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I just started carrying pepper spray

Guys, I've been to a store. I am aware that I can buy some kind of pepper spray at some kind of a store. I was asking specifically about the products that Old Dog had suggested- that's why I was replying to his post.

Amazon is the first thing I tried- they have it and won't ship to me. I tried Galls, they have it and won't ship without law enforcement credentials. I tried 2 other online retailers, they also have it and won't sell it to me, so I asked here.

I could buy the 0.7% all day long, but I'm not seeing a site with 1.3% that will actually fill the order.
Florida doesn't allow mail order sales of OC. You have to go to a brick and mortar store.
 
Amazon is the first thing I tried- they have it and won't ship to me. I tried Galls, they have it and won't ship without law enforcement credentials. I tried 2 other online retailers, they also have it and won't sell it to me, so I asked here.
I bought some for a friend who was going into home healthcare from working in the hospital on Amazon in 2019 without sending them LE credentials.
 
Guys, I've been to a store. I am aware that I can buy some kind of pepper spray at some kind of a store. I was asking specifically about the products that Old Dog had suggested- that's why I was replying to his post.

Amazon is the first thing I tried- they have it and won't ship to me. I tried Galls, they have it and won't ship without law enforcement credentials. I tried 2 other online retailers, they also have it and won't sell it to me, so I asked here.

I could buy the 0.7% all day long, but I'm not seeing a site with 1.3% that will actually fill the order.
I'm not sure what you're saying I just went and looked up UDAP jogger fogger. It's 3.0% and you can buy it at Costco no questions asked. I would be willing to bet that you could buy it at Scheels or Sportsman's Warehouse or Cabela's with no problem
 
In the interest of full disclosure I have never had a self-defense incident in which I needed pepper spray (or a gun for that matter) except when I was at work and actively seeking confrontation (for lack of a better term) with homeless people/ petty criminals.

I carry a gun and pepper spray everywhere I'm not legally prohibited from doing so But I've had more benefit from abiding by The Rule of Stupids.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't overthink this. Don't spend your whole life concerning yourself with something that may never happen
 
In the interest of full disclosure I have never had a self-defense incident in which I needed pepper spray (or a gun for that matter) except when I was at work and actively seeking confrontation (for lack of a better term) with homeless people/ petty criminals.

I carry a gun and pepper spray everywhere I'm not legally prohibited from doing so But I've had more benefit from abiding by The Rule of Stupids.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't overthink this. Don't spend your whole life concerning yourself with something that may never happen
Heck yeah brother, that's what I finally came to. I'm carrying pepper spray for pits and whatever for the rest.
 
Many years ago when I was taking the class for renewing my CCW in California, the deputies running the class commented that if we were carrying a gun, they wanted to see us also carrying pepper spray. As others have pointed out, and their point, it was a step before, "Gun."
 
I bought some for a friend who was going into home healthcare from working in the hospital on Amazon in 2019 without sending them LE credentials.
I'm not sure what you're saying I just went and looked up UDAP jogger fogger. It's 3.0% and you can buy it at Costco no questions asked. I would be willing to bet that you could buy it at Scheels or Sportsman's Warehouse or Cabela's with no problem
The OP answered it for me on post 26.

Florida restricts mail order for any amount over 2 ounces, unless it is for animals. This is why I have been able to buy a large can of bear spray or a keychain sized OC spray off Amazon, but cannot buy Sabre Red 1.3% Mark 3 or Mark 4.

States with Restrictions on Buying Pepper Spray Online

As of this writing, there are two states that ban shipping any human-formula pepper spray within their borders: Massachusetts and New York. In Massachusetts, pepper spray for human attackers can only be purchased locally from a licensed firearms dealer, and buyers must have a firearms identification card. Those within New York borders can buy it from a licensed firearms dealer or a pharmacy. Pepper sprays also cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Washington, DC.

