Pepper Spray for Self-Defense: The Middle Ground Between Words and Bullets - Critical Mas EP 70

In this insightful video, Massad Ayoob delves into the world of pepper spray, an essential tool for personal safety and self-defense. Discover how to use pepper spray responsibly and effectively to navigate that fine line between a kind word and a bullet. Massad offers some tips and techniques as well as some legal insights and expert advice.
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Critical Mas(s) with Massad Ayoob is a show that provides expert analysis over a wide range of contemporaneous topics related to civilian and law enforcement self-defense, the use of force, and second amendment issues, provided by a renowned and established author with a career spanning decades in training law enforcement officers and the public at large, who is frequently called upon to provide expert witness testimony.
ABOUT MASSAD AYOOB:
Massad Ayoob has been handgun editor of GUNS magazine and law enforcement columnist for AMERICAN HANDGUNNER since the 1970s and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some twenty books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.
The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. Ayoob was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He is the current President of the Second Amendment Foundation. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught
for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.
Mas has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part-time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through Massad Ayoob Group. He has
appeared on CLE-TV delivering continuing legal education for attorneys, through the American Law Institute and American Bar Association, and has been retained to train attorneys to handle deadly force cases through the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. Ayoob served for two
years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also appeared in each episode of Personal Defense TV (Sportsman’s Channel).
#MassadAyoob #WilsonCombat #CriticalMas

[@sgtzsquad]

The many times I used it in my LEO career, it was always effective and the first words out of the suspect's mouth was; "Why did you do that?" Key is move after deployment. And yes I always ended up with residual contamination and usually was coughing with the suspect, but not as bad as taking the full dose they did. Stay safe! Semper Fi!

[@Pbadome1]

Yep, gotta' stress that "move away, left or right, or back", the perp won't see you but will remember where you were, so you shouldn't still be there.

[@J0HN_3_16]

Why would you pepper spray citizens who were conversing reasonably with you? Seems sadistic.

[@robertkesselring]

If they had to ask why you did that, you shouldn't have. Go turn yourself in and serve your time for your crimes.

[@buckeye2246]

So you are saying that anyone who questions why, automatically didn't deserve to have it used on them. Oh...I"m sure it's as cut and dry as that. @@robertkesselring

[@robertkesselring]

@@buckeye2246 Not automatically, but typically. If you're threatening someone to the degree that requires violent threat mitigation, you probably know exactly what you're doing.

[@ScaredyCatTactical]

Wherever I go I have a pepper spray in my pocket. Glad to hear you talking about it and how to use it.

[@jtlearn1]

Same

[@davekat4680]

👍

[@Allen-yv3ue]

👍

[@DustyG5050]

When I was in high school, my buddies played a prank on me, and sprayed OC spray into my can of dip, that I left sitting on the counter. I put a dip in, and felt like I was eating fire. My lips and gums burned for hours. Fast forward 6 years, and I went to work for the sheriff's department, on the jail side. I worked in the central control and surveillance, so we had to get trained on SCBAs and get hit with OC spray. It was a horrible time, and I eventually puked. Lol, I didn't think it would ever stop burning. Fun times!

[@Just1American1966]

I've known other cops to prank each other by popping a tiny bit in each other's patrol cars' AC vents.

[@user-qb3zf2bq9p]

We need more videos Mas!!! I'm a LEO for 35 years now, and it never gets old watching you.

[@eddietat95]

A note for any Canadian viewers: "pepper/OC spray" is outright banned by name in Canada and any carry/use of any "weapon" for self-defense is banned. But "dog spray" or "bear spray" are confusingly not and you can carry the latter two on your person. There are even classes in Canada that legally teach how to use these on animals. But using them on humans immediately turns them into a "weapon" in the eyes of the law.

[@badnewsBH]

Excellent heads up, sir. 👍

[@MrCobb-rq8iv]

Oven Cleaner; Hornet and Wasp spray, SHHHHHHHHHHH...... works on bears I betcha. I like black spray paint on hornets and watch them buzz around, heh he he

[@dankdc5_]

Better move out while you still can💀

[@musicman1eanda]

I don't understand why some states and countries hate self defense so much.

[@daviddionne8296]

Oh Canada... be Afraid... just sayin....

[@delendaestcarthago564]

We got certified on OC spray at Fort Bliss prior to deploying to Iraq. Taking that hit in the Texas heat is no joke.

[@earthsurfer13]

Awww poor baby

[@rururu5630]

Ouch. I took my hit in winter. Then we ran a quarter mile and did calisthenics after being sprayed. Fun times.

[@paulsmith5611]

A sunburn on top of a chemical burn. Yeah, not fun.

[@Bbarfo]

I worked in a California state prison for 26 years (1984-2010) and when OC Pepper spray became available (early 1990's) it became a valuable asset. Especially when deployed for cell extractions. Prior to OC Pepper we used physical force or tasers for extractions. Tasers failed most of the time and physical extractions resulted in injuries to staff. The OC Pepper fogger and spray never failed from my experience. Numerous times I have used pepper spray to break up fights and the one thing to watch for is that it takes several seconds for the spray to impact the opponent. Apply a 2-3 second burst, step aside and assess. Also, when using a small canister as in this video, don't use your index finger to spray but use your thumb, as you will have better grip and control of the canister.

