The problem from my perspective is twofold:
1. I've used it twice in real life serious social situations and it was ineffective;
2. Most of the time the speed and stealth of drawing and utilizing a firearm is imperative.
By the time one secures and uses the OC spray it is often too late to deal with an adversary who is younger, stronger, and determined to do you harm. It is even worse if they were drawing a knife or firearm, because then you are headed for the hospital or the morgue.
I do agree, we need truly effective non lethal weapons as an alternative. I just haven't seen one yet other than brass knuckles and/or blackjacks and they present their own set of legal problems.
It is worth noting that, in some states, having a concealed carry permit does not allow for tasers, stun guns, or even OC spray. In some areas, only LEOs are allowed to possess and carry these less lethal alternatives.
cross contamination can sometimes be a real possibility no matter what type you use. Gel might be a little harder to result in a secondary/cross exposure but we are talking about conditions where "fighting" and up close hostilities might be involved. Badguys will often cup their eyes upon exposure and then fling, smear or wipe the chemical agent on themselves, on others or onto nearby surfaces.I carry a small canister of Sabre Red Gel once in a while but not always. I used to carry it all the time after I became disabled and before we got concealed carry in my state . No not the same canister because they do have an expiration date.
The reason I use the gel is because I have COPD and I don't want the spray blowing back on me.
Everyone certainly has their opinions and I respect that. My experience in using OC occupationally vs violent offenders has yielded good results across the board. I am speaking of dozens upon dozens of applications over a period of many years and varying formulations of OC. I was certified in its use in the very late 80s or early 90s and have been exposed directly during training and secondarily during its use ( many times over). I wont claim to be an expert, but I have had the occasion to use the agent quite extensively over a couple of decades. I recall its effectiveness due to the fact that I had to document the results formally each and every time I used it and also had to detail methods of decontamination or instances of medical intervention.I don't know how many of you have actually been maced. I have. Of course different ones probably have differing levels of effectiveness, but I have to say that based on my experience there is no way I would rely on it. I could see using it in an attempt to avoid shooting someone, assuming the bad guy is a good 10' away from me and my pistol is already in my hand. Other than that, I don't know......
Would you deploy it against an armed threat? Armed with a knife?Everyone certainly has their opinions and I respect that. My experience in using OC occupationally vs violent offenders has yielded good results across the board. I am speaking of dozens upon dozens of applications over a period of many years and varying formulations of OC. I was certified in its use in the very late 80s or early 90s and have been exposed directly during training and secondarily during its use ( many times over). I wont claim to be an expert, but I have had the occasion to use the agent quite extensively over a couple of decades. I recall its effectiveness due to the fact that I had to document the results formally each and every time I used it and also had to detail methods of decontamination or instances of medical intervention.
Did it work well each and every time? No
Did it work well in the overwhelming majority of instances? Yes
I have had the occasion to use foam, ballistic streams and foggers. I have used it against solo violent offenders as well as in riotous situations involving large groups of people. OC is certainly not perfect but I will say that I have confidence in it as a method to help minimize the risk of injuries that often result from direct application of physical force.
Speaking just for myself and limiting the (non lethal) consideration narrowly to just the use of OC against the immediate peril of a knife wielding offender... probably not.Would you deploy it against an armed threat? Armed with a knife?