Self-defense products have gained a lot of notoriety in the last decade. When we first got started in this business nearly 13 years ago self-defense products were relatively unknown. But thanks to some highly publicized events involving pepper spray and a stun device called a Taser, the notoriety has continued to grow to a point now where pepper spray, stun devices and other self-defense products have made their way into the mainstream of civilian life.
Self-defense products have been around for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese warriors were the first to develop “chemical warfare”-the predecessor to pepper spray-by throwing bags of hot spices at their enemies. Sticks and stones were the original self-defense products. Items such as pepper spray have only been approved for use just recently-in the 1990s when the FBI approved the use of them by their agents.
They are an effective nonlethal alternative to the deadly force of a hand gun. Their goal is to disable an assailant long enough for the victim to escape a potentially dangerous situation and seek help.
That being said there are ten secrets or little-known facts that you should know about self-defense products before you buy them and certainly after you buy them.
- Pepper sprays are legal in all cities and states. But some cities and states have restrictions on them either on the contents or other impediments to buying them. We should point out at that this point those restrictions and laws are changing.
- Stun guns are not legal everywhere. This tab for stun guns shows which states and cities have Stun Gun Laws restricting them. If you have any question about this, consult with your local police department for legality in your area. Michigan law on stun devices changed in June 2012.
- Stun guns and pepper sprays are very effective at disabling an assailant. But you should know that they are not fool proof. On average they are 90% effective. Neither pepper sprays nor stun devices are particularly useful against people who are drunk or high on drugs.
- You should also know that pepper sprays are extremely vulnerable to windy or rainy conditions. A slight breeze can blow a mist disbursement pepper spray off course. Most pepper sprays have range limits of anywhere from 6 to 12 feet. So you need to be aware of what your particular pepper spray can do.
- Stun guns need to be physically applied to an assailant’s body. Many women find that objectionable.
- For a stun device “even if an assailant is touching you, the current will not pass to you. There is no shock-back.”
- Even though pepper sprays and stun devices are considered nonlethal in nature, they are still considered weapons. Misuse of them is a crime in itself and punishable by a fine and possible jail term.
- TSA has travel restrictions for nonlethal self-defense products. They cannot be carried on board but can only be transported via checked baggage, and pepper sprays can only be 4 ounces or less.
- You do not need a license to carry any kind of self-defense product.
- Taser International requires you to pass a background check before your device can be activated. So if you have any kind of criminal background, you will not get one.
Here are more facts from previous posts about pepper spray products and stun gun products for your information.
Have you ever needed to use a stun or pepper spray? Please share your experience. We want to hear your thoughts.