[@michaelshapiro1543]

Depends a lot on how the button's shaped & the size of your thumb, I suppose. Testing is key.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I own a Mk 4 Zarc Industries Vexor micro spin OC. It's popular with many jails, border guards, security, LE officers.

[@robertfrank9228]

Well said! Always use your thumb to spray!

[@soulsword34]

Floor is slippery when OCd! Any CO knows this!

[@user-uf9xj3wg9h]

Just a thought. When your cannisters reach expiration date, why not set up a target practice range with them outside somewhere? Instead of just emptying them out. Gives you and your loved ones another opportunity to shoot at a target from different distances and from different positions.

[@jonniemactyler7929]

I can think of one reason that I know from experience. Because if you are spraying them outside somewhere, it is almost guaranteed that you are going to catch some blowback from the spraying. I am a cop and have been sprayed once during training, as Mas mentioned. They make sure we all get sprayed in the academy because you are going to be exposed to the spray again in the streets and need to know how to handle the pain/surprise of it. I have been unintentionally hit/contaminated with spray more times than I could accurately remember over the course of my nearing 18 years of law enforcement. The wind will blow spray back at you and your coworkers. There is also a splash effect as the stream hits a person's face. What you are thinking of as a good training day spraying that stuff for practice is almost 100% going to result in somebody crying and snotting all over themselves due to unintentional contamination. Also, that stuff hangs around longer than you think as a residue on objects. Numerous times, guys I work with have touched some piece of gear on their belt or vehicle after an incident that involved pepper spray and then rubbed their eye or picked their nose. Then they are burning for the next hour and trying to clean all their gear so they don't repeat that very unpleasant experience. If you spray that stuff around, you or your animals may accidentally get a dose days later due to traipsing through the area where you were training. Also, should be mentioned that some people will go into anaphylactic shock due to pepper spray. It is rare, but one guy in my academy class was kicked out due to this. He didn't even get sprayed, he was just emptying and filling water buckets for the people ahead of him that were using the buckets to decon after being sprayed. Just the residue on the buckets caused him to swell up and his throat to start closing up in shock, meaning he couldn't breath. Thankfully paramedics were on scene and had an epi-pen handy. Ended his LE career before it really started. It would be really bad if you found out a family member had that kind of reaction just by touching something in the area where you were practicing, and even worse if no one was around to help them.

[@user-uf9xj3wg9h]

@@jonniemactyler7929 What I've been doing is not as extreme as you warn against. As my cannisters get older, I start rotating them to practice roles outside (I live in a rural area). I just go out and take a few shots at a tree or whatever and get feedback on how far it goes and so forth. I don't create a large cloud of the stuff. I do this off and on from time to time until it empties out. I find it gives me a feel for it in case I ever need to use one for real.

[@rvh77]

The old/expired canisters make great practice pieces. Getting a whiff of your own medicine is part of the learning and won't kill you. It will give you experience that can't be gained otherwise. When a real situation comes up you'll be much better off knowing what to expect, the pitfalls and how to minimize the blow back.

[@jason200912]

They're good long past the expiration date. Just a little less spicy and the pressure might be weaker

[@rahsaun1]

If your spraying for practice you can always wear the proper PPE as you would at any shooting range mitigating blow back or cross contamination

[@ericfaulk2204]

It blows my mind that people are allowed to carry firearms, but not extendable batons (or any number of other less-than-lethal weapons).

[@OllamhDrab]

For a while back there, when I was younger in Massachusetts, it was legal to carry a baton, but if you used it you had to answer for employing a truncheon, particularly if you for some reason hit someone in the head with it. Much better on defense than a knife, and in most tense situations I didn't even think of the OC spray I had safety pinned inside my jacket ready to be torn out. (There was also still a big 'They don't search girls' factor that way if you were just minding your own business looking a bit 'alternative' or whatnot. ) Firearms then would usually be more trouble than they were worth, even for someone trained, really, even if a lot of people from elsewhere had a terror of the idea of going unarmed where my grandmother walked. :)

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

Depends on the state. In my state of Indiana I can carry slapjacks, brass knuckles, batons, switchblades, guns, and any other weapon EXCEPT throwing stars for some strange reason.

[@OllamhDrab]

@@BigDaddySwingingMeat Throwing stars are basically only useful for kids hurting themselves and each other. Especially if they paint em black. The only real defensive use of little throwing things is if you're running away from someone, humchuck something *shiny* in their general direction, keep running, expect them to be slower about the *next* alley corner they turn. (And if you ask me, brass knuckles and slapjacks *should* be banned. They're *really* only a help to someone up to no good.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

@@OllamhDrab None of that should be banned. That's the sort of moronic thing that leftist hoplophobes say. Not a single one of those melee weapons I mentioned is as dangerous as a gun. Guns shouldn't be banned either. Not to mention, all those aforementioned weapons can easily be made now with a 3D printer. Bad people are to blame, not inanimate objects. Focus on the problem.

[@joeybagodonuts6683]

​@@OllamhDrabAll tools should be legal imo. Including brass knuckles, and up to and Including rocket launchers, tanks, etc... Penalize behavior, not weapons. It doesn't matter if you get hit with a rock or a slap jack, the crime should be the attack, not the item used.

[@Meatbalzz]

There was an incident here in Chicago over the summer, where a guy walking his dog came upon a woman being carjacked (or robbed it’s hard to keep track) and he used BEAR REPELLENT SPRAY (that he carried to protect himself from street crime and stray dogs) It worked and the woman was safe and the criminal took off.

