Non Lethal Weapons – Pepper Spray And Stun Guns

Pepper Spray Or Stun Guns – a Non-Lethal Weapon Alternatives

As you read this, keep in mind that I am not stating that a stun gun or pepper spray should be an absolute alternative to a fire arm, I am saying that it is always good to have other options available when you can’t get to your firearm or when the situation presents itself that does not require lethal force.

I am a firm believer in using the correct amount of force necessary to defuse an aggressive situation, although with our police officers looking more like navy seals than Barney Fife these days, that line is getting crossed more and more.

Stun guns and pepper spray are both close contact weapons, this is why they can never take the place of a firearm, you can potentially “defuse” a situation from a distance with a firearm, but someone has to be close enough to physically injure you if you are using a stun gun or pepper spray.

Extracting yourself from a potentially violent situation is always preferred unless there is no other option. And also keep in mind that pepper spray or a stun gun will never have the value of a good firearm when it comes to protecting you and your family from a dangerous attacker.

Pepper Spray:

Pepper spray is a weapon, if you don’t believe that you probably have never been sprayed with it. Pepper spray is a pain compliance tool, although some disagree because it takes out your sight and ability to breath.

Pepper spray will not take your attacker out, but it will give you valuable time to get away from the situation. Always check the legal implications of using pepper spray in your state and city, I don’t agree with these laws but they are what they are.

Just like any weapon, you need to know how to use it. You need to know how to handle and draw the pepper spray depending on the type of pepper spray container you have. Practice using your index finger to depress the button, the more you practice the more your index finger will just fall in line with the trigger button.

Pepper spray has more of a shot gun spread than the pinpoint targeting that a rifle does, so you just need to spray the assailant in the face rather than aim for the eyes.

Tip: Try to keep it away from your eyes, make sure you are down wind. The last thing you want to do is take yourself out.

How Does It Work?

The active ingredient found in pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). The spray comes in 10% or 15%, with a heat rating of 2 million. OC is nontoxic, nonflammable, and comes from the well-known cayenne peppers. When used as a spray, OC acts as an inflammatory agent, causing immediate dilation of the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes – resulting in constricted breathing and temporary blindness. Although it doesn’t lead to death, the effects will last up to 45 minutes, and make attackers feel as if they are dying.

But keep in mind, there are certain people who aren’t going to be as affected as others by pepper spray and there are even people who might be able to take it without being too incapacitated. Some people can keep on coming after being shot with a gun so never underestimate your attacker, and never overestimate your capabilities.

Be Prepared To Get The Job Done!

People who win fights are usually the ones that are the most aggressive, never underestimate your attacker. The last thing you want to do is give them a “little taste” of pepper spray and make them angrier, if you need to use it…use it all! Empty the can and get the hell out of there. And again, know the laws about pepper spray in your area.

Container Options:

There are a variety of options available when it comes to the size and quantity you can carry with you depending on your situation. There is everything from smaller key chain pepper spray canisters to the POLICE MAGNUM 16 oz. Pistol Grip Pepper Spray we have for sale here.

You might not want to carry one of the bigger pepper spray containers in your bug out bag, but you could have one in your home or at your bug out location. A smaller one however would be a good idea as an extra insurance policy or as defense against smaller animals.

Stun Guns

Stun guns are an even closer contact weapon than pepper spray, these are involuntary compliance weapons, meaning it doesn’t matter how drunk or cracked out someone is, and it will still incapacitate them. A big downside of stun guns is that someone has to be basically within arm’s reach for you to be able to use a stun gun on them.

How Does it Work?

Stun guns basically plug into a person’s nervous system, the electricity makes the muscles contract very rapidly, but not very efficiently…if you have ever been shocked you know what I mean.

This results in energy loss and makes it difficult for them to move and function. At the same time, the neurological impulses that direct muscle movement are interrupted, which causes disorientation and loss of balance and leaves the attacker in a confused condition for several minutes. This however has no significant effect on the heart and other organs.

Stun Gun Sizes and Models.

There are a variety of types and sizes of stun guns available depending on your needs, from small hand held stun guns to stun gun batons that also serve as flashlights and a club if needed. Some of the smaller models can be carried more discreetly than the bigger baton models, but the bigger flashlight model like the Street Wise Tactical Stun Flashlight Combo we carry can be easily presented as a flashlight and when the attacker gets too close ZAPP! And if that doesn’t work, it can be used as a club as well.

Get The Job Done!

You will need at least 5 seconds of continual contact for full effectiveness, so just like pepper spray don’t just give the guy a jolt…stick it in their neck and let it rip! If you back down you are telling them you don’t have the guts to defend yourself, making you an easy target. This might sound a little harsh but if your life is in danger you need to do what it takes to diffuse the situation.

I wouldn’t suggest running towards an attacker to get into range to use the stun gun, but be ready to use it if the aggressor comes too close for comfort so to speak. And again, your best option is to extract yourself from a situation whenever possible.

On a positive note The electrical shock from the stun gun will not pass from the person being stunned to the person doing the stunning, even if you are standing in water.

Thanks,

Dale