Pepper Spray Versus Stun Guns - Which is Better?

In order to answer this question, I feel it is important to explain a little about each of these self-defense weapons. They are both non-lethal and are legal in most cities and states in the United States. However, before purchasing either of these items, be sure to check with local authorities as to any possible restrictions on them in your area.

Pepper sprays are just that - defense sprays made from the oils of very hot peppers. This oil is a natural chemical called Oleoresin Capsicum and when sprayed in the face of an attacker, this inflammatory agent will swell the veins in the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. This will basically shut down the attacker, uncontrollably clamping his eyes shut and causing very little air to get through his airway, dropping him to his knees in a coughing fit and racked with burning pain. These effects will wear off in less than an hour leaving no lasting damage, but giving you plenty of time to escape and call for help.

Pepper sprays come in 3 different spray patterns and dispersal densities. The finer the spray and the smaller the spray droplets, the quicker and more effective the spray will be because it will be inhaled and dispersed quicker to the mucous membranes. The heat and inflammation will be released usually between one and two seconds with optimum efficiency. This type of spray would include the fogger spray, which is the most effective because of its fine mist, with the cone mist spray pattern taking a close second in instant stopping power.

The third spray pattern is the stream, which is better than the other two in a breeze as far as hitting the intended target and not blowing back in the face of the user, but it is less effective due to the fact that it tends to trap the OC agent in the carrier, not releasing it as quickly as the others.

Stun guns are electronic weapons that must touch the assailant in order to disable him. Currents of 200,000 to over a million volts flow through these devices. The title "gun" is not actually correct since they do not shoot anything. They will send a current through clothes into the assailant's body, causing muscles to work overtime, depleting them of necessary blood sugars. The muscles basically quit working immediately and the assailant will be disabled with immobility and pain for a few minutes. This gives you enough time to escape.

Stun guns will not permanently injure of kill anyone and the user cannot be shocked if the assailant is holding onto them when he gets stunned.

So now, which is better to own - pepper spray or a stun gun? It really is entirely up to each individual's level of comfort in using the weapon. Some would prefer something they can use from a distance and some want a weapon they can use if attacked suddenly.

Advantages of pepper spray -

• spray cans are small and easily fit in a pocket or purse or on a keychain


• they are easy to use at a distance to prevent an assailant from actually touching you - just point and shoot


• not much training is required - a couple of practice shots is all


• you don't have to charge anything - it is always ready to go


• they are cheaper than stun guns so you can have 2 or 3 in different places if so desired


• they come disguised as such things as lipstick, a pager, or a ring

Disadvantages of pepper spray -

• spray may be blown back into the user's face depending on the wind


• because they are under pressure, they will only last maybe up to 2 yrs if not used before needing to replace the canister


• there is the possibility of an accidental discharge

Advantages of stun guns -

• they come in several sizes, styles and voltages to choose from and some come disguised as cell phones or flashlights


• just the sound of the electricity and the blue light coursing between the tester probes is usually enough to stop an attacker


• if attacked from behind or suddenly from the side, you can grab the stun gun and press it into the assailant rather than risk getting pepper spray in your own face if you were to try to spray someone that close

Disadvantages of the stun gun -

• an assailant does have to be within touching distance to be stunned


• if the attacker has a weapon, the user of the stun gun has to come within range of the weapon in order to effectively use the stun gun


• the user of the stun gun must be physically fit enough to forcefully hold the gun's probes against a struggling attacker for at least a couple of seconds for the electricity to force its way into him and knock him down


• the intruder could possibly get the stun gun away from the defender and use it against her

I can't say that one of these self-defense products is better than the other. They are both effective for protection purposes. After studying the pros and cons of each, it is really up to you to decide which one you would feel the most comfortable carrying and using. But don't put it off too long. You never know when you might be in a situation where one of these items could save your life.