The Use of Pepper Spray

By Paul Rackley (RSS)

February 28, 2012

In regard to my Unarmed Defense blog, questions were asked about my thoughts about pepper spray, and why I was not carrying any when visiting Las Vegas for SHOT Show.

My thoughts on pepper stray are simple: Any tool that can be utilized to keep body and soul safe should be considered and used if that is your best option. Up until recently, my wife carried a Kimber PepperBlaster in her purse. The reason she doesn’t still have it is because it had a use by date, which had expired, and I decided to kick it off in my in-law’s backyard in South Carolina over Thanksgiving.

The PepperBlaster sent both shots the promised 12 to 14 feet, which really is all I can say about it since no one would let me hit them with it, including myself. I cannot testify to its strength, but believe that it would stop the average attacker.

Now as to why I wasn’t carrying pepper spray in Vegas? That is a simple question. Taking pepper spray onto a plane requires the same hassles of traveling with a gun—must be in checked luggage and declared—or possibly more if it is pressurized. If I was going to go through that, I might have well have carried my Kimber.

I don’t carry pepper spray because I carry a gun. In most places that I can’t carry a gun, I can’t carry pepper spray. However, I would love to know, without taking a shot of it, what being hit with pepper spray is like. Can anyone describe that feeling?

Tags:  blogs,  kimber pepper blaster,  paul rackley,  pepper spray,  rackattack,  the use of pepper spray,  unarmed self-defense

Share |

Comments

ADD YOUR COMMENT

Enter your comments below, they will appear within 24 hours


Your Name


Your Email


Your Comment

5 Responses to The Use of Pepper Spray

Brent wrote:
December 06, 2012

The people that believe the firearm replaces pepper spray are as wrong as the people who believe firearms replace pepper spray. They supplement each other and I consider it a very important part of our personal defense plan. I have been hit with OC, I am OC certified and out of the 30 guys in my class all of us were affected. The Pepper Blaster II works great and so does Sabre Red and I really like the ASP Key and Palm Defenders.

Ron wrote:
May 07, 2012

Pepper Spray is a poor choice.....or rather a poor choice of words. What one should carry and use...is NOT thy spray dispersal..rather the CONE dispersal system. THAT removes the precise placement concerns...Don't know the LEO's training...but the reaction to capsicum oleo resin is INVOLUNTARY....and it works. Just use a cone disperal device..problem solved

Ed wrote:
March 05, 2012

As a law enforcement officer, as part of training, I've been "hit" with pepper spray many times. Although it is not a pleasent experience by any means; there are many reasons of why it can be ineffective. You have to make contact with the face of the potential attacker. Somebody that is rushing you with their head down and you're in trouble. Even if you hit them in the face it takes a few seconds to take effect. That delay can allow your attacker to close with you and potentially do considerable damage. I've seen many people fight through the pain and continue to be fully functional. Lastly you have the wind factor to consider. And in all, it's better than a harsh word or a plea, but it has plenty of limitations.

Earl wrote:
March 04, 2012

Never been hit by pepper spray, but I decided to spray off some Punch 2 since it was a good 5 years old. I discharged it in front of my house to check out the patteren & distance. Not bad at all. I went back in the garage on the side of the house. Little did I know the wind drifted the spray in that direction. In no time I felt it in my throat & started coughing & sneezing & my eyes were watering. That continued for almost an hour. I remember thinking,"Damn, I'd hate to get hit in the face with that." That's as close as I hope to get to being sprayed with pepper spray.

Jim` wrote:
March 03, 2012

It's worse than CS.