Pepper guns offer a non-lethal way to keep yourself safe in potentially dangerous situations. These weapons fire multiple shots of an irritant that can temporarily blind an attacker or potential one from a distance, which may make it easier to escape and notify authorities about the situation. They’re also often less expensive than firearms and are more widely legal to carry in places that would not permit carrying a traditional weapon.
Most people think of a Pepper Gun as a type of gun that uses a projectile to spray an attacker with an irritating chemical — typically oleoresin capsicum (OC). While some pepper sprays come in the form of a liquid formula, many use solid projectsiles that explode upon contact with skin or clothing, releasing a cloud of OC. These projectiles can be shaped in a variety of ways, including as spheres or, more commonly, bullet-like projectiles. Many pepper-spray guns use a cartridge that holds an inert dummy payload, so users can practice aiming the device before using it for protection.
The major advantage of a pepper gun over a traditional can of spray is range and accuracy. The larger size of a pepper spray gun allows the user to fire multiple rounds of OC at an attacker from a greater distance than a standard can can. Depending on the model, a pepper gun can have up to a 60-foot range. This provides a safer distance between the user and the threat, as well as more time to evaluate the situation before engaging.
Another benefit of a pepper gun is its ease of operation and safety features. Most models use a flip-top safety that locks in place to prevent accidental activation, which is more convenient and safe than a spray can with a side-activating switch that can get jostled around in your pocket or bag.
If you’re interested in buying a pepper gun, consider one that comes with laser sight attachments for enhanced targeting and accuracy. A laser sight is especially useful for aiming in tight spaces, like behind a corner or piece of furniture that might block your view of the target, or for navigating tricky outdoor terrain. Many models of pepper spray guns also come with a spare magazine and a set of practice projectiles to give the buyer an opportunity to become familiar with the device and learn how to aim it before it’s needed in a real-world self defense scenario.
When considering which product to purchase for your personal self-defense, a pepper gun is often the best option. Aside from being more accurate than a standard can of spray, a pepper gun is typically cheaper and more easily transportable and legal to carry in most states. However, it’s important to remember that no self-defense tool is 100% effective and a gun should not be the only method you rely on for your protection. Even if you have a pepper gun, it’s still important to know how to react in a potentially dangerous situation and never put yourself in danger in the first place.