A pepper spray gun is a type of self-defense item that is becoming more and more popular in this day and age. Americans are increasingly feeling the need to arm themselves for their safety.
Military officers have used pepper spray guns, also known as mace guns, for many years. But, is it legal to carry a pepper spray gun in the streets? Let’s find out.
What is a Pepper Spray Gun?
A pepper spray gun is a type of self-defense item that uses pressurized gas to propel an atomized stream of liquid containing capsaicin instead of just a short, concentrated burst.
It shoots a large volume of OC (oleoresin capsicum) downrange and allows the user to aim with precision. This capability makes it very effective in real-life situations.
But what is Capsaicin and how does it work?
Well, capsaicin is the active ingredient found in pepper spray. It causes an intense burning sensation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
It also causes blood vessels to swell which temporarily blocks oxygen from getting into them. This causes the eyes and nose to slam shut. The lungs malfunction, which makes breathing very difficult and causes an intense coughing fit.
As such, pepper spray is a very effective self-defense weapon.
Is It Legal To Carry a Pepper Spray Gun?
Carrying a pepper spray gun is legal in most states and territories of the United States. However, some states have restrictions on where you can carry the self-defense tool.
For example, the state of New York does not allow you to carry pepper spray canisters that contain more than 0.7% by weight total of oleoresin capsicum and no other foreign substances.
Additionally, make sure that your pepper spray gun is registered with the local law enforcement authority or it will be considered a criminal offense. Also, remember to check the local laws on pepper spray.
Some states allow civilians to carry mace or pepper sprays, while others do not. You should always check your state’s laws regarding self-defense items before carrying any type of pepper spray gun.
Best Pepper Spray Guns/ Canisters
1. SABRE Compact Pepper Spray
With the SABRE Compact Pepper Spray, you’ll have protection at your side wherever you go. This canister contains 35 bursts—5x more than our competition, so it will be with you for a long time.
If there are multiple threats, this is your best option because of its 10ft range, which offers safety at a safer distance. The formulation of pepper spray in these cans packs the maximum strength available on the market today and if that’s not enough to deter anyone then burn intensity is boosted with military tear gas.
Its convenient clip also makes carrying it around much easier; just clip it onto your belt or inside your purse or bag and carry pepper spray discreetly with ease!
2. Mace Strobe Light Pepper Spray Gun
The Mace Pepper Gun may not be the weapon of choice for a classic good vs. evil face-off, but when it comes to shielding yourself from evil at distance and in dark places, there’s no more powerful protector than this self-defense tool that sprays with both accuracy and intent–not just with intensity. When using our exclusive LED feature in low light or during an emergency you’ll never again have to guess if your aim is true.
This Mace Pepper Gun also features a dual-mode, so when things get too hot for even the most heroic defender against the darkness, you can switch to its steady LED miniature flashlight utility function and glow your way out of harm’s way without having to worry about getting blinded by bright light.
3. Guard Dog Security Pepper Spray
This is one of the most effective personal defense tools available. It is engineered to be one of the hottest pepper sprays on the market, maximizing your ability to incapacitate an attacker.
It also includes a safety lock feature that prevents accidental discharge. Get peace of mind knowing you can always have this with you – it will help keep you out of harm’s way if something happened unexpectedly!
4. SABRE Pepper Spray Laucher
We know it’s really hard to say no when someone asks for help. It can be scary to stand up for yourself, especially if you are alone at the time of contact with the attacker. Even more so since so many of our everyday products are made in China. With this Pepper Spray Launcher, you will always have a chance!
This launcher is lightweight and features no recoil – all that means that it’s easy to take wherever life leads you – indoors or outdoors. The locking plastic storage case makes your tool safe from would-be thieves while stored away during off-hours, too! The range of these projectiles includes 165 feet (50m) meaning there’s nothing near you they won’t cover if threatened by one of those pesky
5. Mace Brand Pepper Spray
A little less intimidating than the big black thing you’re used to, but just as powerful.
Mace Brand Pepper Guns are designed in extra heavy metal castings so they can withstand incredible impact making them more durable than other brands available on the market today.
This product doesn’t shoot any projectiles that could cause injury. It has a range of 20 ft., which is enough distance to harass potential attackers. These guns are extremely durable, weighing only 0.75 pounds.
