Guide: What's The Best Way to Train With Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray seems like an easy self-defense tool at first glance. Just point and spray, right? Well, not exactly. You'll need some training to use it correctly - and safely. Your safety depends on learning the right techniques.

Your self-defense starts with having the right tools for the job. You need to know about techniques that work in street scenarios. The law restricts how you can legally carry pepper spray. You'll need to learn what's allowed in your area and build skills that could save your life someday.

Let's talk about the knowledge and skills that you'll need for pepper spray defense.

Pepper Spray Types

Pepper spray comes in a few different types and you'll want to choose a good one for your preferences.

Many people choose stream pepper spray - it's definitely the most popular choice. Stream sprays let you shoot a direct line of spray up to 20 feet away. You'll love these sprays outdoors since the wind won't push the spray back at you. But remember, you need to hit what you're spraying at!

Fogger sprays create a dense cloud of small droplets around you. You won't need perfect aim because the spray spreads out to cover more area. Even though these only reach about 8 feet, that's plenty of space to keep yourself safe.

Gel pepper sprays are becoming more popular because they're useful and stick like glue. The gel won't bounce back and hit you since it sticks wherever you spray it. You'll find these work pretty well indoors because the gel stays put instead of floating around.

Foam sprays act quite a bit like gel but create a thick and sticky layer instead. The foam completely covers anyone you spray it on. You'll need to stay within 6 to 8 feet to use it. Since the foam doesn't drift through the air like regular spray, you can safely use it inside buildings.

For your outdoor protection needs, stream spray is probably a good choice. You'll get good range, and you won't have to deal with the wind. And if you're still working on your aim, a fogger could work instead.

There are also CO2 guns that shoot pepper rounds. These have the benefit of being treated as a less-lethal pepper spray defense item. But they pack way more power. Multiple follow-up shots, precise aim, and long range are some of the biggest benefits. We carry these at Byrna in both rifle and pistol form. The Byrna Mission 4 has a range of up to 100 feet!

When you're looking for indoor protection, you should go with gel or foam sprays. You'll get the best results because they stick right to your target. They won't float around affecting other people nearby. Just remember that you'll need to get closer to use these options!

How to Deploy it Properly

A strong stance can give you better control when using pepper spray. Start with spreading your feet to match your shoulders and slide your stronger foot back a bit. Hold the spray can in your main hand with your thumb hovering over the button.

You'll have the best chance of stopping an attacker by hitting their vulnerable areas. Direct the spray at their eyes, nose, and mouth. These sensitive places respond intensely to pepper spray and let you make a quick getaway.

You need about 6-10 feet between yourself and the person coming at you for the spray to work. Move from side to side while spraying, too. Your side-to-side movement makes it tough for anyone to grab you. It keeps just the right distance for the spray to be useful.

Wind conditions make pepper spray turn against you in seconds. If you spray when the wind is blowing toward you, you'll end up with a face full of burning spray yourself. Always check which way the air is moving. Quick bursts work much better than just holding down the trigger.

Some hands-on practice now builds up the automatic responses you'll need in threatening situations. Find an open and well-ventilated space to practice with a training canister that doesn't have real spray. Practice helps you stay calm and ready when you face real danger.

Pepper spray isn't a complete answer for every dangerous situation. Some attackers might fight through the spray if they're intoxicated or high. Others might power through it if they're worked up or angry. Always think ahead and know how you'll get away. After you've used your pepper spray, get out of there as quickly as you can.

Don't stop to see how well it worked, or try to help the person you sprayed. Run to somewhere protected and call emergency services immediately.

How to Stay Legal

Each state has its own strict laws with pepper spray and you need to follow them. Age limits, size restrictions, and other rules depend on where you live.

California keeps the pepper spray process pretty easy to follow. Once you turn 18, you're free to buy and carry pepper spray. Your only real limits are the size (no more than 2.5 ounces) and making sure the label states it's for self-defense.

New York takes a much stricter approach to pepper spray than most other regions. You're limited to small 0.75-ounce canisters, and you can only pick them up from licensed shops. The spray has to come with safety features to prevent accidents.

Many locations will stop you from bringing pepper spray into certain areas. Schools and government buildings are almost always restricted zones. In Alaska, if you're under 21, you'll get in serious trouble for bringing pepper spray near a school.

The laws regarding pepper spray strength can vary from state to state. In Michigan, you can't go above 18% OC concentration in pepper spray products. Wisconsin sets limits between 15 and 50 grams of OC. Plus, your container needs to stay under 2 ounces.

The law takes pepper spray misuse seriously. You're only allowed to pull it out when you legitimately need to protect yourself. Using it to frighten people or as a threat will land you in trouble fast.

Some states add extra requirements before you can buy pepper spray. Massachusetts requires you to go through a licensed firearms dealer for pepper spray. Washington DC makes you register your spray with the police department.

Your job and location determine what kind of training you need. Security personnel need certifications before carrying pepper spray on duty. Military members and law enforcement officers complete programs covering usage storage and incident reporting.

How to Stay Safe

Your pepper spray should have a safe home to work when you need it most. Pick out a place at room temperature that's well-protected and away from other objects. The sun and your car's extreme temperatures are no-goes for storage, too.

Learning about your pepper spray comes before any real practice begins. You should work that safety switch back and forth until it feels natural in your hands. Practice those movements so you won't fumble around when it counts.

Mother Nature might blow your pepper spray back into you when you're outside. Check where the wind is headed before you do anything else. You'll want to stay upwind to avoid getting a face full of your own spray, too.

