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Introduction 1.

History

2.

Different Types Of Sprays

3.

Scoville Heat Units

4.

Selecting A Defense Spray

5.

Legalities

6.

Security Awareness

7.

When To Take Action

8.

Targeting

9.

Multiple Attackers

10.

Conclusion

11.

Buyers Guide

12.

About The Author

Introduction “Defense sprays” are aerosol sprays that employ a chemical agent Which used against an assailant causes a severe, painful reaction. In the last two decades non-lethal chemical defense weapons have seen an everincreasing role in the law enforcement community as agencies look for better and more effective means to control violent individuals and to quickly disburse civil disturbances. In recent years they have also seen increased sales in the civilian market where they are often sold as “impulse” items, and are used by thousands of people each year to lawfully defend themselves against violent attack. They are widely available from numerous manufactures and vary greatly in chemical composition, effectiveness and price. By choosing to carry a chemical defense spray you are making a statement that says, “I refuse to be a victim, I am willing to take responsibility for my own safety and I am prepared to defend myself.” With this decision comes a certain amount of responsibility. Pepper spray, MACE and other defense sprays are weapons and should be treated as such giving them the respect that you would give any dangerous weapon. If handled carelessly or used in an inappropriate manner these products can cause serious physical harm to the user and/or bystanders. No defense spray is 100% effective against all attacks; it is therefore recommended that the reader employ them in conjunction with additional self-defense training. In this ebook we will examine the history and development of these defensive (and sometimes offensive) weapons as well as the differences between them and how they can most effectively be used.

A little history There are three main chemical compounds that are the basis for nearly all defense sprays available today: CN (Tear Gas), CS (Orthochlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) and, OC (Oleoresin Capsicum). Most commercially produced sprays contain at least one, but sometimes combinations of these as well as other additives such as UV (Ultra Violet) dye. CN (Tear Gas) CN is the active ingredient of Chemical Mace. First developed by German scientists in 1877, CN was not widely used as a weapon until years later. CN works as an irritant and causes severe tearing of the eyes with extreme photophobia (sensitivity to light) and a burning sensation on exposed skin. Side effects can also include acute dermatitis and second-degree chemical burn. Through the 20’s and 30’s law enforcement agencies in many countries began to use it with great success for crowd control and civil disorders. In the 60’s and 70’s American police departments began to adopt the use of “Chemical Mace”∗ a solution of CN in liquid suspension with an aerosol propellant. Mace was not widely available to the general public at the time in fact, the manufactures failed to realize it’s potential as a civilian self-defense product. Although potent, Mace was not without its shortcomings. Because its effectiveness is based on pain compliance, it tends to have little or no effect on persons under the influence of desensitizing narcotics or alcohol. It also has no effect on animals because of their under developed tear duct. These days CN is not usually found in the US but it may still be used in military applications. Decontamination of CN requires a soda ash solution or alcoholic caustic soda. An individual subjected to CN should be taken out into the fresh air; he should not rub his face or eyes and should immediately proceed to wash his eyes and face. Most soap contains oil and should not be used to wash the area. Oil traps CN in the skin and can cause a severe rash or burn. Persons aiding CN exposed individuals should exercise caution as secondary contamination can occur upon contact. Also, affected clothing should be changed.

∗Mace is the brand name for a specific product containing CN, and should not be used as a generic term for all defense sprays.

CS (Orthochlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) CS was first developed in 1956 by CBW laboratory of Great Britain as a riot control agent. By the 1960’s it began to see military use by the U.S. army. CS is an irritant and like CN, causes burning of the eyes as well as irritation of the skin and distress to the respiratory system (pulmonary edema). CS will also affect the mucous membranes and cause severe vomiting. Persons under the influence of narcotics or alcohol will not be greatly affected. CS is found in some commercially available defense sprays usually mixed with OC (Oleoresin Capsicum). Police, military units and SWAT teams commonly use CS grenades. Decontamination of CS requires an alkaline solution. Typically a solution of water and 5% sodium bisulfate is used. Cleanup and decontamination can be problematic because of the fact that CS has a tendency to stick to everything it comes in contact with. This poses a greater risk of secondary contamination. Although not as toxic as CN, CS can still cause damage to skin if the exposed area is left untreated.

OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) In the 1980’s law enforcement agencies realized a growing need for less toxic, more effective non-lethal chemical weapons. Although no one is actually sure who first developed OC, several companies began to market products based on this technology. Oleoresin is the highly concentrated extract of processed chili peppers (Capsicums). It is an alkaloid, and is the active ingredient in nearly all modern defense sprays. Unlike CN and CS, which are irritants, OC is an inflammatory agent affecting the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and, lungs. It causes dilation of the capillaries in the eyes causing temporary loss of vision. When inhaled, it inflames bronchial tissues causing respiratory distress. Because of its nature, OC is effective against persons under the influence of narcotics and alcohol and also on animals. Despite its potent stopping power OC is non-toxic and has no lasting side effects. Because of its great effectiveness and low instance of acute negative reaction, OC is has become the most widely used chemical agent in the production of aerosol defense sprays. Decontamination procedures for OC vary depending on the severity of exposure. Suggested decontamination procedures include; moving the affected person to fresh air and flushing exposed skin with water. There are also commercially available decontaminant solutions such as SUDECON™ by FOX Laboratories and BIO-SHIELD™. These products are basically a mixture of water, sugar and, baby shampoo. They work by neutralizing acids and flushing away the capsaicin oil. Note: You should never use soaps or lotions on OC exposed persons because they tend to trap capsaicin in the skin and prolong discomfort.

Different types of sprays Now that we have examined some of the history behind the development of chemical weapons, let’s take a closer look at some of the products on the market and their differences. Spray patterns The “Spray pattern” is the shape of the spray jet when it leaves the nozzle end of the weapon. There are four spray patterns found in commercial defense sprays. Each specialized pattern is designed to suit a specific purpose and has advantages as well as disadvantages. Therefore, the merits of each must be weighed comparatively according to their applications.

Stream The “stream” pattern is exactly what it sounds like, a heavy pressurized stream. This pattern is widely used within the law enforcement community and security industry because it gives almost pinpoint accuracy and is therefore much less likely to affect bystanders. Because of its straight shooting stream, this pattern typically gives the farthest range. Some high-pressure units are able to hit targets up to 25 feet away. One disadvantage of this type of spray is that the narrow stream requires precise aiming. Because of this it can be difficult for inexperienced users to achieve high levels of accuracy. Another disadvantage of the stream is that it can be blocked by eyeglasses or even with an upraised hand. Despite these negatives, a defense spray that uses the heavy stream pattern is the best choice when high accuracy and long range are needed.

Fog Fog or “Fogger” pattern units when activated emit a thick cloud of chemical that will affect anyone in the vicinity. For this reason they are well suited for multiple attackers. Because of their cloudy, nature they are easily inhaled by assailants and cause immediate respiratory distress. On the down side, foggers don’t afford great accuracy and tend to drift in the air so bystanders may be affected. They are also prone to “Blowback” which occurs when a wind or a strong draft cause the defense spray to blow back on to the user. Foggers are not recommended for use in confined areas such as vehicles or elevators because they can quickly fill these enclosed areas and incapacitate the user.

Cone The cone pattern (also known as the “forced cone” pattern) falls somewhere between the stream and fog pattern. The cone is so named because its shape describes an inverted cone being very narrow at its point of origin and growing wider as distance increases. Its consistency, which is like a heavy mist, gives this pattern greater range than a fog with a reduced chance of blowback. Another feature is its wide area coverage, which makes it much more forgiving in the accuracy department. It can also be used effectively against multiple attackers. For general use the cone pattern is highly recommended.

Foam Foam (or pepper foam) products are fairly new to the world of defense sprays. These unique sprays fire a high-pressure stream of thick foam, which sticks to anything (or anyone) it comes into contact with. When an aggressor tries to wipe the foam off, the chemical agent is ground deeper into the pores of the skin. Like stream pattern units, they offer superb accuracy and great range. Because of their foam base there is almost no chance of blowback and effects to bystanders are greatly reduced. Foam units are ideal for indoor use and can also be used in vehicles and confined areas.