Examples of States That Regulate Carrying Pepper Spray Gun
Alabama
Alabama has no laws regulating the carriage of pepper spray ball guns.
Alaska
In Alaska, civilians can carry mace and pepper spray as long as it’s less than 35 grams of oleoresin capsicum (OC). So, a pepper spray gun is legal to carry in the state of Alaska to individuals over 18 years of age.
Arizona
You can legally carry a pepper spray gun in Arizona, but it cannot contain more than 2% by weight total of oleoresin capsicum (OC).
Arkansas
Pepper spray guns are legal to carry in Arkansas. However, the canister should not exceed 150 cubic centimeters.
California
In California, pepper spray cannot be carried on school grounds or inside any K-12 institution including colleges and universities. You can carry a self-defense spray, but it cannot be more than 2.5 ounces by weight.
Colorado
If you are 21 years of age or older, you can legally carry pepper spray in the state of Colorado as long as it is less than 35 grams of oleoresin capsicum (OC). However, the pepper spray gun must only include OC and cannot have any other foreign substances.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, civilians can legally carry personal protection sprays that are no larger than 150 cubic centimeters if they’re not classified as firearms under the law. This includes pepper spray guns.
Delaware
Pepper spray guns can be carried in Delaware without any restrictions on size or whether or not it contains OC.
Florida
The state of Florida does not have any restrictions on pepper spray guns. So, it’s legal to carry a pepper spray gun in the state of Florida. However, the canister should not be more than 2 ounces.
Georgia
According to Georgia law, you are allowed to carry self-defense sprays if you are 18 years of age or older and own property in the county where you live. The size cannot exceed 35 grams of oleoresin capsicum (OC), which is equal to approximately five shots of 3% by weight solution OC pepper spray.
Hawaii
There are no regulations on pepper spray ball guns/ pepper spray guns in Hawaii. Individuals above 18 years can own and use the self-defense tool.
Idaho
You can legally carry a personal protection spray that has no more than 35 grams (.5 ounces) of oleoresin capsicum (OC). However, it cannot be a flammable liquid.
Illinois
In the state of Illinois, you can legally carry a pepper spray gun if you are 18 years of age or older and have not been convicted of a felony in the past five years. The self-defense spray should not exceed 150 milliliters (6 fluid ounces) and must only contain OC as its active ingredient.
Indiana
There are no restrictions on carrying pepper spray guns in Indiana unless you are on school property. You cannot carry self-defense sprays on school property even if you’re over 18 years of age.
Iowa
You can legally carry personal protection sprays that do not exceed 35 grams (1.2 ounces) of oleoresin capsicum (OC). However, it cannot be a spray that is designed to cause an attacker any pain.
Kansas
In Kansas, you can carry a pepper spray gun if you’re over 18 years of age and have not been convicted of a felony in the past five years. You cannot carry on school grounds or correctional facilities or courthouses.
Also read:
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Kentucky
In Kentucky, there are no restrictions on carrying a self-defense spray as long as it does not exceed 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) and contains less than 35 grams (.9 ounces) of oleoresin capsicum (OC).
Louisiana
According to Louisiana law, civilians can carry personal protection sprays containing up to 75 grams (2.6 ounces) of oleoresin capsicum (OC).
Maine
Pepper spray guns are legal to carry in the state of Maine as long as you’re 18 years of age or older and have not been convicted of a felony in the past five years. You cannot possess pepper spray on school property or courthouses.
Maryland
You can legally carry self-defense sprays that contain less than 10% by weight total of oleoresin capsicum (OC), which is equal to approximately 2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). So, a pepper spray gun is legal for civilians to own and use in Maryland if it contains no more than 2% OC by weight.
Massachusetts
Anyone above 18 years can carry and use a pepper spray gun for self-defense.
Michigan
According to Michigan laws, pepper spray can only contain up to .75% OC.
Minnesota
Pepper spray guns are legal to carry in the state of Minnesota as long as you’re 18 years of age or older and have not been convicted of a felony in the past five years.
Mississippi
A pepper spray gun that contains at least 500,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) is legal for civilian use in Mississippi. However, it cannot contain more than 35 grams of oleoresin capsicum (OC).
Missouri
In the state of Missouri, you can legally carry a pepper spray gun if you are 18 years of age or older and have not been convicted of a felony in the past 5 years.