While some states don’t have specific shipping restrictions on self-defense spray, they do have overarching laws regarding canister size and content. These regulations also apply to online orders within the state. Here are some of the current state restrictions on self-defense spray:

  • Arkansas: Canisters cannot exceed 5 ounces.
  • California: Canisters cannot exceed 2.5 ounces.
  • Florida: Canisters cannot exceed 2 ounces.
  • Hawaii: Canisters cannot exceed ½-ounce.
  • Michigan: Canisters cannot exceed 1.2 ounces. They also cannot have a strength higher than 18% OC or 1.4% major capsaicinoids (MC).
  • New Jersey: Canisters cannot exceed ¾-ounce.
  • North Carolina: Human-formula canisters cannot exceed 5 ounces. (No restrictions on animal sprays.)
  • Washington, DC: All pepper spray items must be registered at the local police station as soon as they are received
  • Wisconsin: Canisters must have a safety feature and cannot exceed 2 ounces or have an OC concentration higher than 10%. Sprays must be pepper-only with no tear gas or UV dyes. The pepper spray also cannot be disguised as a common item such as a lipstick case or pen.
 
I have the Costco Bear spray and jogger fogger mostly for the javelinas and random loose dogs so I don't have to use my gun. There's also been a rash of Rabies around here lately with people getting chased by coyotes and such.
I like the small ones for my taco's. It hard to get a decent hot salsa many times. hohoho

But seriously, as others mentioned in a self defense scenario the law and courts would be more favorable if you tried pepper spray first before pulling a gun.
 
I've been sprayed with the real stuff and it really hurts. It hurts bad and it's blinding.

Because of that I'm very reluctant to ever deploy it. My reasoning is that there is a good chance of also contaminating myself and if the situation escalates to deadly force I won't be able to use a gun or even run away. I'll be mostly blind.

I'm not saying don't carry it but be aware that if you get it in your own eyes you may have just made a bad situation alot worse.

I'm also relatively young and in great physical shape and have trained in BJJ and MMA.
 
Or if the threat did not involve deadly force.
This is the important part, and it's not up to you to determine if the threat was deadly, it's the jury's decision. If you won't be able to easily convince a jury of anti 2A peers that you definitely would've been killed had you not drawn your gun, don't even get itchy. Think it through and walk away a free man.
 
Pepper spray can be a multi-edged sword. Not only can you get a dose of it, but other people may get their hands on it.
A friend of the family was a single mom, and I bought some pepper spray through my work for me, my wife and her.
Enter the malign spirit, or something...her daugter, about 10 years old, cute, but not the brighest light on the Christmas tree, saw it on her keychain, and sprayed herself with it. Later, she said "I thought it was Perfume!" ?? I guess showin's better than tellin'... and I'd wager she never did that again, :) but you do need to be careful!
 
I have been LEO/military certified on 3 different types of pepper spray. Sabre red, Defense Tech 1st Defense .4%, and Freeze +p. Freeze by far is the best and worst pepper spray, depending on which side of the nozzle you are standing on. My current can expired 5 years ago and the label is almost completely rubbed off. And I have no doubt it would stop an attacker in their tracks. I tried getting my county detention job to allow me to carry Freeze because of my credentials, but they told me it was "too strong to use indoors" and would not allow me to use it. They used the Defense Tech which I did see some inmate resistance to.

The only downsides to Freeze is it can be hard to find. Sometimes it is on Amazon. And it isn't available in a gel, so it is very susceptible to wind blowing it back your way.
 
Guys, I've been to a store. I am aware that I can buy some kind of pepper spray at some kind of a store. I was asking specifically about the products that Old Dog had suggested- that's why I was replying to his post.

Amazon is the first thing I tried- they have it and won't ship to me. I tried Galls, they have it and won't ship without law enforcement credentials. I tried 2 other online retailers, they also have it and won't sell it to me, so I asked here.

I could buy the 0.7% all day long, but I'm not seeing a site with 1.3% that will actually fill the order.
Sounds like your state has a law against it.
 
Yup, mind the wind direction just like bear spray. I have asthma so it's doubly important.
Another good tip if you are physically able put them in a head lock and stick the pepperspray nozzle in their nose or mouth which ever you prefer, both areas will bring about an almost instantaneous reaction to escape.
 