[@ag4allgood]

It was an attempted kidnapping. If I remember right it was 2 guys & this dog walker had a large bear spray canister hitting both guys who then ran back into a car. The dog walker sprayed the inside of that car too. The woman was knocked down but fine after this happened. I think it was all captured by a door camera.

[@Meatbalzz]

@@ag4allgood - That sounds familiar. Things are getting so out of hand here, it’s hard to keep track of all the shit happening. Every day these criminals get bolder and bolder.

[@moonasha]

isn't bear spray weaker than the human version too? And yeah if you're walking in an area with pitt bulls that especially might target dogs you're walking, having a big can of that is invaluable. Those bear spray cans can be huge

[@Meatbalzz]

@@moonasha - Hmmm 🤔 I can’t see how bear spray can be weaker than its counterpart meant for humans. It’s got to be able to stop a charging bear.

[@chuckbert3117]

The downside of pepper spray is you never know if it has lost it’s pressure, I’ve had that happen. For a long time I always said the canister should have a pressure button like a cheap fire extinguisher.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

That's why they have to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. Most pepper sprays have the expiration date listed on them.

[@chuckbert3117]

The expiration date has nothing to do with pressure leaks. In my case I had another year and a half on my canister, yet no pressure.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

@@chuckbert3117 You should be able to see or hear a small leak in a defective pepper spray canister. That is a rarity. Trust me, police grade pepper spray is highly effective. Hopefully you didn't test fire the pepper spray often enough to use it up.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

If you own a OC spray or Mace, as MA states review the instructions & be aware weather, climate, wind etc can affect the unit. I do security 🚔. I prefer Mk lll size stream, Mk 4 type like 360 or Crossfire, Mean Green. OC cans that will quickly deploy from any angle. I'm not a big supporter of fog or foam types, gels unless it's a confined space; office, medical 🏥, court area 🏛. OC sprays can stay good 3-5yr with normal carry. Do NOT 🚫 leave sprays or gels in cars, SUVs. Don't get them near small kids or pets. Be safe!

[@lyfandeth]

Do you own a cheap digital postal or kitchen scale? BUY ONE. The way that commercian gas fire extinguishers are checked, is that they are weighed and stamped when new. Every quarter or year, you weigh it again. If it has lost weight, that is the gas charge leaking out. The reason to do it this way, is that there are no extra o-rings, valve stems, or other leaky parts needed. Just read the scale, mark the weight and date with a marker. Works for ALL types of pressurized extinguishers including cars and kitchens.

[@saynotocensorship]

It’s always wise to carry a strong OC spray as well as your EDC. It’s just common sense. There’s many many times where the OC will protect you and you don’t have to potentially take a life. I never leave home without my pepper spray.

[@jason200912]

There's just way too many scenarios where using lethal defense is illegal. A push or even a punch is considered illegal to use lethal force against in nearly all states.

[@markk2745]

" A push or even a punch is considered illegal to use lethal force against in nearly all states. " Not necessarily true. The truth is IT DEPENDS and this simplistic statement is unhelpful. Im not anti pepper spray but once you carry it with a gun as well it will slow down your reaction time should you need to use your firearm. More choices means less reaction time and that will equal more chance of being killed. . @@jason200912

[@jaredray7034]

An important lesson to take away from the use of OC spray, is that it’s not immediately effective. It immediately hurts like hell, but it takes about six seconds before the attacker is drooling all over themselves. Another key Takeaway, is the fact that if you use it indoors, you will almost certainly get hit with backsplash, unless you’re using pepper gel.

[@briannicholas2757]

You have always been one of my gurus. As a law enforcement firearms instructor i am glad you took some time to go over intermediate tools like OC spray. With prosecutors in these high crime cities and states pretty much being a silent partner in the criminal's legal team, especially in self defense shooting cases, showing that you tried every means possible before resorting to lethal force coukd mean the difference between going home or going to prison. If i can be so presumptuous, i would add, if you have to break the seal on your pepper spray, or its done by accident, you MUST get a new canister. The pressurized propellant will seep out, and in short order you will pull it out, go to use it and nothing will come out. I remember when we federal officers were finally given intermediate force options. In my early career we had three options, talk our way out, punch our way out or shoot our way out. We were finally authorized and issued a small collapsible Asp baton, which was basically useless and almost impossible to carry while in a suit, and OC spray, which was a streamer. Our training required that we be sprayed in order to be certified to carry it. I had been gassed in army basic training, and i had not felt the effects as badly as most of my fellow trainees, so i assumed the OC spray wouldn't be so bad. The training scenario was that i would be the bad guy, carrying a small cudgel, and i would, at some point during my interaction with the officer, charge him with the intent to hit him with my stick . Being a senior officer abd also our firearms instructor, i was volunteered to be first by my SAIC (SACK as we affectionately called him). We were told not to look away or shield our face, but basically everything else was out choice. So i let the interaction play out for some time, i even made out to be willing to just surrender, then id escalate, i was judging him, as a criminal might do, to find an opportunity that would give me an advantage. When i charged him, i thought i had him, but he was quick enough to get the spray on target. I was yelling as a charged and took a mouthful of the OC tgat went down my throat, and up my nose. Luckily my eyes weren't hit bad, but holy cow, the effect was instant. The pain was intense and the immediate, involuntary, body response was the breathe deeply to take in more oxygen to fight, and that was it for me. I started coughing and hacking, so bad it triggered vomiting. I had zero fight left in me. Bear in mind, back then i was 6'4" tall and about 220, and very physically fit, i exercised daily. My face and lips burned, and my eyes were irritated, but if thst had been all, i am sure i could have fought through it. But getting it in my throat, nose and bronchial passage was a game ender. The body can work through pain, and many other problems, but it must have oxygen. When your breath is taken away, and your body can not get oxygen it overrides everything and its autonomic response is to clear that obstruction and take in air. It took about three days before my breathing felt fine again. And the instructor told us after my hit, that the optimal placement ofcthe spray, to really disable someone, is to get it into the mouth and nose and thus in the bronchial passage and lungs.