Montana
Pepper sprays containing no more than 5% by weight total oleoresin capsicum (OC) in combination with inert ingredients are legal to possess and carry in the state of Montana.
Nebraska
It is legal to carry a canister or bottle that contains any amount less than 100 grams (.35 ounces) for individuals 18 years old or older who have not been convicted of a felony during the past 3 years.
Nevada
A pepper spray gun that contains 2 ounces or less of oleoresin capsicum (OC) is legal for individuals 18 years old or older.
New Hampshire
Any pepper spray gun containing less than 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of oleoresin capsicum (OC) is legal for individuals 18 years old or older to carry without a proper permit.
New Jersey Pepper Spray Laws
It is legal to carry pepper spray for self-defense in New Jersey. However, you must be 18 years or older
New Mexico
Individuals who are at least 18 years old and have not been convicted of a felony during the past three years are permitted to possess self-defense sprays containing 10% or less by weight total OC in New Mexico.
New York
In New York, any type of pepper spray is considered a “dangerous or deadly weapon” and cannot be possessed by individuals who are 18 years old or younger.
It is legal for 18 years and above individuals to own tools but they cannot ship them. It must be the pocket size.
North Carolina
Individuals who are at least 18 years of age and have not been convicted of a felony during the past five years may possess any type of non-lethal self-defense spray device in North Carolina.
North Dakota
Any type of non-lethal chemical spray labeled as “self-defense” is legal for individuals who are 18 years old or older to possess without a permit in North Dakota.
Ohio
Has no laws regulating the use of pepper spray guns.
Oklahoma
It is legal to carry pepper spray guns for individuals aged 18 years and above
Oregon
It is legal for anyone who is at least 18 years old to carry pepper spray
Pennsylvania
No laws are regulating the use of pepper sprays in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
No laws are regulating the use of pepper spray in Rhode Island
South Carolina
It’s legal for anyone who is at least 18 years old to purchase, possess and use pepper spray against another individual.
South Dakota
Pepper spray can be purchased by anyone 18 years of age or older and is currently legal to possess and use.
Tennessee
No laws are regulating the use of pepper spray in Tennessee
Utah
It is legal to carry pepper spray for individuals above 18 years.
Vermont
No laws are regulating the use of pepper spray in Vermont.
Virginia
Individuals who are at least 18 years of age can legally possess pepper spray.
Washington
Pepper spray is legal for all individuals over the age of 18 unless they have been convicted of a felony within the past five years.
West Virginia
It is legal for anyone who is at least 18 years old to possess and use oleoresin capsicum (OC) containing self-defense sprays so long as their use is intended only for self-defense purposes.
Wisconsin
Individuals over the age of 18 can purchase pepper spray
Wyoming
Any person over the age of 18 who does not have a felony conviction can legally purchase, possess and use pepper spray.
This list is meant to serve as general guidelines only and is in no way intended to cover every detail about state law regarding pepper sprays or self-defense sprays.
Where Can You Carry a Pepper Spray Gun?
It’s legal to carry a pepper spray gun almost anywhere, even where firearms are restricted. For instance, you can use them inside airports and schools and on private property.
However, it is illegal to carry a non-lethal self-defense spray in certain countries such as England where pepper sprays containing oleoresin capsicum (OC) are banned under the Firearms Act of 1997.
Some states such as Illinois and North Carolina may require you to provide proper documentation for carrying pepper spray guns.
In other words, you might be required to have a concealed weapons permit or other special permissions from the police department before transporting pepper spray guns in your vehicle or while walking down the street.
In light of recent events involving knife attacks, gun crimes, and terrorism threats around the world, more people are purchasing their tools for protection including pepper sprays and guns.
Even though pepper spray guns are legal in most jurisdictions, you should always check your local and state laws before carrying them around.
Is It Legal To Carry a Pepper Spray Gun? Bottom Line
Pepper spray guns are legal in most countries even though some local governments may require you to acquire special licenses before carrying them. Pepper sprays containing oleoresin capsicum (OC) are illegal in England unless you’re a law enforcement official.
It’s legal to carry pepper spray guns almost anywhere, but it is always best to check your state and local laws for restrictions or other guidelines that might apply where you live or travel.
If you have any questions about purchasing, owning, using gun-powered self-defense tools like pepper spray, contact your police department for assistance. The same applies if you want to learn more about applying for special permissions to carry pepper spray guns for self-defense purposes.