Pepper spray is probably the most popular self-defense item available.
This makes sense.
While guns are absolutely a more reliable form of self-defense…pepper spray does have its advantages.
There are situations in which carrying a firearm just isn’t viable, and carrying pepper spray is better than nothing.
How do you know which pepper spray is the best?
Well, I’ve bought, carried, and tried out a bunch of the most popular ones.
By the end you’ll know the best pepper spray product for your specific needs, how to use it effectively, and some legalities.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall Pepper Spray
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Runner-Up Pepper Spray
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Highest Volume Pepper Spray
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Best Dog Pepper Spray
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Best Pepper Foam Spray
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Best Gun-Like Pepper Spray
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Best Pepper Grenade
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best Pepper Sprays
I tried to keep it as scientific as possible with the same distance, target, and weather conditions for each spray.
I set myself up 10 feet away from a cardboard shooting target and unleashed the full contents of each pepper spray when the wind was at a minimum.
Each one tested below has a quick video so you can see how the activation works and more importantly…the actual spray and spray pattern.
We also put the tested units against an AA battery so you can get a better sense of size.
For example…I found out the hard way that you don’t want foam based ones if there’s any possibility of wind. RIP my eyeballs…
Best Pepper Spray
1. Fox Labs 5.3 Keychain Pepper Spray
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 5.3 Million SHU
- Over 5 seconds of spray time
- Great case/button
Cons
- Amazon has some knockoffs
My overall favorite is the Fox Labs 5.3 Keychain Pepper Spray on the right.
It’s paired up with the Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray, which used to be my favorite. We’ll get into that soon.
First, some quick stats on the Fox 5.3
- 5.3 Million SHU (Scoville Heat Units) – Police strength and the hottest available
- 11-gram capacity for 10 half-second bursts
- UV dye
- Hard case and quick-release key ring
- 3-year shelf life
Here’s an example of UV Dye effects that might make it easier to identify suspects after incidents.
And now, let’s see it in action with this quick video:
Now, why do I like this the best?
The stream is potent and very on target for the 10 feet I was away from the target. The capacity is correct from the packaging, with two long bursts from me totaling over 5 seconds. More than likely needed, but I like the extra insurance.
I felt it in my face and mouth a little after this test, but not as bad as some of the others, even though there was no wind.
And what sets it apart from the Sabre is the case. It makes it a little larger, but not by much.
But it grants protection from anything in your pocket or purse inadvertently pushing against it. Plus, you can attach it to your keys for easy access.
Note the Amazon listing shows some people maybe not getting an authentic Fox Labs version since Amazon batches products together.
I would recommend purchasing from The Home Security Superstore instead.
What do you think about the Fox Labs 5.3 Keychain? Rate it below!
2. Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Pepper spray, UV dye, & CS gas
- Used by multiple agencies
- Very long spray
Cons
- Too easy to disengage
Sabre Red is one of the best-known manufacturers of pepper spray, and their 3-in-1 Spray is one of their best products.
It’s trusted by multiple police departments (NYPD and Chicago PD) plus the U.S. Marshals.
Specs of the Sabre 3-in-1:
- 18-gram capacity for 35 short bursts
- Mix of pepper spray, CS gas, & UV dye
- 10-foot range
- No listed hotness spec, but says “2X Stronger”
- 4-year shelf life
The Sabre has an easy-to-disengage twist lock, so it won’t accidentally go off in your purse or pocket.
However, I found it to be too easy to disengage. To the point where my wife ended up taping it down in the safe position for fear it might get pushed by something in her purse.
Let’s see it in action:
Great stream and easy to hit at 10 feet. One positive is the increased capacity…this one was definitely the longest shooting one.
Again, one of the big reasons I went with the Fox Labs 5.3 Keychain instead is the case for top protection.
Even though the Sabre 3-in-1 is smaller, you lose the capability of the top protection and keychain attachment.
However, if you’re carrying it in hand, it’s a great runner-up pepper spray for its stream and capacity.
I highly recommend getting the Practice Spray combo which is only a few dollars more. You’ll get used to the twist lock and where you need to press to get everything flowing.
The capacity is smaller, but you get the gist of the pressure needed to engage the real deal.
