I was an OC (pepper spray) instructor for my department.
I tend to agree with those above that pistol shaped ones run additional issues (such as, it might be mistaken for a real gun), but I think some of the bigger issues are:
1. Legality. Though most states don't have many if any restrictions, many local jurisdictions do. Check state, county and city law.
2. Use of force issues still remain. Check use of force law and practices also. Some jurisdictions place OC higher on the use of force scale than others do.
3. Ignore 5% or 10% claims – they’re meaningless unless you know what the 5% or 10% is of. The Scoville Scale (reported in Scoville Heat Units – SHU) is what matters, and if it’s not indicated on the can or in the packaging pass on to another brand. I carry a 1,000,000 SHU OC canister on my duty belt. My ASP Defender OC is rated at 2,000,000 SHU. Many civilian cheapie OC sprays are rated at 500,000 SHU or even much less. For comparison, the hottest chile pods at your local mega-mart can run 300,000 or better SHU.
4. There is a difference between spray, stream and foam OC. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. For example: Spray gives the best target coverage, but also is more easily blown around (or away) by mild winds. I carry stream on my duty belt, but my ASP Defender is spray.
5. Yes it’s a pain (pun intended), but it’s always good to know how the user will be affected by their own OC. The odds of getting at least some of their own OC back on them during a use are pretty good. This is the main reason we have our officers get sprayed by their own duty OC.
6. Practice proper technique. I can’t really get into it here, that’s part of the reason why we have a class for officers. Either find a cop willing to pass on their training technique, or find training elsewhere.
7. My recommendation is to use OC only as a measure to get away, not to subdue and hold for police. Spray, quickly leave to the nearest safe spot, and then call 911 to report.
Also, I like the ASP Defender and have bought them for my wife and daughters, and have recommended it to many. It is a combination key ring, kubotan and OC can. Your loved one can have their keys in their hand as they approach the car, house, office, etc… and have a striking tool and OC in their hand at the same time without making others nervous. Since it is a true spray type dispenser though, one does have to be aware of wind direction when they use it.
In Pursuit,
