Pepper Spray | Non-Lethal Weapons of Self Defense

Does Pepper Spray Work Well for Self Defense?

By: Survival Insight Team

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There are many ways to protect yourself with non-lethal weapons, and in recent years, pepper spray has become an increasingly popular option.Not only is pepper spray very cheap, but it is also light in weight, portable, and easy to use.
Although effective if used correctly, pepper spray isn’t the weapon of choice for everyone, and there are a few things to take into consideration when trying to decide wether or not to make your first pepper spray purchase.
This article should help to point you in the right direction.

What is Pepper Spray?

To begin with, it is useful to know what pepper spray is. The principal ingredient is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), which derives from Cayenne Peppers. OC concentrations vary with different pepper sprays, and this determines it's effectiveness.
When someone is sprayed with pepper spray, they will experience temporary blindness, loss of breath resulting in choking and coughing, and an intense burning sensation on the skin. These effects will usually last between 30-45 minutes, although this does depend on the concentration strength of the spray.
Pepper Spray tends to come in small hand-held tubes that can easily be fit into pockets, handbags, and other small compartments. You can even get it disguised as lipstick, pens or a ring. Generally, pepper spray canisters are designed to shoot out to 6 feet, but this ranges, and can be as much as 12 feet.

Pepper Spray Advantages

As an option for self defense, pepper spray offers some advantages over other non-lethal weapons:

Very small, portable, and light.
Extremely cheap, from $7 upwards.
Simple to use, and safe to carry.
Can come in disguised forms, so gives the element of surprise.
Easily available and simple to buy.

Peppper Spray Disadvantages

If sprayed when windy, the spray could miss and may even get in your eyes and affect you.
After 3-4 years, pepper sprays lose potency.
In high pressure and panic situations, it may be hard to use and aim.
Most containers will only get a few seconds of spray time in them before being empty.

How to Use Pepper Spray There is a simple technique to follow in order to protect yourself with pepper spray. One should practice this technique to be prepared, should the spray ever be needed. Here are the steps:
1. Get the spray ready to shoot, and crouch slightly. 2. If possible, throw out your non-spraying hand, and shout “stop” to distract the attacker. 3. At the same time, raise the pepper spray over your outstretched hand, and spray in the attackers face. 4. Aim around the face, specifically the eyes. Spray in a side to side motion.

Where to Buy Pepper Spray and Restrictions

You can make a pepper spray purchase online, at firearms dealers, at hardware stores, at some sports stores, and even at some supermarkets.
Take the following restrictions into account:

Several states do not allow shipping of pepper spray. These states are: Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Pepper Spray is legal in all states, however, some states have restrictions:
California: Weight restricted to 70 grams.
New York: Sold only by licensed firearms dealers and pharmacists.
Massachusetts: Sold only by licensed firearms dealers.
Michigan: Weight restricted to 35 grams and no stronger than 2% concentrate.
Washington DC: Must register possession with police.
Wisconsin: Weight restricted to 60 grams and no stronger than 10% concentrate.

Recommendations

If you choose to buy pepper spray for self defense, buy a few canisters and place them in different spots around the house, in preparation for a potential break-in.
Buy pepper spray canisters with safety latches, to prevent accidental discharge.
You want your pepper spray to have an OC concentration high enough to disable the attacker, but low enough so that it doesn’t affect you in the process. Go with a 10% concentration.
High container pressure will ensure a good spraying range. Close to 100 psi would be a good choice.
Stick with sprays that are discreet and hard to distinguish. You wouldn't want the attacker to be able to see that you are about to spray him/her.
Make sure you buy pepper spray with an expiration period of at least 3-4 years.
As mentioned above, practice the user technique in order to be well prepared.

Alternative Non-Lethal Weapons for Self Defense

If you are still unsure as to whether or not a pepper spray purchase would be right for you, it may be worth considering some of the alternatives. The following articles should provide you with plenty of useful information:

Overview: Non-Lethal Weapons for Self Protection
Self-Defense Techniques
Protect Yourself With Airsoft Guns d
Protect Yourself With Stun Guns
Burglar-Proof and Protect Your House
Everyday Items that Can be Used as Weapons

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