3. Mace Police Pepper Spray
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Longest duration spray
- 12-foot spray
- Ergonomic grip
Cons
- Larger unit
Mace is well known, and this three-in-one Police model pepper spray packs a wallop.
It’s bigger than the others but packs in 18 grams of product, a nice finger grip case, and a very secure flip-top.
Some more stats:
- 18 grams of OC red pepper, tear gas, & UV dye
- Up to 12 feet
- 3-4 year shelf life
And let’s see it in action:
Definitely the most volume pepper spray out of all the small container contenders to quickly put down a fight. Plus, a nice-feeling finger-grooved case that’s noticeably larger than the others out there.
However, with it, you also get the much safer feeling flip-top.
My recommendation…if you want the most spray with an effective safety mechanism and don’t mind the size increase.
4. Sabre Dog Pepper Spray
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Specifically for canines
- Belt loop attached
Cons
- Larger & rounder size
Carrying pepper spray more for protection from canines? Check out the Sabre Dog Pepper Spray.
Specially formulated to be effective and not cause permanent injury to the aggressive dog.
Some quick stats:
- 1% Major Capsaicinoids
- Seven 1-second bursts up to 15 feet
- Safety flip-top
- 51 grams of product
And let’s see it in action:
Another huge volume blaster got caught by the wind and blew back on me. This one stung my eyes and arms for some time.
Plus, it has a belt loop and effective safety clip to avoid negligent discharges.
It’s made for dog pepper spray, so we can’t recommend it against human baddies, but if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s a good choice.
5. Police Force 23 Pepper Foam
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 230,000 SHU
- Best for indoors
Cons
- Blows back with wind
This is a lesson to avoid pepper foam if you ever think you might need to use it outdoors.
First, some stats:
- Certified Heat Rating: 230,000 SHU
- Contains UV dye
- 15-18 one-second bursts at 10-12 feet
- 5-year shelf life
And let’s see it in action:
While the marketing says, foam is less susceptive to wind…I think from regular life experience and the video above…that is incorrect.
I struggled to get the foam on target since it seemed to become more of a cloud. And it wasn’t even windy at the time of testing.
I’d only suggest this one if, for some reason, you have to use foam or if you’re only going to be indoors or in very close contact with an attacker.
6. Mace Pepper Gun 2.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Intuitive gun shape & use
- 2 Million SHU rating
- Comes with training insert
- Very strong stream
Cons
- Gun-like items may escalate situation
Want something more gun-like but still pepper spray? Check out the Mace Pepper Gun 2.0…
It’s fairly large and the size of a compact handgun. Plus, the ergonomics and looks of a real gun.
Some stats:
- 2 Million SHU rating
- Built-in LED strobe light
- UV dye
- Comes with a training cartridge
- 4-year shelf life
And let’s see it in action:
First off…the LED is super weak…you’re not going to strobe someone into disorientation.
But wow…the blast is strong and foamy at the end!
You couldn’t tell from the video, but I’m very glad I trained with the water cartridge first to get used to the super heavy trigger.
As a personal preference, I don’t love carrying something that looks nearly identical to a firearm when it isn’t. It could escalate things.
But if that’s cool with you and you want something that’s easy to aim and delivers some strong results…
7. Fox Labs 5.3 Fog Grenade
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 5.3 Million SHU
- Best for area denial
Cons
- Not great for holding in-hand
I got this one sort of by accident…I wanted to test a fog option with the Fox Labs 5.3 Fog Grenade.
Turns out this little guy is more like a bug bomb but with pepper spray. My guess is using it for area denial or effectively pepper spraying a small room without being in it…
First, some specs:
- 5.3 Million SHU
- Fog cone for up to 18 feet
- 18 half-second bursts
- 3-year shelf life
And now…see it in all its glory:
Kind of anti-climatic…
You can use it in burst mode if you press it down softly…but you can also press down hard for it to enter grenade mode.
However, you probably wouldn’t chuck it like me since it’s going to land on its side. Live and learn!
Not that effective if you ask me…so unless you have some weird purpose, I’d stay away from the fog grenades.
Pros of Pepper Spray
For one, pepper spray is far more affordable than a firearm. A gun can’t do anything to protect you if you can’t afford it in the first place.
