The Power of the Pepper Ball Gun
The pepper ball gun is by far one of the best non-lethal weapons available on the market for self-defense. While it is an imperative tool for most people’s self-defense kit, it may not be right for everyone, and maybe you’d want to look into some less-lethal weapon options. Ahead, I’ve shared the pros and cons of pepper spray and the pepper ball gun and answered frequently asked questions that can help you make the best determination for your personal protection needs.
Being Prepared - More Than The Right Tool
Self-defense starts with mental and physical preparation, and more importantly for some of us , choosing the right less-lethal weapon for your abilities. With so many options out there, it’s important to do your research and know the best weapon to have at the ready.
Pepper ball guns and pepper spray are two commonly-used self-defense weapons, but like everything, each has pros and cons to be considered. Below we’ve done some research and provided what we believe is the most important information to help you decide what is the best choice for you.
Pepper Spray (Mace): The Pros & Cons
Pepper spray is a great defense tool, but it’s not necessarily your best option when you have time to Prepare To Act, or if you know someone’s coming to hurt you.
As with anything else, pepper spray is just one "tool" in your self-defense kit. It is not a magic button that will miraculously save your life or defeat the enemy, but it is a tremendous tool to give you an advantage when you are forced into self-defense mode.
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Pepper Spray - The Pros
Pepper spray is small, lightweight, easily concealable, and accessible. It is easy to carry it on your person or in a purse or small bag.
Pepper spray is a non-lethal weapon that does not have lasting effects. However, it is strong enough to stop a fight and put an end to the danger without having to engage in hand-to-hand combat.
Pepper spray is super easy to deploy. Just aim and fire.
Pepper spray is readily available and easily transportable. It is legal to carry and possess it everywhere and by everyone.
Pepper Spray - The Cons
Pepper spray is not effective on everyone. In fact, in my law enforcement career, I have had to fight against many that were completely unphased by pepper spray when it was deployed. The lack of reaction may be the result of a mental illness or altered states of mind brought on by narcotic use. Many can simply fight through the effects of pepper spray, and law enforcement officers are specifically trained to fight through its effects.
In stressful and violent situations, pepper spray can be difficult to deploy. The target area is small (you are primarily aiming for the eyes), and the perpetrator may be wearing glasses or a mask that will interfere with or negate the pepper spray's effects.
Pepper spray carries a significant risk of contamination. When people who are not trained deploy the canister under duress, they frequently empty it. They rarely employ it in the manner of a small, controlled, targeted burst. This means that the effects are felt by everyone in the area. It may even render the deployer unconscious.
Pepper spray use carries legal ramifications. You may be questioned about your actions. Many people's "logic trains" stop short of reaching this point. They simply believe that if they are attacked or threatened, they will spray the attacker or threat with pepper spray, and everything will be fine.
Are Pepper Ball Guns Really That Effective?
With the Pepper Ball system, you have more room to maneuver and time to make a life-or-death call, since it has been tested to be effective from as far away as 150 feet. You can complete your mission safely even if you can't see your target since you have access to strong, accurate launchers and varied, highly efficient missiles.
Pepper Ball Guns: The Pros and Cons
A pepper ball gun shoots balls that are effective at short distances and can stop an attacker more quickly than pepper spray. It works just like a paintball gun—you charge it up and fire—and most pepper ball guns will fire one or two shots at a time before they require reloading.
When a pepper ball projectile collides with a surface, it explodes, releasing a cloud of pepper irritant into the air, quickly incapacitating an attacker.
It causes an immediate reaction in the eyes, nose, throat, and chest upon exposure. The pepper balls contain the same irritants found in mace and pepper spray.
Pepper Ball Guns — The Pros
The pepper ball gun has been demonstrated to be effective from distances of up to 150 feet, providing you with additional range and time to make a critical decision.
The combination of powerful, precise launchers and versatile, chemically effective projectiles enables you to safely carry out your mission even when there is no line of sight.
A pepper ball gun is one of the less-lethal self-defense weapons that law enforcement and military personnel frequently employ.
Pepper ball guns require little training to use.
Pepper Ball Guns — The CONS
Like pepper spray, pepper ball pellets release up to a 12-foot cloud of irritant powder that can stay active in the air for as long as 15 minutes. If you deploy a pepper ball, it is important to stay out of range of the irritant.
Also similar to pepper spray, pepper ball guns are less effective when used on people under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.
Full recovery from pepper ball irritants can take several hours.
Do Pepper Ball Guns Hurt?
Pepper balls are projectiles that, upon impact, release a cloud of pepper irritant into the air, thereby incapacitating an assailant in short order. Upon contact, it triggers an instant immune response in the respiratory system, the eyes, the throat, and the nasal passages. Similar to mace and pepper spray, the ingredients in pepper balls are intended to cause discomfort.
What Are The Best Pepper Ball Guns?
There are several effective options for pepper ball guns on the market, and we’re sharing our top five recommendations below. These devices are rated highly for their accuracy, transportability, and reloading capabilities.
The TCP All-Weather Ready to Defend Kit comes with a spare magazine and practice projectiles, so users can get comfortable with the process of firing the device. It uses both CO2 and N2 cartridges and can fire effectively from distances up to 150 feet.
The Byrna Launcher, while only effective up to 60 feet away, allows users to choose from a variety of projectile types, including standard pepper projectiles, eco-friendly pepper balls, solid plastic projectiles, and the Byrna Max — the company’s proprietary blend of tear gas and pepper.
The makers of the PepperBall Mobile Pepper Spray Launcher Flashlight take into account the reality that an attack may occur in the dark. The built-in LED flashlight enables users to be more accurate when firing and the projectiles can reach a target up to 40 feet away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Civilians Own Pepper Ball Guns?
Yes. That being said, each state may have certain specific regulations and/laws about possessing and using a pepper ball gun. Check out our list of the laws of each state regarding your ability to own and carry one.
What Does A Pepper Ball Gun Do?
Pepper ball guns shoot a round ball projectile, similar to a paintball. Upon impact, they “explode” with a pepper spray-like substance inside called PAVA (pelargonic acid vanillylamide), which is a synthetic version of capsaicin (the irritant found in pepper spray). Upon impact, the PAVA will affect the senses of an attacker, which gives you precious time to get away and find safety.
Are Pepper Ball Guns Effective?
Absolutely. When it comes to personal safety, keeping a distance is your friend. Pepper ball guns shoot a projectile that can be effective from distances over 100 feet. Additionally, the simple shock to the senses of the perpetrator completely changes a person’s behavior. Pepper ball guns are powerful and accurate, and their successful use gives you more time to make critical and effective decisions.
Do You Need A License To Own & Carry A Pepper Ball Gun?
No. Unlike possessing a firearm or handgun, you do not need a license, permit, or background check to obtain a pepper ball gun.
If the idea of a pepper ball gun is not right for you, there are a lot of other options out there. Check out our post on Tasers and Stun Guns.
How Long Are Pepper Balls Good For?
A Pepper Ball projectile typically has a two-year shelf life. After that point, a projectile could still work, but its effectiveness will gradually decrease.