[@AleV69692]

DAMN😳😂😂 that is some wild shit!! How many times have you been sprayed in total?

[@karamarie6781]

⁠how is a criminal going to get your name and address to sue you if you spray them and then run away to safety?

[@ShermanT.Potter]

I used to be a garbageman, and I just had the thought of if I was unloading trash in the packer, and the packer hit a canister and it exploded back at me, that would be horrendous. Always make sure the canisters are fully spent before putting them in the trash!

[@davidford1564]

My Wife used 10% on a teen who threatened her. She called the police and after witnesses lied ti the police, she was charged with simple battery as a municipal arrest. We went to the Municipal Court 3 times after which the charge was dropped because the witnesses and "victim" never showed up for court. This was much easier to deal with than if my Wife had shot him.

[@Batmann_]

I think you learned the wrong lesson. Next time don't call the police.

[@col.cottonhill6655]

I wouldn't say that. If the teen got shot your wife would be charged for murder until proven otherwise. then after all that mess you get off those charges then there's a lawsuit for wrongful death from the family.

[@MrChuckwagon55]

@@Batmann_- If you don’t call the police and they bad guy does pretending to be the victim, it really hurts your credibility in a lawsuit, and will usually lead to you getting arrested. This is assuming the bad guy calls the cops. Where you live (politics) obviously plays a big role in this dynamic as well. We are living in an upside down society now.

[@66smithra]

@@Batmann_bad advice unless you’re a rapper.

[@Batmann_]

@@66smithra Unless you're a rapper? how does someone's career choice relate to this? and the comment we're replying to literally demonstrates my point...

[@KillerBD]

Good stuff. Also a bright flashlight should be everyone's EDC, even the "I don't like guns" types usually can agree to carrying a flashlight. The brighter the better, most people react to a bright light by squinting, closing-eyes, putting a hand up to block the beam. All of these 'reactions' might just buy you an extra chance to get away from a would-be attacker... Besides that, much less 'legal' strings attached... "Officer, that guy, uh, he shined a light on me! Menacingly!"

[@karnubawax]

BAN ASSAULT FLASHLIGHTS!

[@adrianmurray6600]

I took a few classes with pepper spray but only one were we got sprayed - done largely so we know how we will react if it accidentally were to get on us during a confrontation. What was absolutely amazing to me was how different the reactions were to the same spray (max civilian grade, alcohol based). All of us discovered some unusual biological reactions even withing our small group of about two dozen or so participants. For background, group was about 1/3 white, 1/3 Hispanic, and 1/3 African American. Here's what really surprised us - the white participants (myself included) largely had blindness, confusion, and some coughing. The Hispanic folks, who joked about being used to hot sauce and could take anything ended up having the absolute WORSE reactions, and one female had to leave and get serious medical attention. And for the African American students, they had almost NO reaction at all. A little eye irritation and some light tingling on the skin, but that was it. We were really wondering if that lack of a reaction was really a key factor some of the police use of force incidents where spray was ineffective and the result was tragedy.

[@paulsmith5611]

That's exactly what we were told when I went through an OC class (put on by the local police department). People with light skin tone are affected more than blacks. We had a small class and only had one black guy. He was affected but not as badly as the white guys. Adrenaline also plays a role. I wasn't that nervous about it and it affected me pretty badly. I fought through it but not very well. Some people were really nervous and were able to pump themselves up and fight through it (complete striking drills on a heavy bag after being sprayed) and THEN reacted after they completed the drill. The spray took the fight out of me after about 45 seconds but I finished the drill.

[@georgehanson2978]

I call BS. Maybe there’s different levels on the skin, but regardless of race, the sinuses, eyes and mouths should all be equally sensitive.

[@paulsmith5611]

@@georgehanson2978 I don't have any other first hand experience but I don't see why cops would lie about such a topic, especially in the year 2023. What would they gain by lying about that?

[@michaelshapiro1543]

Thank you for sharing very interesting comments on your particular, mixed sample of people, & their reactions. Could be very VALUABLE in the right hands. Mfg. & Law Enf. should sample, record & share more info. Cheers!