It’s also less regulated than firearms, making it an alternative for those who live in or are visiting places where they can’t have a gun. Pepper spray is also often allowed in places where firearms may not be, like private campsites and college campuses.
Pepper spray is easier to carry while engaged in physical activities like running, especially if you prefer to carry concealed.
And finally, pepper spray is a non-lethal self-defense option with a lower chance of injuring a bystander.
What to Consider When Buying Pepper Spray
When choosing pepper spray, there are a few factors you’ll need to be sure to consider.
Formula
First, you’ll want to look at the formula.
There are three different major formulas on the market when it comes to self-defense sprays, CN, CS, and OC.
CN and CS are military-produced irritants that work by causing pain.
OC, or pepper spray, is an inflammatory that not only causes pain but also causes inflammation of the mucous membranes around the face, making it difficult and painful to breathe or open the eyes.
Since your attacker may be under the influence or simply have high pain tolerance, OC is best.
Spray Pattern and Range
Once you’ve made sure you’re looking at the right formula, you’ll want to check the spray pattern.
Some pepper sprays shoot streams, which provide a longer range and allow you to target your attacker. However, streams aren’t generally inhaled, which takes away a large part of the spray’s defensive capabilities.
A spray or mist is more easily inhaled, but it has a shorter range than other patterns.
It also doesn’t allow targeting, which means there is some risk of hitting people other than your attacker, including yourself and those coming to your aid.
The last spray pattern is foam.
Foam is the least likely to hit an unintended target, but it has a shorter range than streams and has the same issue in regard to inhalation. It also is slow to take effect.
In general, the foam is the least recommended spray pattern. For most people, the spray or mist is the most practical, but those with respiratory issues may want to go with a spray to avoid the risk of inhalation.
Size
No matter what pattern you choose, you’ll need enough pepper spray to get the job done.
The keychain pepper sprays commonly seen only hold about a half ounce of pepper spray. This is only enough for a few seconds of spray, and they typically only have a range of a few feet.
One to two-ounce canisters is the most commonly recommended size. They can spray for about 30 seconds and usually have a range of around 15 feet.
Anything larger is not practical for personal carry but could be a good option for defense in the home.
How to Use Pepper Spray
Now for one last thing before I wrap up.
Your pepper spray is useless or even dangerous if you don’t know how to use it, so let’s go over the basics.
Obviously, the first things you’ll need to do are draw the pepper spray and disarm the safety mechanism.
In movies, you often see someone use pepper spray by sticking their arm out, turning their head away, and spraying, but this is just about the worst possible posture. Instead, you’ll want to use a defensive posture.
Take a step back to increase the distance between you and the attacker and narrow your profile. Bend your knees to lower your center of gravity and make it harder to fall or be knocked to the ground.
Keep both hands up to protect your face and body, and keep your elbows at least slightly bent.
With one hand, aim the pepper spray toward your attacker’s face. As you continue to spray, fan the spray back and forth in case you initially missed due to wind, movement, or aim.
Resist the temptation to close your eyes. It won’t protect you from any blowback and will only prevent you from seeing your attacker.
Pepper spray can sometimes take a moment to take effect, even when properly used, so you’ll want to be alert in case you need to fight.
Finally, make lots of noise during the encounter and as you make your escape. Yell anything that will get people’s attention, whether that’s “fire!” or your most creative combination of swear words.
Getting people’s attention will deter your attacker and ensure more witnesses for law enforcement to rely on.
Most companies make practice versions of their pepper sprays that are completely inert. Use these to practice so that the first time you use your spray isn’t in an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Even for gun owners, pepper spray is a valuable tool for self-defense.
For most, I’d suggest the Fox Labs 5.3 Pepper Spray Keychain since it’s a spray that gives you distance and leeway with accuracy. Plus, a nicer safety to not inadvertently activate it in your purse or pocket.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Keep in mind pepper sprays are not allowed in all places, so check your local laws before attempting to purchase one.
Do you carry pepper spray? Let us know in the comments below. We also have a hands-on guide on Best Tasers and Best Stun Guns or Best Tactical Pens if that’s your thing.
LATEST UPDATES
April 29, 2024 – Updated How We Tested and added experiences for each item.
