is a stark reminder that no solution is foolproof. Notably, there were nearly 41,000 gun-related deaths last year, a figure that still highlights the urgent need for effective safety alternatives.
However, experts caution that less-lethal options may not be the answer for every situation. Some believe that traditional firearms will continue to dominate in households that are already gun-heavy. As noted by professor Randall Roth, there’s a trend in which fewer households own more guns, suggesting a reluctance to shift to less-lethal options in that demographic.
Despite concerns, some consumers find confidence in less-lethal options. Aaron Jones, a security expert, recognizes that while these products can be effective, they are not a guaranteed solution in all scenarios. “Bad guys often don’t come at you with less-lethal weapons,” he points out. Still, he acknowledges the value of these devices in the right context.
Ultimately, as Americans confront a complex landscape of safety and self-defense, the rise of less-lethal weapons reflects a growing desire to protect oneself while minimizing risk. The makers of these products emphasize their commitment to saving lives without contributing to the cycle of gun violence. In an increasingly uncertain world, the adaptability and effectiveness of such alternatives could play a vital role in personal safety strategies moving forward.