Keeping your pepper spray reliable takes a bit of work on your part. Take a careful look at that expiration date as soon as you buy it. Most products only last between two and four years before they need a replacement. You should test spray it once every couple of months to make sure everything's working properly.

Getting pepper spray on yourself is no picnic. If it happens, you'll need to hold your head straight and move away from the area fast. Cool water will help cut back on the burning wherever the spray landed. Just remember that your eyes are sensitive. Don't touch them if you have spray on your hands.

Quick access to your pepper spray can save seconds in scary situations. Put it somewhere where you can grab it fast. Maybe attach it to your keys or tuck it in an easy-reach pocket. After picking the spot, practice pulling it out until the movement becomes automatic.

When holding your pepper spray, point that nozzle away from yourself and anyone else around you. Your thumb should rest against the bottom of the can for better control. Put your trigger finger right next to the spray button, too. When practicing, maintain a good six feet between you and your target.

Storage and Maintenance

Store your pepper spray in a way that makes it useful and ready to use. Heat and cold will ruin your pepper spray faster, too. The best place for your spray is an area that stays between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Never leave your pepper spray in your car during warm weather. Your parked car can heat up to over 120 degrees in just a short time. Intense heat might make your canister leak or burst open. The spray inside could become useless!

Your pepper spray won't protect you forever, even if you store it correctly. Most pepper sprays will work pretty well for 2 to 4 years after they're made before they expire. When you buy a new canister, check the expiration date before you pay for it.

You should test your pepper spray to make sure it's working correctly. Pick a calm day and stand with the wind at your back before giving it a quick test shot. An unusual spray pattern means it's probably time to buy a new canister.

A cool and dry drawer or closet works best for storing your pepper spray. Moisture is your spray's enemy, too. Humid places and areas with lots of sun will make your spray less useful. Make sure you can grab it fast if you need it!

Take a look at your pepper spray for any warning signs of trouble. Look out for leaks and strange foam or anything blocking the spray nozzle. Don't take chances. If something looks wrong, replace your canister right away!

Trust me, you're not being thrifty with old pepper spray. It endangers you and makes you vulnerable.

Training Exercises

Practice some inert training sprays to get better at defending yourself. These training sprays work just like real pepper spray, but they won't hurt you. They don't have any of the spicy chemicals!

You'll need an outdoor place where there's lots of fresh air to practice. Make sure to check which direction the wind is moving too. The last thing you want is that spray blown back at you when the stakes are high. So keep other people and pets far away from your practice area.

Stand with your feet as wide as your shoulders and bend your knees slightly - this will help you stay balanced! Keep your other hand ready, too. You'll need it to block any attacks or push yourself to a safe area.

Those first few seconds can mean everything in a threatening situation. You should practice grabbing your spray from its designated place over and over again. Pretty soon, you'll be able to reach for it without even looking down.

If you're ready to kick the training up a notch, try jogging in place while you practice, or ask a friend to yell from a distance. It makes you ready for that rush of adrenaline during a real attack. Try to move around while trying to hit your target. Not very easy, is it? But that's why it's good to practice.

It also helps your safety to learn how far your spray can reach. Most pepper sprays work best when your target is between 4 and 12 feet away. Test out different distances to know what your spray can manage. The Byrna Mission 4 has a range of up to 100 feet. You might not need much range for something you take on a jog. But for home defense, it can help add distance between you and an attacker.

When you're practicing, imagine a line across the attacker's eyes from ear to ear - that's where you want to hit. Keep your movements smooth and controlled during practice. If you miss your first shot, it isn't the end of the world. Just aim faster for that second spray.

Beginner Mistakes

You need to train with your pepper spray to protect yourself when it counts. People make easy mistakes during practice sessions. These mistakes could put you in danger when the real thing happens. You might spray everywhere instead of targeting the eyes and nose like you should.

The wind can hurt your spray pattern, too. You don't want the spray blowing back into your own eyes. Just take a quick check of the wind direction before you start. Then you can move yourself to the right place - it's as easy as that.

Your grip affects how well you can control your pepper spray when you need it most. Don't hold it like a pistol with your finger on the trigger. Instead, wrap your whole hand around the canister and press the trigger with your thumb. That'll give you better control and stop those annoying accidental sprays from happening.

When practicing, follow short bursts instead of holding down that trigger forever. A quick hit is all you need to stop someone coming at you. When you spray for too long, it just uses up your spray. It doesn't give you any extra punch.

Make sure you practice pulling out your pepper spray faster, too. It won't help if you're fumbling around in your bag when trouble comes. Practice those quick draws from wherever you usually carry it until it becomes natural.

Getting familiar with different pepper spray models will improve your skills. Each size feels different in your hand. The spray patterns change between brands. You should practice with the exact same type you'll be carrying around. That way, your muscle memory kicks in automatically when you're in a tight situation.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Pepper spray mastery can give you an advantage when you need to protect yourself from threats. You'll sleep better at night when you can protect yourself and your family. Regular practice sessions will also sharpen your skills so you're ready when seconds count.

Your self-defense equipment shouldn't stop at pepper spray, though. Having multiple defense options ready makes you much harder to victimize. That's where Byrna Technologies comes in as your partner in personal protection. Our modern and efficient pull-pierce CO2 system puts real stopping power in your hands.

You can own and carry Byrna products anywhere in America without dealing with background checks. We ship our full set of security equipment straight to you. That includes pistols, rifles, and projectiles. We also carry personal alarms and our rugged Ballistipac backpacks. You can even pack most items in checked luggage when flying. Just remember to remove those CO2 cartridges first.

Join the thousands who already depend on Byrna's reliable protection. Check out our complete lineup and customer reviews at Byrna.com today!