OC foam sticks to the face of this test manikin

The following chart compares the characteristics of four common spray patterns.

SPRAY PATTERN COMPARISON CHART

Does not require precision aiming Offers extended range Better accuracy Can't be easily blocked Less risk to bystanders Affects respiratory system Effective on multiple attackers

Stream

Fog

Cone

Foam

How hot is hot? The Scoville scale The “Heat” of OC based pepper sprays are measured using a system commonly known as the Scoville Heat Scale. The scale is named for its inventor Pharmacist Wilbur Scoville who first developed it in 1912. Used mainly by the medical and pharmaceutical industry, the Scoville scale is the U.S. standard for measuring chemical “heat”. The scale works like this; all peppers are assigned a rating in “Scoville Heat Units” or SHU, 15 Scoville units = one part per million so, the hotter the pepper, the higher the number. For example Bell peppers have a SHU rating of 0 while Jalapenos are rated at 2500 – 8000 and Habaneros, the hottest of all peppers have a rating of 100,000 – 325,000 SHU.

Common items and their Scoville ratings Sweet Bell 0 Pepper Sports Rub 100 - 500 Pepperocini 100 - 500 Anaheim 500 - 2500 Jalapeno 2500 - 8000 Serrano 8000 - 22,000 Tabasco Sauce 30,000 - 50,000 Cayenne 30,000 - 50,000 Habanero 100,000 - 325,000

Because the active ingredient in OC sprays is derived from hot peppers we use the same scale but with much higher ratings. OC, if you recall is the industrial product derived from processing raw peppers. It is many times more concentrated than capsaicinoids found naturally and can, in its purest form have a rating of as much as 16,000,000 SHU!

So, why do some pepper sprays claim a 2,000,000 SHU rating with a 15% OC formula while another may claim 3,000,000 with only a 10% formula? Simple, remember the old saying “Garbage in, garbage out” well, the same is true of defense sprays. You see, it all starts with the peppers used to produce the “batch” of OC. If poor quality peppers or peppers with a low SHU rating were used, the resulting OC concentration will be lower. This will require that a higher percentage be used in the final product to achieve the desired SHU rating. On the other hand if high quality peppers and process are used the result will be a higher SHU with a lower percentage. It is quite possible to achieve a SHU as high as 5,000,000 with as little as a 5% formula. The key here is to look at the SHU and not the percentage if there is no SHU rating listed, don’t buy it.

How old is your spray? Keep in mind, Pepper Spray, like any food-based product is perishable. Although some manufactures won’t tell you this, when OC spray gets old it looses its potency. All brands have a shelf life of between 2 and 5 years but it is probably best to replace old units annually. Be sure that you are buying fresh, new production units by looking at the expiration date usually found on the side of the unit or on the package. If there is no date listed on the unit, don’t buy it.

Selecting a defense spray Now that you know a little more about the common types of sprays and some of their characteristics, you will be better able to make an informed decision when purchasing one. Before selecting a defense spray for personal use there are still a few things to consider.

Choose the right carry method. Will the unit be carried? If so, you should give some thought as to how will you carry it. Larger 2oz and 4oz law enforcement size units are better suited to belt, backpack or purse carry and special nylon or leather holsters can be purchased for them. Large size models also lend themselves well to mounting in vehicles, next to doors in the home or under countertops in your place of business. Mounting can easily be accomplished by means of brackets or Velcro®. The larger the spray unit the harder it is to conceal Medium to smaller 1½ to 2oz sized sprays carry and conceal well in a coat pocket or handbag. Key chain sized units are very popular because people rarely go anywhere without taking their keys along. These keychain sprays also offer the advantage of being in-hand when approaching your car or front door at night. Even with their smaller capacity these small 1 to 1½ sprays can still be very effective against an attacker. Whichever method of carry you choose, remember that your spray should be easy to access. It won’t do you any good if you have to dig for it in the bottom of a purse or pack. You should practice drawing and aiming your spray until it is second nature. Rehearse in your mind how you will react in an assault situation. Having a plan in place before hand can make all the difference in the between succumbing to violent attack and escaping with your life. There is no substitute for practice and training. Knowing how to use your spray before you have to use it for real could turn the tables in your favor.

