Non-lethal self-defense options allow you to subdue or disable a potential threat without the risk of long legal battles or killing the person. Non-lethal options allow you to defend yourself and your family without having to use a firearm.
A few of the standout self-defense options are:
- Tasers
- Pepper spray
- Baton
- Stun gun
- Pepper spray gun
One of the main issues with a taser, handheld pepper spray, a baton, stun gun or other self-defense option is that you have to be up close to the attacker to use these items effectively.
And you can’t and don’t want to get close to someone who may have a firearm or knife on them.
Distance is what makes a firearm so effective. You can shoot a person from a long distance without ever putting yourself in imminent danger.
A pepper spray gun allows you to keep your distance when protecting yourself. These non-lethal guns allow you to disable to attacker with a highly concentrated spray that will cause the person to have difficulty seeing and breathing.
The right pepper spray gun may leave the person disabled and impacted for 10 – 15 minutes or longer.
Since a pepper spray gun doesn’t require a license or permit, you can confidently keep the item in your home and use it for self-defense. SALT Supply and Kimber both offer impeccable options that can go over 100-feet and will hit a target in under a second.
Quick acting and effective, these spray guns are just a few of the affordable self-defense options available.
We’re going to review the best pepper spray guns available today.
What Are The Best Options For Non-Lethal Self Defense?
Best Overall. Firestorm JPX 4 Shot Compact Pepper Spray Gun
Firestorm’s JPX 4 is a compact, high-powered spray gun with one of the industry’s best accuracy ratings. The 590 FPS speed at 23-feet adds to the gun’s accuracy, but the built-in laser is the main reason for accuracy.
If you’ve never shot a gun before, a laser will allow even first-time shooters to hit their target.
All you have to do is make sure that the laser is on the target and pull the trigger. The rapid speed will ensure that the target is hit.
Features
- Shoots at 590 feet per second
- High concentration for maximum effectiveness
- Includes a storage case for easy transport and added safety
- Built-in laser to improve shooting accuracy
A lot of reviews fail to mention the built-in laser, and it’s upsetting because the laser is this gun’s main selling point. The laser allows you to have pinpoint accuracy so that you can hit a target even if you have no idea how to properly shoot a gun.
The reload tubes provide four shots, so you can shoot up to four assailants as needed.
Pros
- Four-shot magazine for additional safety
- Fast speed ensures accuracy
- Laser reduces risk of missing the target
Cons
- Expensive
The JPX 4 provides a compact pepper spray gun at a steep price. But when it comes to accuracy, the Firestorm is one of the best on the market. The velocity and 23-feet range allow for one of the best accuracies on their own, but add in the laser, and you have the industry’s best spray gun in terms of accuracy.
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Runner-Up. SALT Supply’s S1 Pepper Spray Gun
SALT Supply’s S1 is actually a self-defense kit, and it’s the best pepper spray gun on our list. This model is different because it also comes with practice rounds and spray rounds. The practice rounds allow you to get a feel of how the spray gun works.
There is a seven-round magazine, so you have multiple tries to defend yourself.
Features
- 7-round magazine for multi-shot opportunities
- 10 practice rounds to test out the spray gun
- 10 pepper spray rounds
- 5-foot cloud created after impact
SALT Supply offers a reliable five-year lifespan on their pepper spray rounds, although I recommend changing them out every four years for added safety. The velocity of each shot is impressive, with a noticeable impact that will stun most targets.
You can hit the wall with this model and the cloud will be enough to disable the attacker.
Direct impact can be difficult when your nerves set in and you’re trying to do everything in your power to protect your family. Since you can hit the wall, it allows for added safety and less chance of the pepper spray round failing to impact the target.
Accuracy is rated at 120-feet, so you shouldn’t have any issue hitting the target or an object close to the target.
And this pepper spray gun has been tested by over 5,000 military and police personnel who back claims that this device is safe and effective.
Pros
- Full kit is provided for testing and practical use
- 150+ feet distance for long range defense
- Silent operation with no strong kicks
Cons
- CO2 cartridges should be replaced after puncture
The S1 is powerful and can travel at 320 feet per second. Impact can be on the wall or directly on the attacker due to the five-foot cloud created after impact.
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Runner-Up: Kimber PepperBlaster II
Kimber’s PepperBlaster II is an advanced pepper defense system that is our choice for the best budget buy. If you can’t afford to spend the money for the S1, this is the model that we recommend.
