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Plutarch · 11-07-2007, 05:11

Holly:

I am a former LEO and a certified OC Instructor. I have used OC in real life confrontations many times. For what its worth, here's my .02 -

Pepper Spray, or OC (oleoresin capsicum) is an excellent tool to add to your EDC.

It's main advantage is that while being very effective, it leaves no permanent injury. So if you feel threatened at all, don't hesitate to spray someone.

If you do have to spray someone, DO NOT apologize or try to give them water. Break contact with them, and get out of the area. Unless you have been assaulted or are the victim of a crime, I wouldn't bother calling the police.

The main things to consider with OC products are the Scoville Heat Units of the product ( SHU= % of OC in the product, basically how "hot" it is ) and the delivery system.

There are three main delivery systems -

1. Aerosol or Fog - Ok. Basically sprays like a can of hairspray. You have to be relatively close to the suspect, and you are likely to suffer overspray and have it blow onto you or others around you as well.

2. Foam - Worthless. Basically sprays like shaving cream. If there is any wind it will blow to the side, or just spray onto the suspects chest. Plus, they can simply wipe most of it off. Stay away from Foam.

3. Stream - Excellent. Basically shoots out like a high pressure water gun. Most are effective from several feet away. Just aim for the suspects eyes. The liquid stream will run down into every crevice on their face. Unlike aerosol or foam, you can aim it directly into their eyes, mouth, ears etc. ( As a bonus, when they shower, the OC liquid runs down their body to their nether regions. Yeah, I learned that the hard way ). Overspray is greatly reduced compared to aerosol.

Do not announce, "I'm going to spray now". Once you have decided to spray, just do it. Usually the person will be talking or have their mouth open. I usually aim that first shot into their mouth and then go for the eyes.

Check with your local LE agency for the specific laws on OC in your area. ( Better yet, read your states actual codebook. Some LEO's aren't in favor of civilians carrying OC unfortunately and will steer you wrong )

Hope this helps.

11-07-2007, 05:11	#9
Plutarch Auxiliary Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 91	Holly: I am a former LEO and a certified OC Instructor. I have used OC in real life confrontations many times. For what its worth, here's my .02 - Pepper Spray, or OC (oleoresin capsicum) is an excellent tool to add to your EDC. It's main advantage is that while being very effective, it leaves no permanent injury. So if you feel threatened at all, don't hesitate to spray someone. If you do have to spray someone, DO NOT apologize or try to give them water. Break contact with them, and get out of the area. Unless you have been assaulted or are the victim of a crime, I wouldn't bother calling the police. The main things to consider with OC products are the Scoville Heat Units of the product ( SHU= % of OC in the product, basically how "hot" it is ) and the delivery system. There are three main delivery systems - 1. Aerosol or Fog - Ok. Basically sprays like a can of hairspray. You have to be relatively close to the suspect, and you are likely to suffer overspray and have it blow onto you or others around you as well. 2. Foam - Worthless. Basically sprays like shaving cream. If there is any wind it will blow to the side, or just spray onto the suspects chest. Plus, they can simply wipe most of it off. Stay away from Foam. 3. Stream - Excellent. Basically shoots out like a high pressure water gun. Most are effective from several feet away. Just aim for the suspects eyes. The liquid stream will run down into every crevice on their face. Unlike aerosol or foam, you can aim it directly into their eyes, mouth, ears etc. ( As a bonus, when they shower, the OC liquid runs down their body to their nether regions. Yeah, I learned that the hard way ). Overspray is greatly reduced compared to aerosol. Do not announce, "I'm going to spray now". Once you have decided to spray, just do it. Usually the person will be talking or have their mouth open. I usually aim that first shot into their mouth and then go for the eyes. Check with your local LE agency for the specific laws on OC in your area. ( Better yet, read your states actual codebook. Some LEO's aren't in favor of civilians carrying OC unfortunately and will steer you wrong ) Hope this helps.
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