There is a new market trend in sprays that are made to appear as everyday objects like pens and pagers. The unique nature of these weapons allows them to be “hidden” in plain sight. These defense sprays in disguise offer the ultimate in covert carry.

There are some excellent training units available that allow you to simulate firing your defense spray. These inert training units are identical to real pepper sprays but they contain only propellant and no OC. Trainers are ideal for learning how to target your spray and they are great for training with a partner. (Note: Even though inert training units contain no OC, the propellant may cause mild eye irritation so, if practicing with a partner appropriate eye protection should be used.) Purchasing a trainer (or two) with your defense spray would be a wise investment. FOX Labs “Five Point Three” Law enforcement OC spray with matching trainer.

Practicing scenarios with a partner Photo courtesy of CENTERLINE GYM

Choose the right spray pattern. If you are choosing a spray for general use/everyday carry, you will probably want to lean towards the cone pattern. If you are an outdoors type and spend a considerable amount of time pursuing those activities you may want to consider the stream pattern. Remember when we compared the different spray types? Well, now is the time to apply that knowledge. It is important to choose a spray that fits your lifestyle. For instance, an avid hiker or someone who works outdoors would choose a different spray pattern than someone who works in an office or spends a great deal of time in a vehicle. Depending on your daily activities and the level of protection you desire you may need to purchase more than one type of spray. Choose the right formulation. As we noted earlier, pepper spray comes in a variety of formulations and strengths. You can typically find pure OC sprays as well as combination formulas such as OC+CS or OC+UV dye∗ or even OC+CS+UV. OC content varies from brand to brand but some typical strengths are 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 15%. Whatever formula or OC percentage you choose, just be sure that the unit rates at least 2,000,000 SHU. Remember: Hotter is better.

∗(UV dye can be used by police to identify an attacker after an assault has occurred.)

Legalities Defense sprays are legal to own and carry in most states but are restricted in some. STATES WHERE PEPPER SPRAY IS RESTRICTED NEW YORK - New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state so, no Internet orders. MASSACHUSETTS - Massachusetts’s residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state. HAWAII – Law Enforcement Only

DC – Law Enforcement Only STATES THAT HAVE SOME CONDITIONS MICHIGAN - OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger then a 2% concentrate. CS is the only Tear Gas accepted and can be no larger then 35 grams per can. No combination spray allowed. WISCONSIN - Pepper only. No Tear gas, or UV Dye or combination sprays. OC can be no stronger then a 10% solution. The container must be between 15-60 grams only. All sprays must have safety feature. You cannot carry a defense spray on any commercial airline, in any courtroom or any other place that specifically forbids the carrying of concealed weapons. Many college campuses have rules restricting possession of weapons. With regards to airlines, the FAA recently changed its policy regarding pepper sprays and will now allow you to pack one spray unit in your checked baggage with the following conditions (from the FAA website) “One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.” In addition to these restrictions there may also be local ordinances and regulations. It is therefore strongly recommended that you check with your city and/or county before you decide to purchase or carry any self-defense spray.

Misuse of defense sprays It is a felony to use pepper spray or tear gas in the commission of a crime, Use of a defense spray EXCEPT in self-defense, can be a felony. (California Penal Code Section 12403.7 (a) (8)) The local District Attorney has the discretion to file misdemeanor or felony charges. Use of any defense spray against a peace officer engaged in official duties is a felony. The following are possible sanctions for misuse: •

Up to three years in state prison; or

•

Up to one year in county jail; or

•

Fine up to $1,000; or

•

Both fine and imprisonment.

Also, before you travel with a defense spray always check the laws at your destination. A defense spray that is perfectly legal to carry where you live may be a felony somewhere else!