41 Leave a Reply
As Laney mentioned back in '21, there are some great pepperball guns, or "launchers," out there. I religiously carry a Byrna launcher that's good for up to 60'. Hell of a lot safer to use in most instances and because it's not a gun, it is legal in all states.
Eric, what are your thoughts on the Kimber PepperBlaster II System?
I like the Keychain version..
Another great article. Did you happen to check out the gel sprays? I didn’t see mention of this. Several ex-police officers use the gel. Thanks
No mention of POM? Any list of OC spray that is missing at least a mention of POM is seriously flawed.
More important that OC or SCU`s is the MC number, and none of the pepper sprays you`ve listed show the MC`s. If I can`t know that, I`m not buying.
OC is OC is OC...you can't use it indoors, in a car, or anywhere else you don't want cross contamination. In my 20 year NYPD career I never once used it- neither did most other cops. It's a pain to clean up too. IMPACT is better- not OC, no respiratory distress, no cross contamination, water-based, quick easy cleanup, target-specific, safe too use ANYWHERE- ER's, Squad cars, elevators, etc. carry impact dot com. Check it out. It's all my team carries.
Please also keep in mind that not all pepper sprays can be shipped to all states. I just tried to purchase "PS Products Fox Labs 1.5 oz. Flip Top Pepper Spray" through Amazon (yes, it's there), but immediately saw msg that it could not be shipped to my NYC address (I don't have another address, so I guess I won't be buying that). Every day I find myself wanting to leave New York more and more (but that's another story)
Is it true that using pepper spray is a 1-and-done? That is, we get only one use out of it?
I see this is late for your post, but the answer is generally no. It really depends on the specific product you buy and how you use it. If it has 30 seconds worth of spray capability and you use it all at once, then, of course, it's gone. If you use that same 30 seconds, 5 seconds at a shot, then you can use it 6 times. The trouble with the larger quantities is not knowing how much is left if you've already use "some" of it. I'd recommend getting three of the smaller ones (if that size suits your objectives). Find a safe place and practice with the first one till it's gone and discard it. Carry the second one. In the event you use any of the second one in a real event, find a safe place and practice with what's left in that canister. After that, carry the third one and order a new spare. If they're about to expire, order a new one(s) and use the old ones for practice (or to teach a loved one).
I use the KIMBER Pepper Blaster. It is AWESOME!
In your considerations section you should cover legalities. Looks like pepper spray is legal in all US states, but some are permitted with restrictions. Always worth knowing your local laws... moreso with something that can be on a keychain and carried into another state without much thought.
POM?
The fact Pom wasn’t included makes me question the review
Hello! It would be great if you'd also review the pepperball guns!
I've used Saber Red 3-1 twice now on aggressive baddies both times with sissy comically effective results. But recently switched to DPS Black label. It's also a 3 in 1 but has more of the active ingredients and a longer range. Having tested it side by side with 3-1 on both myself and a buddy I'm positive it'll work as well and likely better than the old Saber Red 3-1
I have used the fox 3oz. Real life emergency in Florida, i came face to face with an extremely large black bear that began to charge, whether a false charge or real charge i don’t know, but one shot of the Fox stream stopped the bear dead an sent it running. The Fox spray was a stream pattern. The bear was sprayed from about 7 feet.
Another reason to carry a spray in addition to a handgun is to show you tried to use nonlethal means before going lethal.
I carry "snake rounds" for this same reason... the clear blue tipped micro BBs from CCI. I keep one in the chamber with hollow points in the mag. Whether human or animal, as long as you don't shoot them in the eye they're non-lethal but sting like a bi*** and also go "boom" which has the "OMG he just shot me... he's serious" effect. If that's not enough of a deterrent, the next round or two should do the job. I'm sure Massad Ayoob would disagree with my logic, but then again he doesn't carry pepper spray.
You can get yourself in legal trouble for shooting a dog even if it is on your private property in some jurisdictions. Even if it is attacking you. So, pepper spray may be a better choice anyway if it will get the job done. Maybe try pepper spray first, then the gun.
I just had to use the Pom brand of spray. It is useless. The spray is a short distance (3ft) with spatter that drifts back onto you. 2 cans of the stuff did not phase 2 dogs at point blank range. Also, not much in a can.
The drift had little effect on me.
The container is nice on the Pom since it has a flip top safety and a clip for pocket carry. But it is useless crap inside. Do remember, I tested 2 cans, so it was not just a fluke.
