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Refuse To Be A Victim!  

Many Civilians Choosing Less-Lethal Weapons

 
By Brian Haas | Sun-Sentinel.com 1:57 PM EDT, June 27, 2008 

ALERT: You don't need a concealed weapons permit to carry pepper spray or stun guns, but these items are weapons and you should use care when handling them.
 
Local gun shop owners say the number of people coming in looking for "less lethal" self-defense options such as pepper sprays and electric stun guns is on the rise. Whether out of fear or for personal beliefs, many people aren't comfortable carrying guns.
 
"They want something in the middle. A big part of our society is that way," said Jeff Dillard, president of National Law Enforcement Distributors in Davie. "There's not a day that goes by when we don't have four or five customers come in here discussing this."

Choosing the right item isn't easy.

In Florida, you can carry two different types of weapons without a permit: pepper sprays and stun guns, including the Taser.

Pepper spray

Pepper spray is the cheapest less-lethal item, starting at around $10 for a canister small enough to keep on a key chain. Containers can also be disguised as pens, pagers, lipstick and hand-held fitness weights. Made up of chemicals derived from chili peppers ("OC" spray) or tear gas ("CS" spray), pepper spray causes burning, stinging eyes and coughing. Dillard recommends pepper spray because the effects are lasting. When shot directly into the face and eyes, it will leave the attacker in pain for up to an hour if untreated.

"Whatever I came to do, that's no longer on my mind," Dillard said. "I'm going to be screaming and yelling and rubbing my eyes and in pain."

There are drawbacks. If you fire it into the wind, you may end up with a face full of your own pepper spray.

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