The Use of Pepper Spray

posted on February 28, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2012228143246-pepperblaster_m.jpg

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?

Latest

Wilson Combat Bulwark 01
Wilson Combat Bulwark 01

Beyond the 1911: Wilson Combat's New Bulwark

The Bulwark is designed as a “hard-use service pistol” that combines the best features of a 1911 with those of a daily-carry duty gun, and Wilson Combat delivers it all at a price point below Wilson’s traditional handgun offerings.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM

Recently, Walther Arms has combined several PDP feature sets with a Parker Mountain Machine compensator to produce the Pro-X PMM.

The DOJ Civil Rights Division Strikes Again

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) just opened an investigation to “determine whether Philadelphia Police use a vague ‘good cause’ standard to cancel permits to carry legal firearms.”

Review: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7

Having more guns chambered in 5.7 mm is a great thing, and the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7 is a welcome addition to the growing world of 5.7 mm firearms.

Ruger Moves HQ to North Carolina

Ruger quietly relocated its corporate headquarters from Southport, Conn., to Mayodan, N.C., marking the end of the company's management presence in the town where it was founded in 1949.

Honest EDC: A Realistic Assessment of Your Concealed Carry Kit

The problem is not that most concealed-carry loadouts are bad. The problem is that most concealed-carry kits are never re-examined against reality.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.