Security Awareness Assaults, rapes and robberies may seem like random occurrences but in fact, most attackers choose their victims very carefully here’s why; an attacker wants to give himself the biggest advantage he can get over his victim. Consider this. Whom do you think is more likely to be victimized? A. The six 6’ 4”, 260-pound body builder leaving the gym? Or B. The 5’ 3” 120 pound secretary leaving an empty office building? This is not to say that men do not get mugged or assaulted (statistics show that they certainly do). But, rather to point out that most of these criminal predators are of the cowardly sort and given the choice will always pick the weaker victim. We can all be distracted at times, especially when out with friends or family. When leaving a party or an event (concert, sports event, etc.) it’s easy to be caught up in the moment and loose sight of the bigger picture going on around us. In today’s violent world it is important for us to have a keen awareness of our surroundings. In military training this is known as situational awareness and it is the cornerstone of battlefield tactics. Military manual FM 44-44∗ defines situational awareness as “the ability to picture oneself in relation to the enemy, the terrain, and the environment of the battlefield.” What does a military battlefield have to do with civilian self-defense? On the street, like on the battlefield, seeing your enemy before he sees you can be the difference going home or going to the morgue. The criminal predator is counting on us being distracted and unaware of his impending attack. Author Doug Lamb in his book Tactical Use of Defense Sprays ∗∗ Coined the term “Security Awareness.” Mr. Lamb, in his book tells us: “Developing security awareness is nothing more than learning to focus on our safety at those times when we are even slightly vulnerable.” You must develop your security awareness until it is second nature for you to assess your situation and surroundings. This is even more important at those times when you are alone or isolated in a remote area such as when jogging or traveling. Much of security awareness comes from certain amount of instinct or “gut feeling”. Have you ever had a feeling that some situation or person was just not right? That was your instinct telling you to be the alert.

When you are out and about, take note of other people in the area especially if they seem out of place or appear to be loitering. Criminals will often pose as panhandlers approaching people and asking for money or a ride. This is done to “Size up” a potential victim. The criminal, in this case is looking for a specific reaction to his request, he is looking for someone who reacts in a timid or fearful manner – someone who looks like an easy victim. A criminal may try to put his victim at ease by striking up a casual conversation or by pretending to be a victim himself. He may claim to have a problem with his vehicle or to have run out of gas and need a ride to a service station. In this situation it is best to not give rides to strangers. Instead, offer to call a tow truck or police at your next stop. ∗(Avenger Platoon, Section and Squad Operations, 10/3/ 95) ∗∗( 1993 Security Publishing Company; Salem, Oregon)

When to take action How do you know when to use your defense spray? Violent confrontations all have a point at which they become violent. This point may or may not be obvious. In the case of a physical assault, things may escalate very quickly to violence with little or no warning. In other cases such as arguments or contact with a belligerent person, things may escalate slowly in a more predictable manner. Physical assault is defined as any threat or use of force, if the person meant to do it and you do not freely agree to it, ranging from touching, slapping, punching, kicking or pushing. It can also be the impending or implied threat of any of the above. Each situation is different and it is up to you to judge when to defend yourself. Here is a good rule of thumb: You are justified in defending yourself the moment to feel that you are about to come to physical harm or the moment that a threat of violence is made or implied. What constitutes a threat? While someone screaming ‘I’ll kill you!’ is certainly a threat, a threat does not have to be verbal. a threat can also be a menacing gesture such as cocking a fist or assuming a fighting stance. The later is known as an implied threat. All such threats should be taken very seriously. In the case of implied threat, you cannot wait to find out if the person is bluffing or not. You must retaliate quickly and decisively to de-escalate the situation and/or neutralize the threat. If a situation escalates to the point that you must defend yourself by using your defense spray, the following points may help turn the odds in your favor. The element of surprise The predatory criminal is hoping to take his victim by surprise. Little does he know of the surprise that you have in store for him! When carrying defense spray in a coat pocket you have the advantage of being able to have your hand in the pocket and on the spray itself – ready to draw. For some people this simple action of having a hand on the concealed spray provides a tremendous feeling of confidence. This confidence alone may make you a less desirable target to an opportunistic criminal.

