As a CCW holder, you probably would not be surprised to hear that I carry a firearm. I am also trained in Krav Maga. I believe everyone should have empty-handed skills. The thing that might surprise you is that I also carry pepper spray.
Should I carry pepper spray? Even if you are a CCW you should carry pepper spray. Odds are you are far more likely to find yourself in a situation that the pepper spray is the appropriate response. It may also allow you to keep out of arms reach. A standoff defense tool is almost always preferable to hand to hand. After you have administered the spray use this opportunity to escape the altercation. Call 911 to report the attack.
Why Pepper Spray?
As I stated above you are more likely to find yourself in a situation that a nonlethal response is all that’s necessary. I would rather pepper spray an aggressive drunk than break his knee or worse. When he sobers up in the morning he may not realize that he got off easy but hopefully he has learned a lesson and more importantly you have defended yourself and got on with your life.
Spray, Gel or Fogger?
Many people, myself included will use the term pepper spray to cover all handheld O.C. defense systems but there are differences. All three delivery systems are effective but each has its pros and cons. The active ingredient in all three types is Oleoresin capsicum (OC) which is derived from cayenne pepper. The difference is in the means of delivery.
Spray Until recently spray was the most common of the OC personal defense products. As its name implies when the button on the container is pressed the OC is delivered in spray or aerosol. Depending on wind conditions these will have a range of 6-12 feet. One advantage that the spray has is that being an aerosol it sprays in a bit of a plume-like stream. This makes the aim a little less important. That also leads us to a disadvantage this plume can affect people other than the intended recipient. This is also a problem in a confined space such as a car.
Gel Many companies now make Gel OC products. This was originally developed for police to better allow them to use an OC product in a crowd without blow-back on the officer or others in close proximity. The gel is sprayed in a much tighter stream. An additional advantage is that the gel will stick to the subject making it harder to wipe away. The range of these gel products is about 25 feet allowing a greater distance between the user and their assailant.
Fogger These are not generally used by the average person however there are a few products made for personal use. The canister is much larger than the personal type making foggers less easily carried on your person. The very nature of the aerosol fog emitted from these is more suited to crowd control than personal defense.
Technique
The technique used with pepper spray is fairly straight forward. The grip is important. Many people try to spay OC like they were spaying bug repellent with their index finger on the button. This style of grip makes it easy to swat the spay out of the user’s hand. The proper grip is with all four fingers wrapped around the body of the container and the button activated with the thumb.
Pepper spray will not do you any good buried in the bottom of a purse or pocket. Any time you are in a transitional space, be it a parking garage or a gas station you should have it in your hand. At least clipped on a belt or to your waistband. I am a believer in keeping your tools on you. If you were confronted while pumping gas, your pepper spray is of no use locked in your car.
Spray pattern
The target is always the face and more specifically the eyes. when using a gel or spray Oc, spray horizontally ear to ear across the eyes. If your subject is wearing glasses spray a line above the top of the glasses, the OC will make its way into the eyes. If you are using a fogger it is best to spray vertically chin to forehead. If your OC dispenser has a cone-shaped spray pattern use a circular motion. It is good practice to spray in a short 1 – 2-second burst. This is enough to be effective but will also conserve OC in case of additional attackers.
I would recommend a few practice sprays just to become familiar with how far yours will spray and get a little practice aiming. Most canisters will spray several times so one or two short practice bursts should not deplete the product. It’s not a bad idea to buy two identical sprays, one to practice with and the other kept unused for carrying.
The Effect of OC
A Short burst across the face of an attacker will have an immediate effect. The OC will swell the capillaries in the eyes causing watering and temporary blindness. Extreme coughing and mucus discharge from the nose and mouth due to a severely irritated respiratory system. This may not totally put your attacker down for the count but he should be seriously impeded. As I have stated before leaving the area if possible and call 911 to report the attack.
Is it legal
OC spray is legal in all 50 states however some states have age and other restrictions. In many states the minimum age is 18 years old. In some, you can carry it as young as 14 with written parental permission. New York City required that the canister be labeled for self-defense only. I would recommend checking local laws.
Any time that you are forced to use a self-defense spray call 911 and report the attack. This will not only get local authorities on the scene but may prevent the Cops from knocking on your door because the bad guy called and said you attack him with pepper spray.