I'm surprised you didn't review Mace Brand. They were the originals and invented Pepper Gel.
mark: This article didn't review the great majority of pepper and OC spray available and for good reason. As the article states in its title, it's about the best available, not all that's available. As for your Mace brand, well, there's good reason(s) why it's not listed.
Hello,
I have a daughter that is in a wheelchair and has some limitation with fine motor skills. Which produce is the easiest, safest to use taking this into consideration.
She is attending college and I do not think she will have time to get into her backpack, find the spray and target a person. She will also have to stop her wheelchair both both hands on the wheels.
Thank you for your input.
ah man, gimme the hose... LOL! that one video had me cracking up.... and remember kids, dont try this at home we're professionals.
I have always wondered about the effectiveness of those 12 gauge pepper blast rounds. anyone have any firsthand experience and/or recipes for hand loads if they are any good? my purpose is for stray dogs tearing up my trash... dont really want to shoot a dog with real bullets just for being a dog.
Not sure if we are taking about the same ones but I tried one that was a 12g pepper round containing an orange powdered pepper and was less than impressed. The powder being ultra light weight came out of the barrel and back on me like it had hit a wall. Covering me in the product but barely touching my target 15-20ft away. End result I'm dying as my buddy who was the test target is laughing his tush off uneffected...
You should have mentioned the Kimber Pepper blaster is illegal in California and many other states
We need to do some things for ourselves.
A Quote from the article, "However, pepper sprays are not allowed in all places, so check your local laws before attempting to purchase one."
Great write up for those unfortunate enough to live in non-permissive carry states, and times the rest of us need to go unarmed.. I know very little about pepper spray, this was informative.
How do self defense/assault laws vary between handguns and pepper spray? Is there a lower required standard for use? I’m pretty sure in my state, if one were to shoot a charging dog, it might be non-legit self defense, until it had actually bitten a human. Is pepper spray different since it’s not a deadly weapon? (Asking in relation to the incident you described; glad you and your dog are okay.)
It is quite obvious that you have no real world experience with these defensive sprays. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience I have very often used all three types of sprays, i.e. CN, CS and OC..
In your article you said after spraying someone give it a moment to work. Sprays do not work "in a moment". You article is very misleading as to just how effective OC sprays are. You didn't even mention what to look for when considering which spray to buy., i.e. active ingredients, what type of irritant is being employed, etc.
The basics of using OC defensive products is not to spray someone and merely stand there waiting for it to take effect. It often takes several minutes for the effects of the spray to take effect on your target. Many, many times I have employed OC spray which had no debilitating effect to the subject. And yes, the spray used was top of the line brands, and a sufficient quantity of irritant was delivered to the proper target (the subjects face). In your article what instructions, other then wait a moment after spraying, did you provide? None. Start making as much noise as you can, spray, break contact by moving off line and run.
Would you mind giving instructive information regarding what you feel was left out (e.g. what to look for in a spray and defensive tactics for before, during, and after its use?)?
I’m honestly curious, as I found the article interesting but also have little experience with pepper sprays.
Join the discussion...OC is classified by both its strength and its concentration. The strength (heat) of the peppers used to make OC is graded using Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). The hottest peppers cause the most dramatic effects on the people being sprayed. SHUs range in numbers from 500,000 to 5.3 million. In general you will want a rating of at least one million SHUs for optimal effects. OC concentration is also listed on many products. The concentration of the product determines how long the effects will last, with the higher concentrations yielding effects over a longer time period. Commercial concentrations normally vary from 1% to 20%. Purchase a spray that has at least a 5% concentration. That will insure that the chemical will affect your attacker for at least 30 minutes. Some manufacturers also label their products by “Total Capsaicinoids”. That is a mathematical expression of the Scoville Heat Units multiplied by the percentage of OC in the can. The highest numbers commonly seen in this measurement are around 1.25%. A good general guideline is to make sure your spray is at least .5% total capsaicinoids if it is a pure OC product (there are some effective products available with lower concentrations, but most mix the OC with another chemical irritant or dye). If the chemical irritant you are considering for purchase does not list either the concentration, heat rating, or total capsaicinoid concentration you should not purchase it. The product may be very good, but unless you plan on spraying yourself before carrying it, you will never be sure how effective it is. If you have any doubt about your spray’s strength, spray a small amount onto a cloth and wipe it on your skin. You should feel a burning sensation within about 10 seconds. I personally recommend Fox, Aerko, Bodyguard, Sabre Red, and Counter Assault brand OC sprays. I’ve been exposed to each of these brands and can attest to their effectiveness.
