A pepper spray gun can stop an attack before it starts. It gives you the space you need to survive an attack. A pepper spray gun works on 2 simple principles.
- If attackers can’t see you, they can’t hurt you.
- If attackers can’t reach you, they can’t hurt you.
What are pepper spray guns?
A pepper spray gun is a cross between a pepper spray canister and a firearm. Excellent models have a range of 15-20 feet. The best have a range of over 100 feet. Like pepper spray canisters, they shoot non-lethal pepper spray into the face and eyes of an attacker. Like a firearm, pepper spray guns have a grip, barrel, and trigger. You pull the trigger to shoot the pepper spray at your attacker. Pepper spray guns are non-lethal.
Why pepper spray guns?
Self-defense is on everyone’s mind recently. Violent crime is on the rise. Society is in turmoil. Too many people on the street are scared and angry. Crime and violence can erupt at any moment.
How can you protect yourself in these troubled times?
A pepper spray gun is an increasingly popular and effective option for self-defense and personal protection. The biggest benefit of pepper spray guns is the range. They can stop an attacker from away. Excellent models have a range of 15-20 feet. The best have a range of over 100 feet.
In this article, we will explain:
- What is a pepper spray gun?
- How does it work?
- What’s the difference between pepper spray guns and other self-defense tools?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of a pepper spray gun?
- What are the best pepper spray guns?
In a hurry? Here are our top picks. You can read full reviews below.
Are There Different Types of Pepper Spray Guns?
A pepper spray gun is a cross between a pepper spray canister and a firearm. Like pepper spray canisters, they shoot non-lethal pepper spray into the face and eyes of an attacker. Like a firearm, pepper spray guns have a grip, barrel, and trigger. You pull the trigger to shoot the pepper spray at your attacker. Again, pepper spray guns are NOT lethal.
There are different types of spray guns. Some shoot a steady stream of pepper spray. Others shoot a wider spread or “cone” at the attacker. A few shoot a ball that erupts on impact, releasing a cloud of pepper spray. We will discuss these differences in more detail when we review the specific products below. For now, it should be clear that each type has its strengths and weaknesses.
If you are shooting a stream or cone type of pepper spray gun, you can correct your aim during the shot. If you are shooting a ball type gun, you cannot correct your aim. It works more like a firearm on this way. If you miss your shot, you miss your shot.
But don’t judge each type too quickly. Each has many advantages and disadvantages that make them better or worse for your specific needs. We will cover these in more detail below, but they all work on the same 2 principles:
- If attackers can’t see you, they can’t hurt you.
- If attackers can’t reach you, they can’t hurt you.
How Does It Function?
It basically functions like a firearm. Hold the pepper spray gun at arm’s length. Take aim with the sights. Pull the trigger to release the pepper spray. Simple.
The steady stream models are the most common type. With these, the gun will shoot a stream of pepper spray for as long as you hold the trigger. You can control the amount of spray released. Manufacturers typically recommend 1 second bursts. If you hold the trigger for longer, the gun will continue to release the spray. However, the total capacity is usually around 7 seconds, so use with care.
The pepper ball type guns shoot a projectile. This functions much like a paintball gun. You shoot on ball at a time. Upon impact, the ball bursts releasing a cloud of pepper spray that is difficult for the attacker to escape.
What’s The Difference Between Pepper Spray Guns and Other Self-Defense Tools?
The biggest difference is range. Of course, we are talking about non-lethal self-defense tools like: stun guns, pepper spray cans, self defense pens, and similar items. A pepper spray gun has an effective range of at least 10 feet. Many have a range of 15 to 20 feet.
This means that you are out of the “danger zone” of personal contact and combat. You can have the space you need to avoid harm and escape. With stun guns, you need direct contact with the attacker. With pepper spray cans you need to be within 6 feet usually. This is a decent distance, but the farther away you are from danger. The safer you are.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Pepper Spray Gun?
They have 4 key advantages:
- Range – Keeps attackers farther away
- Safety – Keeps you farther away from the pepper spray
- Intimidation – Looks scary and can prevent attacks
- Practice – Most have water filled practice ammo
The biggest advantage is the added range, but don’t underestimate the ability to practice. With many self-defense items, you don’t have the option to practice at all. This is true of pepper spray canisters.
Pepper spray guns give you the ability to improve your range and accuracy – before you’re in danger. You can practice almost anywhere and with almost anything, because it is only water. You can even practice on a real person coming at you, because it is only water. This is something that you can’t do with a handgun.
With practice, you can get to know your exact pepper spray gun. You can get to know it’s range. You can get to know your own accuracy. This may mean the difference between survival – and the other thing.
