IS PEPPER SPRAY LEGAL?
States Where We Cannot Ship Pepper Spray
New York: You can buy pepper spray in pharmacies and from licensed firearms dealers in the state of NY. However, animal pepper spray such as Mace Muzzle Dog Spray and Mace Bear Spray are legal to order online.
Massachusetts: You can buy pepper spray from a licensed firearms dealer in the state of MA. However, animal pepper sprays such as Mace Muzzle Dog Spray and Mace Bear Spray are legal to order online.
If you live in one of these states and want to buy pepper spray from us, please provide an alternate shipping address when you place your order.
If you are unsure of the restriction in your area, check with your local law enforcement for specific laws regarding the possession and use of pepper spray products.
What Is Pepper Spray?
Pepper spray is an aerosol spray that irritates the eyes, causes tears, pain, and temporary blindness. When pepper spray is used in self defense, you are given a window of opportunity to escape. Pepper spray contains oils derived from cayenne peppers which are some of the hottest peppers in the world. This active ingredient is called OC or oleoresin capsicum and is a reddish-orange, oily liquid, that is insoluble in water.
History Of Pepper Spray
The use of pepper as a weapon goes all the way back to ancient China. The Chinese would put red chili pepper on rice paper as a weapon and swing it to the face of their opponents. The Japanese ninja were also known to use ground pepper against their enemies. During the Tukagawa Empire in Japan, the police would use a box called; metsubishi, which was filled with pepper and blown into a prisoner’s eyes as a way of torture. Tear gas was invented in Germany in the 1800’s and it is included in some Mace brand pepper sprays today.
The US introduced pepper spray through the US Postal Service in the 1980’s as a dog repellent. Our government also used it for protection against bears and other animals. The FBI endorsed it as an “official chemical agent” in 1987 and by 1991, there were over 3,000 law enforcement agencies that utilized it.
Pepper Spray Patterns
Forced Cone – best for most situations. A fine mist spray at a distance of 8-12 feet with minimum blow-back on to you. Blow-back can however be a problem in a mild breeze and uncontrollable in a strong wind.
Broken Stream– very effective for hitting multiple targets (or in the dark), can be fanned for covering wider area. Provides heaviest blast of pepper, but cans will empty quicker. Range normally 15-20 feet, not affected by breezes and winds as much as fog and cone sprays.
Fogger – very good against multiple attackers and home use, due to the barrier effect of the fog. Can however be some blow-back of pepper, which would contaminate you, especially if used outside in strong winds. This would still be minimal compared to the amount the attacker would receive. Most foggers have a range of 15-20 feet.
Foam – very good blow-back protection and immediate saturation, even in windy conditions. This thick, sticky foam works instantly on the attacker.
How Should Pepper Spray Be Used?
If you have to use your pepper spray in self defense, make sure that you have some distance between you and your attacker(s) if possible (you don’t want the spray to affect you). Aim the spray at the eyes and facial region of the threat, then release a 1 to 2 second burst of spray. After you have done this move away, but watch the attacker(s) carefully as you do so. By watching the reactions of your attacker(s) you will be able to tell if a further burst of spray is required. REMEMBER spray and move, spray and move. Once the threat has been incapacitated seek help and call the police.
Shelf Life And Testing Of Pepper Spray
Most pepper spray has a shelf life of 3-4 years although some expire after two years. The expiry date should be marked on the canister. Any use of the spray beyond the expiry date is highly unadvisable.
Pepper spray should be tested by firing with half second bursts, both after purchase and then on a regular basis of every 60-90 days. Testing must always be done outside with any wind blowing from behind you.
What Does SHU Mean
Scoville heat unit (SHU) is a term used to measure the ‘hotness’ of pepper spray. For example, one pepper spray might be 500,000 SHU while another is 1,000,000 SHU, which means the pepper spray is twice as hot.
INDEPENDENT LABORATORY TESTING
Wildfire 18% Proved To Be The Hottest Pepper Spray On The Market From Independent Laboratory Testing.
The Certified Heat Rating (CHR) measures how hot the pepper spray will be once it comes in contact with your attacker.
Wildfire 18 Pepper Spray has a CHR of over 242,000 SHU’s. The average heat rating is 122,000 SHU, making Wildfire 18 nearly 50% hotter than other brands.
Check out the Lab Test Results (coming soon).