[@moonasha]

@@paulsmith5611 it's all anecdotal though. Something like this would be extremely well publicized and studied scientifically in the defense industry

[@ApexlegendsPS5]

I’m 34 years old and love listening to your vids. I learned a lot from you pop. I call you pop because I look up to you as a dad. ❤I always watch your vids and I love them with all of my heart ❤️ ♥️ 💜 😘love you pop all my love and respect🫡 to you. I truly love you 😘you to handsome pop ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@brianstamm1314]

As a former trainer and user of OC I can tell you that a person can fight through it. I also sold it to numerous women who local LE would send to my LE supply store. I ALWAYS demonstrated it and made sure they knew what to do when using it and it's pitfalls.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I do security, 👮🏼‍♂️ central FL since 2000. I toted stream style Mk lll units off & on. Sometimes I used larger Mk 4 Zarc Industries. Vezor. Micro Stream. Be aware some OCs or Mace might not work at angles. Wind, humid climates, fog, rain ☔️ can cause problems too. Over the years, I had 2x when I sprayed Mk lll OC which either blew all over 😖 or just when fizzle.

[@jeffanon1772]

As a L.E.O. I have seen people take full face hits from O.C. and not even notice it... literally dripping off their face and having absolutely no effect...sure, when it works, it's a nice less lethal option...just like Tasers...90%+ the time they work great, but I've seen a few people take multiple hits and keep right on fighting... Nothing is 100% but it's still smart to have options available...in the worse case scenario at least you can show you tried

[@MrChuckwagon55]

I hear you, but I think it depends which pepper spray you buy too. Some brands are total garbage and don’t work, while others instantaneously stop someone. By far from researching through people who use them for a living professionally, the most effective one across the board is Foxxlabs. Other companies may have more percentages of pepper they advertise etc, but in terms of real work results, Foxxlabs seems to have the best reputation. There’s a KZbin video of a man trying many brands out on himself, and they all obviously sucked to endure to a degree, but when he used the Foxxlabs on himself, he stopped all the testing and had to be driven to the hospital by his wife. He said there was no comparison. I have no affiliation with them in any way btw.

[@annapatton4544]

My husband told me to never get or rely on pepper spray because it will only piss off the attacker. He was pepper sprayed a few times as a part of training and once on the job when trying to stop a criminal. That person pepper sprayed him, he got blinded but threw a swing in the direction of the assailant, jumped, tackled and held till assistance arrived. He said he put all his rage into that swing because his eyes were burning that much.

[@MrChuckwagon55]

@@annapatton4544 - That’s usually the case. It depends on the brand. Foxxlabs are the strongest and most horrible. It will blind someone for at least 20 minutes to give you time to run away.

[@nicholasking7120]

My girlfriend is from Argentina. I carry a gun but I can’t break through to her about doing so herself. I feel very confident in her ability to use pepper spray effectively. We have done mock scenarios in the yard together over and over. Pepper spray is very effective.

[@EndoftheBlock7224]

I live just outside of a large city and pepper spray is my best friend for daily walks and runs, stray dogs(mostly pits) are common and it's not uncommon for dogs to clear a fence either. Pepper spray is also a part of my daily carry program

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I do security, OC since 2000. I currently own a Mk lll Crossfire stream. I also like Mk 4 size. Zarc Industries. Microstream. Vexor is popular with Corrections, CBP-Border Officers. Fox Labs Mean Green has Green dye added to spot a attacker.

[@vjsra70]

My biggest concern is a stray pitbull. I carry a Glock 43 but I would prefer to try pepper spray first, is there a certain kind or brand you would recommend?

[@winston1788]

I always carry stream pepper, especially when armed. It shows "good intentions" to an ambitious prosecutor who's always looking for a reason. Notwithstanding some chemical crazies aren't affected.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I do security, Florida: since 2000. 🚔 Armed G & Unarmed D. I've had formal OC-spray skill training. Pepper sprays & mace, irritants have limits. I'd add in 2023, be aware of Excited Delirium. Thugs or felons can, do act out from OC uses. Weather and climates can degrade OC cans too.

[@jamesdelong6401]

💯. I carry - POM - pepper spray

[@lizzapaolia959]

Very informative video. I would mention that if anyone has a known respiratory issue you do not want to be exposed to pepper spray, CS or CN tear gas aka as Mace. People who have these risk factors could experience a medical emergency. Pepper ball pistol is a safer delivery system that let's the user still use non lethal self defense. Their are a few different companies selling these products and a Google search can show you the options available. We don't want to put any brand names on this forum without the permission of the owner. Maybe they can do a video on pepper ball guns and usage ? Thank you for sharing this video 🙏

[@andrewthegeek6522]

I work in corrections we use the foam primarily for hospital runs to keep from contaminating the area,

[@stevefiorito5379]

The disappointing thing about taking a Concealed Carry Course, is that they do not instruct you how to protect yourself legally: in criminal court or in civil court. As you say, there is a lot of territory between mere talk and a bullet. Any self-defense training should be accompanied by legal instruction | This I received with all of my martial arts training. Thanks for a great video.

[@_What_About_Bob]

8:40 “majored in drama and minored in law,” best describes most current politicians as well.

[@bjkarana]

Thanks for the info! I've been considering pepper spray for when I'm out running, where even though I'm a 6'3" fella, I've had two instances of loose dogs coming after me in the street. Luckily the dogs stopped just short of attacking both times, but I don't want to push my luck.