Even more important than all of the other items previously discussed is the proper use of the chemical you are carrying. The best chemical and spray pattern in the world will not help you if your attacker takes it away or even worse, uses it against you. Be able to get to your spray quickly! Too many people keep their sprays in their purse or on their key rings where they are virtually inaccessible. Try a little test right now. Grab your spray, disengage the safety if it has one, and prepare it for use. How long did it take you to perform those operations? If it took longer than two seconds, your spray is likely to be of little use to you in an actual attack. If you are able to get to your spray in an attack situation, do not announce to the attacker that you are going to spray him. He should not know you have the spray until his eyes slam shut and he can no longer breathe.
. Target your attacker’s face with short bursts of spray lasting one to two seconds. Once your attacker’s face is covered, stop spraying! More spray is not more effective. In fact, more spray only washes away the active ingredients from the face, increasing the amount of time it takes for the spray to take effect. Holding your canister like this will lead to better accuracy and retention After spraying don’t stand around and admire your handiwork! Use the spray as a distraction in order to make your escape. Get away as soon as it is safe to do so. Have a backup plan. While chemical sprays are effective most of the time, sometimes they just don’t work. Sometimes they take a considerable time to put your attacker down. Be prepared for the spray to be ineffective. Consider other weapons options or be ready to fight with your hands and feet. If the spray is not working after a reasonable time period (five seconds or so) throw the can far away so that the attacker cannot gain control of it and use it against you.
THANK YOU! GREAT INFORMATION...LOOKS LIKE YOU KNOW MORE THAN THE PERSON WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE! I LEARNED MORE FROM YOU THAN FROM THE ARTICLE IT SELF! GOOD WORK
Thank you -greatly appreciated
Thank you for sharing, very informative and helpful information, thanks so much!
I don't know if you'll see this response, as your post was more than 5 yrs ago, and I know this isn't a forum for discussing tear gas, but what's your opinion on whether pepper spray will more effectively incapacitate an attacker than tear gas would?
I know that people will laugh at this question, but it's pressing on my mind... I've seen products on the internet that say "gel", as opposed to spray or foam. In my mind, a gel would have to be applied very close up to the attacker, which could heighten the danger. Has anyone here used a pepper "gel" ? I picture a spray as something that can be used at a distance, but a gel seems like it would have to be right in front of something.
Thank you for your pepper spray information..I have some extensive experience with OC spray among others as a retired State Law Enforcement Officer. I have also provided all my girls with a personal supply for their protection. Let me share a funny story. One day we were sent out on a complaint to a nuclear power plant and when we arrived we found that a raccoon had parked itself on a stairway and wouldn't let the workers approach. We caught the raccoon on a catch pole and proceeded to relocate it some miles down the road. After picking the location I released the raccoon on the ground from standing in the cargo bed however my partner exiting the vehicle left the drivers door open and once released the raccoon headed right for the open door. It was quick but I knew if the raccoon got into the truck we would have a hard time getting him out. We carried a large canister of OC spary so I gave him a good spray and after rubbing his eyes he took off. Pepper spray is a good non lethal form of defense and it also works humanely on animals when needed. Thanks.
That seems like a great use of pepper spray. Aggressive animals seems ideal, because they are acting on instinct. Not sure where one would apply it in daily civilian contacts with a human aggressor though.
I carry essentially all the time, and if someone behaves in a threatening manner to the point I feel the need to employ a weapon, I’d go for my sidearm in 99% of cases.
I’m curious if there’s a lower legal standard for justified pepper spray (and taser) use than for firearm/knife self defense. I know with the latter it’s “imminent threat of death or severe bodily injury” (in most states that I’m aware of).
Connor H: Yes, there's a lower standard of self defense for pepper spray than for firearm/knife self defense...of course. It's considered non-lethal and, so, can be used in all legitimate instances of non-lethal self defense.