1. Non-Lethal Option
By far, the most important advantage of the pepper spray as the main non-lethal point can be named. This is very relevant in cases of unclear threats, as the violence may escalate and the result would be the death of both parties due to legal and moral issues.
The use of pepper spray not only gives the defender the chance to protect him/herself but also grants the right of not being the one responsible if a serious injury or death occurs. Especially, when the perpetrator is not posing a threat to the life of the victim.
2. Quick and Easy Access
Locating and pulling a gun out of the holster during a stressful situation is not a simple thing. Experience shows that this operation can take quite a lot of time because there are a number of actions involved, such as unholstering, turning the safety off (if there’s a safety), and aiming. On the other hand, the pepper spray is lighter, smaller in size and easier to access. Practically all designs have button-type instant activation; the user is not wasting any time “shooting” that spray.
3. Effective Against Multiple Attackers
Pepper spray is the toy of the human species but used on fire to incapacitate the attacker in a very short time. The composition of the spray tricked the eye as an irritant and thus due to the pain caused in the eye, it stopped the eyesight and at the same time the spray also gave a cough and choking reaction.
This way, if someone faces a situation in which they have to control several attackers or the most important thing is running away, then the pepper spray is the perfect choice. A gun can definitely kill a person but it might not be effective to deal with several bandits at once (you can’t “spray” with a gun unless you have a full auto one, which I doubt you do). By spraying a barrier of protection around and behind you, pepper spray allows you to run away more easily.
4. Legal Considerations
Here’s the big one: the legal situation regarding the use of firearms varies greatly around the country (and the world) and even lawful usage may result in serious consequences. In most parts, the law allows the use of lethal force only in life-threatening cases.
Conversely, carrying pepper spray is generally not a problem in most jurisdictions. Laws often consider the use of such a device as self-defense. This new legal status can be a source of comfort as it signifies that you have the right to use a tool without being questioned as if you had fired a weapon.
5. Training and Familiarity
Although it is clear that a gun may require a lot of training, it is a fact that pepper spray is more easy to master. Most of the people can become good at using pepper spray within a short time. Thus, it is perfectly suitable for those people who have either no time or no means to complete the “full” training.
Further, as typically the training with pepper spray is more relaxed and a person can reach his or her level of confidence without any constraints. A person can practice whenever, wherever and however much one wants.
6. Versatility
To go beyond that, a defense with pepper spray can be energized through countless ways which are the not only that are related to the self-defense concept. It is capable to serve as a repellent if the situation is that you are attacked by an offensive animal like a dog. You can enjoy your outdoor activities or when you are on the way to the hike.
And in any case where a firearm is not an option or its use is, under the circumstances, restricted, a person who is assured that having a pepper spray will still give him/her the feeling of safety.
7. Psychological Deterrent
A potential aggressor who’s sprayed would be more likely to abandon his/her plan of attacking you who is clearly armed with pepper spray and ready for a fight. This never-to-be situation can prevent a conflict from getting more violent and a person is given an option to escape from a dangerous place without having to get involved in any trouble. Carrying pepper spray in conjunction with a gun will not only boost your overall confidence but it may also turn you into a less likely target.
8. Supplementary Defense Strategy
Undoubtedly, having several options when incidents of self-defense occur is highly important. A situation wherein you only count on your gun can limit your choice of the ways in which you can react to a given threat.
You will be able to create a specialized defense plan if you have both your gun and the pepper spray with you. In a split second, you could decide to use the pepper spray not only for the purpose of driving the assailant away but also for its disorienting effect. Meanwhile, you can continue to decide if you really need to use the gun. This option may be the deciding factor in not only ensuring your and your family’s safety but also providing you with peace of mind, not only from the bad guys but criminal prosecution in case you did something that the local DA might not approve of.
Conclusion
Using pepper spray and a gun both will surely not only raise your personal safety but also your capability of self-defense. In fact, the two are designed for different things and hence, they will give you different options for different situations.
Moreover, if you add pepper spray to your self-defense strategy, you will be sure that not only will you be prepared for a number of threats, but also you will have contributed to the lowering of the risks caused by the use of weapons and possible arrest and lawsuits.
Nowadays when safety is of primary importance, carrying more than one weapon is not only a must but a safety requirement as well. Remember, the first and foremost aim of self-defense is to make sure that you are safe and to get away from the dangerous situation, and having the two, a gun and a pepper spray, will definitely increase the chances of doing it effectively and safely.
Good luck!