[@Siskiyous6]

You are holding the single shot 22 version of pepper spray, when I can I carry a huge bear spray can. I spent 15 years using OC in California's Pelican Bay State Prison. We went from 3 one second bursts, to water cannons that could nearly drown a man used in small exercise yards. It worked best with inmates holding cells hostage, it gave them time to decide to comply. In civilian use, around my house, I have warned off nut jobs with it in my hand, while also holding a gun. My plan was one burst, drop it, then adapt to the situation. I would not recommend it for inexperienced people, and I would not want to have it on my person, unused, after the use of deadly force. It lends itself to the "Why didn't you..." questions. War story, at one time in my career I was Pepper sprayed by other officers at least once a month for 6 months in a row. Not once did I stop doing my job, including hand cuffing a combative inmate in one case. Now CN or CS on the other hand, - that stuff works.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

It's suppose to be sprayed in a Z pattern across the face. Then (if the situations permits) you spray their hands as well (so they get a 2nd dose when they rub their face). I have seen this method used with police grade pepper spray like Fox Labs 5.3 and it works every time.

[@user-jy9vx7yv7u]

CN or CS ???

[@otterchaos4369]

@@user-jy9vx7yv7uCS is basically tear gas. I’ve taken a hit of CS several times in OTS.

[@lennywinbox1734]

Yes, good, I'm not stickin' around for the 2nd spray.@@BigDaddySwingingMeat

[@jeffanon1772]

The Agency I retired from requires O.C. certification which means getting sprayed directly in the face, running a short distance, and simulating handcuffing a dummy manikin.... Which should tell you that an attacker could still do plenty of damage to you after you spray them.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

The possibility of blow back is why I wear complete wrap-around sunglasses ALL the time - amber on cloudy days; dark on sunny days. I have used Dog and Coyote spray on one meth-head and one fentanyl zombie and both backed off quite quickly. Luckily no blow back. Thank you Massad, for your excellent advice. Cheers!

[@sportdriver]

After we used it a few times on people resisting arrest, word spread, and many gave up as soon as we pulled it out of our pouch. But we did have two regulars in our jurisdiction that it didn't affect. The fight was on. That was when I learned nothing you can carry on your belt is guaranteed to stop an attacker.

[@jonathanclark3809]

You ALWAYS give us the absolute best advice. I ❤ watching your videos.

[@Sum_Jigh]

He's right! "Pain triggers rage." I've been tased for protocol working at jails and prisons... and it pissed me off! Pepper spray totally screwed me up. What I learned was it affects people with sensitive or non-sensitive skin in different ways. I've seen people get sprayed with the best Law Enforcement Pepper spray on the market and no effect on them at all.

[@johnmichael7983]

What a relief. Thank you Mas for covering so many aspects of self-defense. OC pepper spray is also very useful for spouses and girlfriends who are still afraid of guns even if you've taken them to the range and started them on .22's.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

The thing with pepper spray is you gotta hope you got it pointed the right way when you spray it

[@jacklincoln2437]

POM pepper spray is very intuitive to draw and point left-handed. There's a flip cap that you have to slide your finger under in order to access the button, and it can only be reached from the correct side.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

With most pepper sprays, that's not an issue. They are virtually impossible to spray backwards. Also, I would recommend the pepper gels over the sprays (less chance of blowback when windy).

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I do security, D G in Florida: FDACS.gov . Since 2000. I took a Mace-OC spray course, S2 Institute. Largo FL. I carry Sabre Red Crossfire Mk lll stream or Zarc Industries Vexor. I'd highly suggest carry of streams over gels or fogs. Wind or environmental points might come up but a well made, hot 🔥 or strong blend can defend you. Most modern OCs are alcohol free so it's not a safety hazard if you or another person deploy a EDW ⚡️. Many sprays or Maces have UV or green marker dye too.

[@Crafty.Veteran.Survival]

​@jacklincoln2437 I love POM. Carry it every day. And I've been sprayed by it, so I know it's legit.

[@shadowdefensegroup8292]

There is a theoretical and practical side of this. Yes , pepper spray can work. There times when it is not effective too. I have used it on drunk people and it had no effect. The practical side is more often than not pepper spray becomes a false sense of security as those purchasing will not train to use this tool and it will end up at the bottom of a purse or a pocket and rendered useless. This video is very very good and comprehensive.

[@TheRotorhound]

Nice. Check legality for your local area. For example, Texas batons are legal but only “small“ canisters of pepper spray are.

[@user-se9tb5ew2x]

I have been through three of Mr. Ayoob ‘s long classes with last one involving force on force training at his place in Florida. I don’t carry spray except in very rare cases like when I was in California for a week. If I had used it I would probably be in prison out there. Anyway, his advice to take a course where you get hit and see others get hit would be a good thing. You would see how it affects different people. I have seen body cam footage where it had no effect on the guy being sprayed because they were drunk, high or just not sensitive to it. I thank you Mr. Ayoob for the training you have given me because when I see my shooting start to fall off I go back to the basics and get it right. As an instructor and in a hour I have dramatically improved people’s shooting skills beyond their highest expectations.

[@MrDwanehoward]

Thanks M. I always carry my spray when I walk out the door.

[@Arthurian.]

Massad is such a gem of defense & self preservation.

[@fntsmk]

Well done Mas! Thanks for another great, informative video!

[@frankbutta9344]

I keep a larger can on my car’s console shelf, and smaller can in my shirt pocket. Thanks, Mas! 👍👍👍👍

[@revrup]

Another video with golden wisdom! Thank you!

[@Llando88]

Great info as always Mas.

[@bradbarley6639]

As always... Sage advice to be adhered to. 👍👍

[@superb63amg94]

You sir, are a legend. Awesome!

[@latergator3367]

Another excellent word from the Master ! Thank you.

[@Pbadome1]

You covered all of it, thanks.