They have 3 key disadvantages:
- Larger than pepper spray canisters
- More expensive than pepper spray canisters
- Don’t as well during a scuffle.
What Are The Best Pepper Spray Guns?
Mace Brand – Pepper Spray Gun 2.0
Our top pick over-all is the Mace 2.0.
Benefits:
- Reliable
- Accurate
- 20 Feet Range
- Practice Water Ammo
- LED light for aiming and distraction
- Affordable – Less than $50
Mace. You already know the name. It is scary and intimidating. Just saying, “I have Mace” can prevent many attacks. The contents are not actual mace or other illegal chemical formula. It shoots regular, legal pepper spray.
We recommend the 2.0 model for most users. It comes with 2 refillable canisters: 1 of pepper spray, 1 of water. You can practice with the water canister. We can’t over-state the need for and benefit of practice.
The trigger mechanics are smooth and sensitive. You can easily control the amount and duration of your shots. The LED strobe light is surprisingly strong and bright. It helps with aiming, and it temporarily distracts your attacker while you shoot the pepper spray. Of course, this is only helpful at night, but most attacks happen at night.
It has an orange barrel. This makes it highly visible to criminals and police. Some people prefer the solid black models that resemble firearms more closely because of the intimidation factor. We understand that concern and recommend some of those below. However, the orange barrel does have its advantages too. The biggest benefit is identification by police as a pepper spray gun and not a real firearm.
Mace Brand Pepper Spray Gun
The original Mace pepper gun model is also very impressive and the right choice for many.
Benefits:
- Reliable
- Accurate
- 20 Feet Range
- Practice Water Ammo
- LED light for aiming and distraction
- Affordable – Less than $50
The main difference between this original model and the 2.0 model is in appearance and external design. The range and functionality are basically equal. This original model is fully black and looks like a revolver. It is a bit smaller than the 2.0 model, so it will be a bit easier to conceal in a purse or holster.
It comes with the same 2 canisters: 1 pepper spray and 1 water (for practice). Again, practice is as important as having a pepper spray gun in the first place.
It is also very affordable, dependable, and has good range.
JPX 2 Shot LE Pepper Spray LE Gun with LED Laser
The JPX models take a big step up in price, range, and power.
Benefits:
- 23 Feet Range
- 2 Feet Wide Cone Spray
- Extremely Accurate
- Powerful – 405 mph muzzle velocity
- Practice Water Ammo
The pepper spray is stored in pressurized cartridges. They have a muzzle velocity of 405 mph. That is amazing power. The effective range is a full 20 feet. It is legal for civilians, but this pepper spray gun is law enforcement or military grade quality. The price tag is high, but if you want true non-lethal stopping power the JPX models are an excellent choice.
JPX Firestorm 4 Shot Compact Pepper Spray Gun
The Firestorm is the upgraded model from JPX.
Benefits:
- 23 Feet Range
- 2 Feet Wide Cone Spray
- Extremely Accurate
- Powerful – 590 fps muzzle velocity
- Practice Water Ammo
The only real difference from the 2 shot is the 4 shot cartridge. It has the same power, speed, accuracy, and coverage. Another difference is that the cartridges are individual. The 4 barrels can each be loaded one at a time. That way, if you only use one cartridge can still reload to have a full 4 shot capacity.
Salt Supply Pepper Spray Gun Self Defense Kit
The Salt pepper gun is unique on our list. It has a 7 shot magazine and ball ammo. And the range is 150 feet!
Benefits:
- 150 Feet Range
- Magazine – 7 shot
- Powerful – 320 fps muzzle velocity
- Practice Dummy Ammo
This model functions more like a firearm than the other models on our list. It is quick and easy to load with its 7 shot magazine. The ammo is designed to burst on any impact so even if your aim is off you can still disable an attacker. For example, if you hit your attacker center mass the cloud of pepper spray will still reach his eyes and face. With the other stream models, you accuracy needs to be more precise.
Of course, your best bet is to practice and improve your accuracy. Luckily, it comes with several practice rounds that you can use to learn your gun and enhance your skills.
Conclusion
It’s hard to go wrong with any of these models. The only real consideration is price. The JPX and Salt models give more range, power, and accuracy, but they do cost considerably more. If you can afford them, they are clearly better. However, the Mace models are also outstanding devices that give the space and protection you need to prevent and survive an attack. Whichever pepper spray gun you choose, remember:
- If attackers can’t see you, they can’t hurt you.
- If attackers can’t reach you, they can’t hurt you.