Sounds like your state has a law against it.
Yes, . Florida has a law against it.I feel like an idiot for not researching the law before I asked. It wasn't the concentration but the amount I tried to purchase. You can carry a gun in Florida, even without a permit, but no more than 2 ounces of pepper spray. It never occurred to me that would still be illegal here.

There's an exception from FS790.01 and FS790.053 for concealed carry or open carry of a weapon for "self defense chemical spray", and it has to be under 2 ounces.

FS790.001 (3) (b) “Tear gas gun” or “chemical weapon or device” means any weapon of such nature, except a device known as a “self-defense chemical spray.” “Self-defense chemical spray” means a device carried solely for purposes of lawful self-defense that is compact in size, designed to be carried on or about the person, and contains not more than two ounces of chemical.
 
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By chance, I recently watched two videos about why you should carry pepper spray. One of the videos was posted by an attorney in New Orleans, and he made a solid argument that pepper spray fills the large gap between harsh language and a firearm, and that you'll avoid prison or a huge attorney bill if you avoid drawing a gun. I have to say, that tiny can of spray that hangs off my key chain doesn't inspire confidence. Luckily I live in a safe area but I travel to areas with high crime and laws against carrying firearms. Does anybody here have advice or stories about pepper spray? I honestly have some doubts about it.
Sorry if this sounds like I am bragging.

But the fact is I used up many,MANY cans of OC [ Mace ] on the streets and in the city jail [ once in county jail too ].

The vast majority of times it did exactly as you would want,BUT note that in most cases you will get at least a bit of spray back.

So if you have no idea what to expect ----------- yes,get a bit on your face with a overwatch for your safety.

We got a good dose [ BIGTIME ] in the academy and then more than a few times when I used it or trained others with it.

Great way to clear out your sinuses !!.

Remember that it is a weapon,so requires training as to how & when to deploy.

Look for a video or 2/3/4 on youtube etc.

I am a fan of the stuff,and yes I still keep a can or other means to dispense on hand at ALL times.

I would rather get Tased [ yea ,got that too ] than OC'ed as Taser pain stops when the trigger is not pulled.

Mace can last a LONG time,and remember to NOT touch any delicate body parts after exposure.

Eyes,face,crotch,loved ones.
 
The one thing I don't hear anyone mentioning is the afterburn from OC.

I highly recommend taking a class on the legalities and proper use of OC.

I also recommend bring an extra shirt probably one that's ready for the trash.

Now let's talk about that afterburn.

I was lucky in that a friend who had been through the class multiple times old me not to go home and jump in the shower. Because warm shower water reactivates the OC and washes it down your body to places You. Do. NOT. Want. OC.

When I got home I filled my tub with cold water and soaked and washed my face and hair with baby shampoo before getting in the shower to wash up.
 
Confusion about the whole percentage thing going on in this thread.

Reputable OC heat is measured by percentage of major capsaisinoids, NOT the percentage of OC in the can.

A manufacturer can say that its canisters are 10% or 15% OC, but that has little to do with the effectiveness of the formulary.

Good OC (LE standard) contains typically 1.2% to 1.4% major capsaisinoids, which are the only TRUE measure of the product's strength.

https://www.safetytechnology.org/pepper-spray-heat-chart/

.4% is generally used for training. .7% is okay, but mostly just beginner stuff. The rubber hits the road at about 1.3% major capsaisinoids. You'll be blowing snot bubbles for a couple hours with blurred vision for at least an hour if the stuff is any good.
 
Confusion about the whole percentage thing going on in this thread.

Reputable OC heat is measured by percentage of major capsaisinoids, NOT the percentage of OC in the can.

A manufacturer can say that its canisters are 10% or 15% OC, but that has little to do with the effectiveness of the formulary.

Good OC (LE standard) contains typically 1.2% to 1.4% major capsaisinoids, which are the only TRUE measure of the product's strength.
You are correct to what i have researched and been told by others. This is exactly what chuck haggard says as well. Buy from a reputable company, they can fool you with the 15% marketing. Chuck said in all the years he’s been sprayed himself POM is by far the hottest and burns the most. If it’s his recommendation I carry it. I trust his knowledge and expertise. The size and pocket clip makes it extremely easy to carry.
 
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