[@pmd_7450]

That was top notch advice. So many things brought up that never crossed my mind.

[@bobhartman2571]

Thank you, Massad.

[@thudable]

HEY MASS, thank you. Much appreciated.

[@aazv23]

Excellent Video Thank You

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Excellent!!! Thank You!!!

[@wwk68tig]

Outstanding post. Thanks for sharing.

[@mike36dc]

Sage advice, as always from Mr. Ayoob.

[@robertschulke1596]

Remember: it’s never what they “deserve”, it what you were forced to do to go home safe. As soon as you tell a jury they “deserved” it, opposing counsel will paint you as judge, jury, and executioner.

[@headsupdisplay2189]

As always, Excellent advice and presentation by Massad Ayoob...

[@beavisroadhog9629]

I have used "pepper" OC spray on the job in prison, and I'm here to tell you. I would walk into any cell block in America with no hesitation. The biggest baddest dudes change their tune when they hear the snap release on your pepper spray holster. You are in a world of shizzle for about 45 minutes after receiving your dose. The pain is intense enough you won't remember your name during that time.( or don't care what your name is)

[@TheGlobalTravelr]

Excellent points that I had not considered Mr. Ayoob. You are a wealth of knowledge!

[@slide7132]

Thank you Massad

[@thomasnugent3836]

Very informative and educational. Thank you very much

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Very Good Advise, Thanks Mas. 👍

[@brianmcdermott2430]

Great info. Thank you.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Excellent info. As usual 👍

[@billywalker681]

ASP Defenders are great tools like pepper spray. You don't have to worry about misdirecting it because it sprays from the bottom. Plus, they're pretty durable, so you can use them as melee weapons as well.

[@MrChuckwagon55]

What’s an ASP defender?

[@avwillis5269]

​@@MrChuckwagon55it's a line of OC sprays by ASP. They're shaped like small aluminum rods, with a space on the top to attach your keys. Advantages are they're extremely slim, easy to carry in certain contexts, and can double as a kubotan. Disadvantages are limitations on range and capacity. I carried a "street defender," their largest model, when I was starting out, unfortunately, it was discontinued. I never bothered with the smaller models because I got into POM, but some of their newer models have me taking a second look.

[@user-eo7cf2cd7k]

I use nitrogen powered pepper. I use 2 sizes...big or gigantic sizes in stream / cone / gel. It just depends on the use. But pepper is always carried with a gun and a blade, generally speaking. Some venues are putting in detectors to not allow weapons, so sometimes my guns can't go. But I try to avoid those places. If you want to carry a blade though detectors get a carbon fiber knife, ceramic knife or a titanium stiletto. 100% nonmagnetic. Titanium is the best. Mine are old stock from early 2000's.

[@CaptainRon1913]

The item doesn't have to be magnetic to set off a metal detector. It can be ferrous metal or electrically conductive. That includes titanium, aluminum, brass, bronze, and other electrically conductive metals, all which will set off a metal detector.

[@americanconservativeuniver860]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@arlenewolf5260]

Most LEO strength OC sprays are TWO MILLION SHU's (Punch, Freeze + P, Sabre, Pom, Mace, etc...). I recommend the FOX LABS 1.4 RED (stream so you don't get it back in your face) The FOX RED is FIVE POINT THREE MILLION SHU'S in strength.

[@captainramom3367]

Thanks always good information from you

[@ikarian45]

Could we have a video on series 70 vs 80 1911s? Is the firing pin block revelant on a 1911?

[@bikersoncall]

1:55 Well said; ''pain triggers rage''. This is exactly the way I've felt regarding the use of taser by police, and it's not just 'rage', that rage is coupled with Panic, the survival instinct. Someone that get's zapped is just as likely to go into that rage/survival mode instinctively as they are to simply come into compliance.

[@deca12351]

Great video !!

[@Crafty.Veteran.Survival]

Love OC spray. Carry it all the time. Tested it on myself (POM max strength/ 1.4 MC rating), highly effective stuff.

[@davidfalgout7304]

Thank you !

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

I never knew! Thanks!

[@LK-bz9sk]

Excellent instruction. The moving off the X is key.

[@robertfornefeld7674]

That was very informative. I never thought to have an instructor video me getting hit with pepper.

[@matthewmoeller1225]

Very good!

[@Snookynibbles]

Suggestion: Where not banned, the Kimber, Pepper Blaster is the best pepper spray tool out there. It’s a 2-shot, compact disposable pepper gun that fires the spray agent at approximately 120 mph. It’s nearly impossible to miss & the recipient can’t dodge the spray either; effective range is approximately 14 ft. The device utilizes a gunpowder-driven, not compressed gas method for launching the agent. The Pepper Blaster is gripped & fired like a pistol being about the size & shape of a .25 Auto pistol.

[@AleV69692]

Problem is missing, don't miss😅 contemporary sprays have like 15 1-second bursts, so🤷

[@Snookynibbles]

@@AleV69692 Lots of backup capacity won’t help when the compressed gas dispensers don’t project enough velocity to prevent your adversary from dodging the slow-moving spray, which is quite common. The advantage of the flat-profile Kimber “Pepper Blaster” is up to 120 mph spray velocity is several times faster than the typical pepper spray cans…can’t dodge or cover-up from a Pepper Blaster gun’s spray. The charge is driven by a small powder charge activated electrically by pulling a trigger.

