A pepper ball gun is a nonlethal weapon used for crowd control and self-defense. It shoots plastic, sphere-shaped projectiles filled with a chemical irritant that breaks upon impact. The device that fires these projectiles resembles a paintball gun and uses compressed air to propel the ammunition. Unlike traditional pepper spray, pepper balls don’t require special training to use and are legal to carry in most states without a permit.
The complexity of acquiring a firearm license in South Africa forces people to look for alternative self-protection weapons. The pepper ball gun is one of the most popular options. The weapon is designed to resemble firearms for a realistic experience and easy handling. Its compact size and hard plastic material for a good hand fit and stability make it user-friendly. In addition, a pepper ball gun has a magazine which allows the user to fire multiple projectiles in a short period of time, increasing its effectiveness.
Pepper guns can also be a good option for home protection, especially for women and children. However, the weapon is not perfect. It has some weaknesses, such as its limited range and accuracy. Moreover, it is prone to jamming, making it less reliable for quick firing. However, these issues can be easily addressed by using a quality brand or by performing regular scenario training.
While pepper ball guns are not lethal, they can cause serious injury if mishandled. They can be especially effective when they are used on an assailant who is hiding behind a barrier or covering themselves. Pepper ball projectiles release a cloud of pepper dust that can disorient an assailant and give them a clear path to escape the situation.
Like pepper spray, a pepper ball gun is a powerful self-defense weapon that can debilitate an assailant for up to 15 minutes. The irritant can cause severe discomfort for an attacker and make it difficult for them to see or breathe. In addition to the physical effects, it can cause a attacker to lose their balance and fall, which gives the defender time to escape to safety.
Pepper gun models that resemble pistols and rifles are available for sale. They can be purchased from local stores and online. They are easy to use and are ideal for home and personal defense. Many of these devices are equipped with laser sights to assist in aiming. They have a chamber that holds the pepper ball, and they can be loaded with 10-20 balls at a time. The loader is located above the launch tube, and the pepper ball is released with each press of the trigger.
These devices are similar to a standard paintball gun but use CO2 instead of nitrogen to power the projectiles. They are legally regulated in some states, including Hawaii. It is important to be familiar with laws that regulate the use, possession and storage of air and replica weapons before purchasing one. In Hawaii, projectiles containing the irritant oleoresin capsicum and chlorobenzalononitrile are prohibited under ROH Chapter 41.