Key chain type units offer an even greater advantage since you can have them in hand and ready to fire in a split second. These covert carry methods can be employed almost anywhere without drawing any attention to your weapon.

Key chain units in assorted colors

This tiny unit easily conceals in the palm

Targeting Before you fire your spray, be sure your attacker is in range. Even though some defense sprays have an extended range, you should try to fire from the closest range possible. This will improve your aim and help to ensure that your attacker receives the highest possible exposure. Hold your spray in your strong hand. Keep your non-shooting hand stretched out in front of you with your palm facing your assailant. This will help to create a buffer zone between the two of you. Remember to keep your shooting hand back and close to you. Don’t give your assailant the chance to grab or divert your weapon. When you fire, always target an assailant’s face. OC and other defense spray formulations will be most effective when sprayed directly into the eyes, nose and mouth. Attract attention When you fire, shout as loudly as you can ‘STOP!’, ‘HELP!’ or better yet, ‘POLICE!’ This not only creates a distraction to disorient your attacker but it also attracts attention to your situation, which is exactly what you attacker doesn’t want. A loud shout can also help you focus your energy in much the same way it is done in the martial arts. Hit and run Immediately after you spray your attacker don’t wait around. Quickly back up in the opposite direction if you can but definitely try to get out of the area as quickly as possible. Keep your eye on him and be ready to fire again if necessary. Never attempt to hold an attacker until the police arrive and never touch an incapacitated attacker after you have sprayed him or you may become contaminated as well. When you are well out of the area and feel relatively safe, call police and notify them of the attack also, let them know if you require medical attention.

Multiple attackers Although entire volumes have been written on the finer points of dealing with multiple assailants, we will not go into too much detail about it in this book. Instead we will touch on a few key points. When dealing with multiple attackers use the steps outlined in the last section but spray in a back-and-forth or “figure eight” pattern. Remember to keep moving. Try to move so that you line up your attackers one in front of the other. By lining up or “Stacking” your attackers you only have to deal with one at a time. This tactic may also cause them to get in each others way or trip over each other. Don’t let yourself get surrounded. If it appears that your attackers are moving in to surround you, fire your spray while turning in a 360° arc. As soon as they turn away or recoil from the spray, make a break for it. If you do find yourself surrounded by three or more assailants, you will have to summon you strength and courage and break through their line of attack. If there is no opening to break through you must create the opening by targeting a single assailant (preferably the closest one to you) with your spray and letting him have it. As soon as your spray finds its mark (his face) plow through him like a football player heading for the end zone. Every situation is different and will present different challenges. The best way to prepare for multiple attackers is to train with several partners. You can each take turns being the defender while the others “attack”. This way, each person can get a feel for the type of movement and tactics that are required to evade such attacks.

Conclusion While no single book or video can provide solutions for every possible scenario, it is hoped that the information found within this publication will act as a guide to help the reader make an informed decision regarding the purchase and use of defense sprays. As stated earlier in this book, there is no substitute for practice and training. You can have the best spray money can buy and have read every book available on the subject of defense sprays. But it will all be for nothing if you have not prepared yourself mentally and physically to deal with a violent encounter. Your mental preparation includes developing a heightened sense of awareness coupled with an attitude of confidence and a strong survival instinct. Your Physical preparation consists of applying the lessons learned in this book in conjunction with practical real world training. It is strongly recommended that you seek further training from a qualified instructor in your area.

2003 Buyers Guide While there are hundreds of similar products available, it is not the publishers intention to list them all. The following listings represent products that the author evaluated during the course of researching this book. The prices listed are average prices and may vary depending on the vendor.

Brand

FOX Laboratories

Product

"Five Point Three"

Size

2oz

OC%

2%

SHU

5,300,000 SHU

Price

$16.95

At 5,300,000 SHU it is the hottest OC Spray available. Used by police and security worldwide. Available in fog or stream.

Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price

FOX Laboratories "Five Point Three" 4oz 2% 5,300,000 $18.95

At 5,300,000 SHU it is the hottest OC Spray available. Used by police and security worldwide. Available in fog or stream.

Rating Brand

FOX Laboratories

Product

OC Foam Plus UV dye

Size

2oz

OC%

5%

SHU

2,300,000

Price

$15.99

Premium OC foam, 2,300,000 SHU 2% solution makes it Michigan compliant. Available with flip top safety or "cop top" police model.

Rating Brand Product

FOX Laboratories Inert Training Unit

Size

2oz

OC%

0%

SHU

0

Price

$15.95

Rating

Identical to "live" units - contains no OC, only propellant. Used for training by police and security worldwide. Available in stream only.

Brand Product

MACE Pepper Gard

Size

11g

OC%

10%

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$14.95

10% solution from a well respected manufacturer. Unit has flip top safety and keychain. Also available in a larger 18g size.

Rating Brand Product Size

MACE Triple Action

OC%

11g 3% OC+CS+UV dye

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$15.95

3% percent solution complies with Wisconsin law Compact size. OC plus tear gas and UV dye. Also available in a larger 18g size.

Rating Brand Product

MACE Pepper Foam

Size

67g

OC%

10%

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$19.95

High quality OC foam In MK3 size canister Flip top safety helps prevent accidental discharge. Also available in MK4 size canister.

Rating Brand Product

Size

MACE Pepper Foam

113g

OC%

10%

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$22.95

Rating

High quality OC foam In MK4 size canister Flip top safety helps prevent accidental discharge. Also available in MK3 size canister.

Brand Product

ASP Key Defender

Size

4g

OC%

10%

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$29.95

Durable keychain unit made from aluminum. Can be refilled with replacement inserts. Has thumb activated safety switch.

Rating Brand Product Size

ASP Palm Defender 3g

OC%

10%

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$24.99

Durable keychain unit made from aluminum. Can be refilled with replacement inserts. Has thumb activated safety switch.

Rating

Brand Product

ASP Key Defender Refill - 2 Pack

Size

4g

OC%

10%

SHU

2,000,000

Price

$10.99

Replacement inserts for ASP Key Defender.

Rating Brand Product

ASP Key Defender Refill - 2 Pack

Size

4g

OC%

10%

SHU

0

Price

$10.99

Rating

Inert training refills for ASP Key Defender. No OC A "must have" for practice and simulation.

Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price

Crime Halter Keychain Unit (Hard shell) 1/2 oz 15% 2,000,000 $6.99

Bargain priced spray of good quality. Comes with key ring and pocket clip.

Crime Halter Keychain Unit (Soft case) 1/2 oz 15% 2,000,000 $6.99

Bargain priced spray of good quality. Comes with leatherette pouch and key ring.

Crime Halter

Bargain priced spray of good quality. Unit resembles an ink pen and conceals well.

Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price

Pen Unit 1/2 oz 15% 2,000,000 $9.95

Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price Rating

Wild Fire Keychain unit 1.5oz 10% 2,000,000 6.99

Another budget priced OC spray very popular – good reputation. Integral hard case and key ring.

Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price

First Defense MK3 1.5oz 10% 3,000,000 $15.95

Law enforcement grade rated at 5,300,000 SHU. Popular with police and security. Available in fog or stream.

Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price

First Defense MK4 4oz 10% 3,000,000 $16.49

Law enforcement grade rated at 5,300,000 SHU. Popular with police and security. Available in fog or stream.

Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price

First Defense Inert Training Unit 1.5oz 0% 0 $12.25

Identical to "live" units - contains no OC, only propellant. Used for training by police and security worldwide. Available in fog or stream.

Rating Brand Product Size OC% SHU Price Rating

Pepper Pager Pepper Pager 1/2 oz X2 10% 2,000,000 $19.95

Looks like an ordinary pager. Contains two OC canisters. Available in fog only.

About the author James Perdue is an avid self-defense enthusiast. He is the founder and administrator of SELFDEFENSEFORUMS.COM an interactive website dedicated to the discussion of self-defense. James can be contacted at: [email protected]