[@cstreet1824]

I have heard that it's not the best intermediary tool because at 120mph it has caused some "recipients" to suffer permanent eye damage. You are more likely to have legal trouble than with more conventional sprays or streams.

[@cstreet1824]

@@Snookynibbles Well, actually it's more like a gel, so unless you get a really direct in the face it's going to take longer to work. A perp could literally just put his arm up and block the gel from hitting his face.

[@Snookynibbles]

More about the Kimber Pepper Blaster II… One claim is the semi-liquid won’t disperse adequately to be effective. That is mere speculation. The manufacturer engineered & tested the device to be effective. It’s been on the market for several years, and has a following. Also, there’s a claim the high velocity of the spray makes it too easy to damage the eyes. Any self defense weapon requires the operator to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Kimber alerts users to not deploy inside of 2 feet. Typical ranges pepper spray ranges are greater than that, even substantially greater. The huge advantage to the Pepper Blaster is the extreme heat level of the spray coupled with the high velocity that prevents an adversary from dodging the spray. Conversely, typical aerosol can sprays are easy to dodge.

[@MrSumGuns]

Great video as always! Loved how you described the attorney lol!

[@Tom-jq8kf]

This guy is awesome

[@jeffreybrooks8643]

Further to OC spray training, it can help to buy a high quality brand which also offers inert practice spray canisters (usually just water).

[@daddybeagleaz907]

Thanks very much Mas, this video will save some people a lot of grief. I've had the training, which included being hit with it (stream version) and it does help you to understand what you're working with.

[@100vg]

More words for the wise from the wiser. Thanks, Mas.

[@bobbylong4443]

Knowledge is awesome

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

Thank you Sir!! I miss your writing in Martial Arts magazines.

[@beyproctor7673]

Great coverage of use of pepper spray. Thank you. Smart of you to point out the effects of wind and expiration too. I was assaulted once where not having pepper spray almost led to the use of deadly force. If I had successfully deployed pepper spray at the beginning of the encounter I could have avoided a heap of unforeseeable risks. I was lucky then. I’m prepared now.

[@Glock20AK]

I deployed spray twice this week at work, it works great.

[@darrelr2021]

Thanks, Massad. I checked my refills and ordered new ones

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I recently bought new Mk lll size Sabre Red Crossfire. I do security, D-G 🚔. I like strong police grade OCs that can fire or deploy at any angle.

[@sqeekms6186]

Hi Massad, I actually carry bear spray hottest formula law will allow..it sprays 40'.. I got it for Bear defense but. I also use it for self defense.. they got 3 choices.. disengage, bear spray or lead poison..

[@james18450]

Which of 3 is strongest ?

[@EdwardNash-sx3ri]

Massad - and yet another most excellent educational video . While open carry armed I also carry a Vipertek Stun Gun . The problem with the stun gun is it requires you to be within arms length to your opponent. Whereas, with the pepper spray, there is a discernible distance between you and your opponent. I will add this to my EDC bag of " tricks " ! As usual your videos are most informative, educational and offer practical advice.

[@michaelshapiro1543]

Gave my dear wife pepper spray, years ago. Carries it daily in her handbag/knapsack. (Takes her MINUTES to find her wallet in any shop.) I kept reminding her to put the PEPPER SPRAY in her coat/jacket pocket, where she can get it IMMEDIATELY. For any dog (4 legged or 2) that needs dissuading. Nope. (Does carry in hand vs dogs on a few lone walks.) Capable & effective many ways. Scared & un-prepared in others. [I see now, WE need to train together - & spend fresh money on new spray units.]

[@danmayes4657]

Always good stuff. For home I have a few well placed canisters. You got me to thinking about "Shoot - Move". I'll be moving my T-ball bats (short with weighted ends) to more strategic locations closer to my new "Move-To" spots.

[@steveh7823]

I have used the streamer type and made sure I wasn't spraying against the wind. A speck of it got into my eye since it floats around for a while. I could see the specks of spray floating in the air and had moved away, I was near a street light at night. Lord! Even one speck was painful and blinding.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

Rule no. 1 = Always have one hand on your pepper spray or gun when entering or exiting your home.

[@johnmichael7983]

That's really helpful. Thank you.

[@briansavage932]

Thanks Mr. Papsmear69!

[@MrCobb-rq8iv]

Rule no 2. wasp spray. grin; ever get brake fluid in an eye? Carb cleaner; brake clean..........................hint.

[@Snookynibbles]

@@MrCobb-rq8ivJust saw a video by the “Armed Attorneys”, a Texas-based, pro 2A lawyers group specifically saying a huge legal, “NO!!!” to employing the exact kinds of agents you suggested. Chemical sprays & agents not expressly designed for & not proven safe for self-defense applications will cost the user big-time in court. These folks represent Citizens who have used weapons in self defense. They know what will fly and what will flop in court. ONLY carry approved pepper spray dispensers.

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

@@briansavage932 I live to "service" the general population. 👍

[@cloojure]

I believe the original quote used the phrase "a harsh word". ;)

[@cryptic5142]

I was trained that pepper spray wasn’t particularly reliable and that a good middle ground alternative was a high powered flashlight (esp for gauging the intent of a potential assailant). As such my daily carry includes both a Glock and an independent flashlight that I can use without drawing the firearm. I would be curious as to your thoughts on this approach and how a strong flashlight compares to other middle ground options