Proportional Protection: Why Gun Owners Are Adding Non-Lethal Defense
Owning a firearm comes with a deep sense of responsibility. For many, it’s the ultimate means of protection—a way to defend yourself and your loved ones in a life-threatening situation. But there are moments when reaching for a gun might not be the best response.
Advanced firearm training includes learning how to assess and react to a situation with a proportional response. Scaling defensive action to match the current level of danger is part of being a responsible gun owner. Non-lethal defense devices provide a safer way to enact this mindset.
The Limits of Lethal Force
While firearms offer unmatched stopping power, they also carry significant risks including fines, imprisonment, collateral damage, and mental and emotional tolls.
Legal Ramifications
One of the primary concerns for gun owners is the legal aftermath of using a firearm. The legal process can be long, expensive, and stressful, regardless of whether the use of lethal force was justified or not. Questions about the necessity and appropriateness of your response, along with the potential for harm to bystanders all come into play.
According to the FBI, murder and manslaughter account for only 6% of violent crimes. Statistically, a proportional response rarely justifies lethal action. Varying state laws pertaining to self-defense, and the interpretation of the courts, further confuse how lethal force will be viewed from a legal perspective.
By contrast, non-lethal devices such as HERO® 2020 and AIIRO® offer reliable stopping power without taking a life or causing long term injury – providing a legal solution for the wide gap between inaction and lethal force.
Moral and Emotional Considerations
Beyond the legal implications, there are moral and emotional costs. Consider soldiers who take a life in a combat situation. Even with intense training and an understanding they are in mortal danger from the enemy, soldiers can suffer long lasting guilt and trauma. Taking a life, even in self-defense, is a heavy burden to carry.
It’s something many gun owners hope they never have to experience. A non-lethal option allows you to protect yourself and those around you without crossing that line.
Compact and Concealable: Protection Without the Bulk
HERO® devices offer other advantages as well like their compact, concealable design. Carrying a firearm, especially a larger one, can be cumbersome. It requires careful consideration of how and where to carry it, and it’s not always feasible to have it on you at all times.
At about the size of a smartphone, HERO® devices easily slip into a pocket, waistband, or glove compartment, providing a reliable means of defense without the bulk. This level of portability means you can always have protection within reach, even in situations where carrying a firearm might not be practical or allowed.
Easy to Use: A Backup Plan That’s Ready When You Need It
In a high-stress situation, simplicity is crucial. When seconds count, you don’t want to be fumbling with complicated mechanisms. HERO® products feature intuitive designs anyone can manage under pressure.
Both AIIRO® and HERO® 2020 can be operated with either hand, requiring only the thumb to disable the safety. Firing is as simple as pressing a button on the AIIRO®, or pulling the dual finger trigger on HERO® 2020. Both devices are built with ergonomic form factors, enabling anyone to use them, even those who struggle with grip or strength issues in their hands and wrists.
These user-friendly designs ensure you can quickly and effectively defend yourself without needing extensive training or preparation.
Patented and Award-Winning: Trust in Proven Technology
HERO® devices aren’t just another non-lethal option—they’re the result of rigorous testing, patented technology, and award-winning design. Gun owners understand the importance of quality and reliability in self-defense tools. HERO® meets those high standards, offering a non-lethal device you can trust.
When you choose a HERO® device, you’re not just getting a tool—you’re getting peace of mind. Whether you’re using it as a primary defense in situations where a firearm isn’t appropriate or as a backup to your gun, you can be confident it will perform when you need it most.
The Science Behind the Safety: Nitrogen vs. CO2
While it’s not the main focus, the choice of propellant in non-lethal devices is worth noting. HERO® devices use nitrogen instead of CO2, a decision enhancing reliability and performance. Nitrogen is more stable under varying temperatures, ensuring your device works consistently whether you’re in extreme heat or cold.
Reliability is crucial. You need to know your defense device will function correctly, no matter the circumstances. Nitrogen provides that extra layer of confidence, ensuring your HERO® device is ready to go when you need it.
Scenarios Where Non-Lethal Defense Is Essential
Even the most prepared gun owners can find themselves in situations where using a firearm isn’t the best choice. Here are a few examples where a non-lethal option like a HERO® device can make all the difference:
- Unclear Threats: Imagine you’re out for a walk when someone approaches you in a menacing way, but hasn’t made any overtly aggressive moves. Pulling a gun in this situation might be premature and could escalate the situation unnecessarily. A non-lethal device allows you to take control without jumping straight to deadly force.
- Close Quarters: In tight spaces, like a crowded area or inside a vehicle, using a firearm can be risky. The potential for collateral damage is high, and the confined space can make it difficult to aim and fire safely. A non-lethal device like a HERO® offers a safer alternative, giving you a way to defend yourself without endangering yourself or others.
- Legal Restrictions: There are places where carrying a firearm isn’t allowed, even if you have a concealed carry permit. In these situations, a non-lethal device can provide an alternative means of protection. HERO® devices are legal in most places where firearms are restricted, offering you peace of mind no matter where you are.
- De-escalation Needs: Sometimes, the goal is to defuse a situation rather than escalate it. If you’re confronted by someone who’s agitated but not an immediate threat to your life, a non-lethal option can help you de-escalate without resorting to lethal force. This approach can prevent unnecessary harm and reduce the likelihood of legal complications.
HERO®: The Non-Lethal Backup You Can Trust
At HERO®, we understand the unique needs of gun owners. Our devices are designed to complement your existing self-defense tools, providing a reliable, non-lethal alternative that’s always ready when you need it. We’ve focused on creating products that are compact, easy to use, and backed by proven technology—because we know when it comes to your safety, there’s no room for compromise.
Why HERO® Is the Right Choice
- Compactness: HERO® devices are the smallest and easiest to conceal on the market, making them an ideal backup to your firearm.
- Ease of Use: With intuitive design, HERO® products are accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience with self-defense tools.
- Patented Technology: Our award-winning designs are a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.
- Safety and Reliability: The use of nitrogen as a propellant ensures consistent performance in all conditions, so you can be confident your device will work when you need it most.
Conclusion: Proportional Protection for Every Situation
Responsible gun owners understand the importance of a proportional reaction and preparation. But preparation doesn’t just mean carrying a firearm—it means having the right tools for every possible scenario. HERO® non-lethal defense devices offer a versatile, reliable tool to complement your existing self-defense plan, ensuring you’re ready for anything.
Whether you’re facing a situation where lethal force isn’t justified, or you simply want a safer, more appropriate means of protection, HERO® has you covered. Explore our range of products today and discover how non-lethal can enhance your safety and peace of mind.