Features
- 112 MPH speed at 13-feet distance
- Safety tabs to ensure kids can’t shoot the gun
- Threats can be disabled for up to 45 minutes
Compact and powerful, the one-two punch PepperBlaster is three times more effective than traditional pepper spray. The pepper solution is highly concentrated to offer an intense, 45-minute impact on the attacker.
Shelf life is an impressive four years, and the affordability is unmatched.
Pros
- Fast and accurate to quickly neutralize a threat
- Extreme affordability for budget-friendly self-defense
- Threats will be impacted for up to 45 minutes
Cons
- Two-shot use only
Kimber’s PepperBlaster is our budget-friendly top choice, but the lower price comes at the cost of the unit only having two shots. Once you use both shots, that’s it – there are no more refills available.
Powerful and potent, the PepperBlaster II is the go-to choice for a low-cost self-defense
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Runner-Up. JPX Two Shot Pepper Spray Gun
JPX’s two shot pepper spray gun is a powerful, small model that is able to hit targets faster than most any other model on the market. The unit has a shorter distance of 23 feet, so you’ll have to be closer to the threat but not too close where you put your safety at risk.
Features
- Sprays 23-feet at 405 MPH
- Two shot per magazine
- Two-foot spread for larger impact area
The pepper solution is 4 million SHU, which is almost twice as powerful as handheld pepper spray – more when compared to lower-end pepper spray. Highly accurate and durable, the spray provides users with confidence that they have the ability to defend themselves in intense situations such as a home break-in or assault.
Pros
- Spreads after impact for better coverage
- Liquid only design lowers risk of injury
- 405 MPH speed for immediate disablement
Cons
- 23-feet range doesn’t allow for long distance protection
JPX uses a spray jet that travels at over 400 MPH to neutralize a threat. The spray is powerful with a two-foot radius after impact. Powerful and offering 4 million SHU, this is a great option for a small, up-close line of defense.
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Best Budget Buy: Mace Brand Self Defense Pepper Spray Gun
The Mace Brand helps you defend against threats with a seven-shot, 10% OC gun. A strobe LED can be used to distracted targets, and the spray is designed to go 20 feet. Upon impact, the attacker’s eyes will begin to burn distorting their vision, their skin will feel an intense burning sensation and respiratory distress will also occur.
Features
- Integrated LED light that distracts targets and improves aim
- Small enough to fit in your pocket
- 10% OC spray to cause impaired vision, respiratory distress and intense burning
- 20-foot distance with a seven-burst capacity
Mace provides a low-cost, easy-to-use spray gun that comes with an LED light for added accuracy and improved distraction. The unit has a slide release safety feature to keep the gun for discharging in your pocket or on accident when pulling it out of your pocket.
Pros
- Extremely compact for easily concealment
- Seven shot capacity
- LED light for added accuracy and blinding potential
Cons
- Bulkier than competing models
The Mace Brand spray gun may not be the best in terms of speed or size, but it’s one of the most affordable models on our list. TSA/FAA compliant, you can bring this spray gun on a flight as long as it’s in checked baggage. Effective, this is a great model for anyone on an extremely low budget.
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Best Budget Buy. Ruger Pepper Spray Gun
Ruger offers a small pepper spray gun that has enhanced facial coverage to ensure that the target is fully neutralized. Offering an in-house solution that reduces the fail rate of other pepper sprays, Ruger is able to quickly cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation that allows you to be able to flee the threat.
You can buy refill canisters if you like, and each canister holds enough liquid to be shot five times without an issue. The Ruger resembles a small handgun and also has UV dye which will “mark” the target if you hit them and they are able to escape.
Features
- 5-bursts and reloadable units for extended use
- UV marking dye for ease of identifying targets
- 10-foot range ideal for close protection needs
- Ergonomic design that is similar to a handgun
Ruger offers a very cost-friendly model that is closer to a regular small pepper spray than it is one of the other spray guns on our list. This model comes with a 10-foot range, which is great when trying to stop an attacking dog or someone who is trying to harm you at close range.
But the short-range also means that if you have an attacker at a good, safe distance, you’ll have to close the distance to disable the target.
If you need a very affordable pepper spray, this is the right model for you. The other models on our list are all recommended above this model because of the short-range, but it’s still better than having no protection at all.
Pros
- Close range shot for immediate threats
- Small in design and easy to carry
- UV dye to help identify anyone hit with the spray
Cons
- Short range
The range of the Ruger is both a benefit and a disadvantage. If someone attacks up close, the 10-foot range is perfect and allows you to break free from the attacker. But if the threat is a good distance away, they’ll easily be able to maintain a non-reachable range where you won’t be able to stop the threat.