Self Defense - Pepper Spray, Stun gun

[Paraphoe]

OK, so here's the deal. My mother likes to stay in shape, and often will go take a walk around her development in Jersey. Recently, she's been walking further and further, and has been going down roads that are generally less traveled/less busy. I got off the phone with her earlier tonight and she was telling me how she had walked today down a road that I'm familiar with from going running when I lived with my parents. While it's not a "bad" street by any means, it's a little woodsy and definitely not the same as her strolling through the community/development.

So basically, aside from convincing her to stay on more main roads, I'm looking into getting some sort of self defense mechanism for her. Pepper spray is probably my first choice, as I don't see her working well with a stun gun/taser and a knife would put her in greater danger.

I was looking at stuff like this:

http://www.buypepperspray.ws/product/80352

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0054112229007a.shtml

http://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Jogger-Pepper-Spray-Strap/dp/B002E6RERU

...but I really don't know what the hell to look for. I don't have any experience with stuff like this - I carry a knife and that's it. What has enough "knock down" power? 3 oz can? 1/2 oz can? What's the difference between pepper spray and mace? Is a fog spray or a stream better? Does anyone else have any particular suggestions for sprays, dispensers, or even stun guns? Would appreciate any help. Thanks guys.

 

[Maniak]

This is the stuff I got for Yolanda. The pack came with 3 sizes..

The largest is 6.3 ounce and can shoot a fog 30 ft.

The other one she sometimes carries is the 1.9 ounce jogger one. Its got a little hand holder thing so its strapped into your hand all the time. It shoots a 10ft fog.

The little one she keeps in the door pocket of the car...

~Mark

Edit: I just noticed your 2nd link is the middle sized one from kit I got Yolanda.

 

[BigRondo]

You may want to check the laws concerning the use of pepper spray. You don't want some scumbag turning the legal tables. I found this with a google search. I don't know how up to date or accurate it is:


NEW JERSEY: Legal with restrictions.

Any non-felon 18 or over may possess for the purpose of self-defense "one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air". Section 2C:39-6i.

 

[Maniak]

You may want to check the laws concerning the use of pepper spray. You don't want some scumbag turning the legal tables. I found this with a google search. I don't know how up to date or accurate it is:


NEW JERSEY: Legal with restrictions.

Any non-felon 18 or over may possess for the purpose of self-defense "one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air". Section 2C:39-6i.

True, check your local laws. Course, NJ would be that strict. Heck, you have to jump through hoops to transport a firearm.

I actually carry one of the pepper sprays when I walk the dog, along with a Pistol. Its not for people though.. its for wild animals and neighborhood dogs (The dogs owner is already aware they have an aggressive dog and that I will take care of it if need be).

~Mark

 

[BigRondo]

In Mass you have to have a firearms identification card to sell, buy, or possess the stuff!

 

[Maniak]

In Mass you have to have a firearms identification card to sell, buy, or possess the stuff!

Definitely different from state to state.. Nothing special about buying it here.. Same rules as spray paint.. gotta be over 18.. thats it...

~Mark

 

[BigRondo]

I spent a year in Yuma and guys in my unit were buying handguns like they were going out of style!, with little or no effort. That was in the early '90's!

 

[Maniak]

I spent a year in Yuma and guys in my unit were buying handguns like they were going out of style!, with little or no effort. That was in the early '90's!

[hijack]Still like that.. no paperwork needed when bought from and to private party.... [/hijack]

 

[Paraphoe]

Good call on the laws, Rondo. Didn't even think of that. Might be worth a call to their local PD for up-to-date info. If that is accurate though, I'm legally limited to 3/4 of an ounce? Is that reasonable?

Maniak, looks like the middle one you posted is about 2 ounces. Is less than half that going to be effective? I wouldn't want a rinky dink little bottle that you get 1 or 2 sprays with and if you miss, you're done. Probably worth it to say F the "legality" and get one like the 2 ouncer...

 

[Maniak]

The Jogging one is a 1 second spray. . So it will give you a few "squirts" or 1 spray..

The bigger one has a holster and is triple the size. That is the one I'd prefer she carry but its less ergonomic. And its human nature.. If its not comfortable people won't carry/use it.

~Mark

 

[Paraphoe]

The Jogging one is a 1 second spray. . So it will give you a few "squirts" or 1 spray..

~Mark

So it looks like a 3/4 ounce one would be a half second of spray, maybe 1 small "squirt".

What a joke. I just got off the phone with the local PD, and they confirmed the 3/4 ounce limit. Ridiculous, IMO, and I'm not sticking to it. Who the hell would want their loved one protected by that? It's a joke.

 

[hlg99]

If you do settle on a spray a couple of things to consider, OC (pepper spray) can be be pretty effective if you get the right strength, they usually come in 5% or 10% (10% burns like hell, trust me) and diffrent spray types (stream, fog or foam) foam usually goes right where you want it and there is less of a chance of getting yourself contaminated with it. The OC (oleoresin capiscum) is made from a concentrate of cayenne peppers, I've never seen it not work.