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The following articles are written for 'off-duty' law enforcement. As such there are some parallels for CHLs.

12 Rules For Off-Duty Conduct:

http://www.officer.com/publication/arti ... 00&pubId=1


Off-Duty Deployment of a Full-Sized Firearm:

http://www.officer.com/publication/arti ... 1&id=29909

Thanks for posting this it is a good read ,I have a few ideas now .

300shooter

Pardon me while I rant for a second:
I'd love to carry some type of OC spray. I can't because I have asthma. Thanks, Mom, for smoking while you were pregnant.

What should those of us that can't use OC sprays use?

Ok, i'm finished ranting now.

hand-to-hand or stun guns are options.

nitrogen wrote:Pardon me while I rant for a second:
I'd love to carry some type of OC spray. I can't because I have asthma. Thanks, Mom, for smoking while you were pregnant.

What should those of us that can't use OC sprays use?

Ok, i'm finished ranting now.

Do you carry an inhaler? I would think that carrying OC and only using if necessary, then using your inhaler would work.

txinvestigator wrote:

nitrogen wrote:Pardon me while I rant for a second:
I'd love to carry some type of OC spray. I can't because I have asthma. Thanks, Mom, for smoking while you were pregnant.

What should those of us that can't use OC sprays use?

Ok, i'm finished ranting now.

Do you carry an inhaler? I would think that carrying OC and only using if necessary, then using your inhaler would work.

Not a bad idea.

I agree with the notion of trying to find a way that enables you to use OC, rather than discounting it so quickly. It can be a very effective deterrent.

Some don't like to carry it but I have it right between my extra mags & my cell phone. When age & autheritis make you slow & can't fight back very effectively then the intermediate is very important if an unarmed criminal decides to take advantage of the old cripple guy & his wife. Some days that is just what I look like. Others I get around pretty good. OC is as important for an unarmed assault or intimidation as your weapon is for the unthinkable.

flintknapper wrote:I agree with the notion of trying to find a way that enables you to use OC, rather than discounting it so quickly. It can be a very effective deterrent.

What about one with a stream or foam delivery method? It might not be as effective as a spray method, but it does have less chance of coming back to bite you (so to speak) and it would enable that "less lethal" option in your arsenal.

Kalrog wrote:

flintknapper wrote:I agree with the notion of trying to find a way that enables you to use OC, rather than discounting it so quickly. It can be a very effective deterrent.

What about one with a stream or foam delivery method? It might not be as effective as a spray method, but it does have less chance of coming back to bite you (so to speak) and it would enable that "less lethal" option in your arsenal.

You make a good point. Of course, I can not recommend one delivery system over another because your needs are probably different from mine.

Generally speaking, the foams are less likely to cross contaminate an area (due to wind). They do have a way to get on you however. The foam type OC's tend to "build up" on the target and can be accidentally flung back upon you or even rubbed on you if you are in close contact with the target. Fortunately, this is not often the case with civilians.

Foams normally don't have the "distance" of streams or (some) fogs, and usable capacity can be less as well. BUT, if you actually get it on someone...its bad news! Enclosed areas, or someplace where a (non target) was near your threat might be a good setting for a foam.

Naturally, the fogs cover the most area and require the least accuracy, but must be used judiciously to avoid contaminating yourself or others.

Stream types can have good range and are not too bad about cross contamination. Most offer a generous number of "bursts" before playing out.

Each person needs to decide which system will serve them best (most of the time). Be sure to purchase a "good" product. Something with a Scoville Heat Unit rating from 3-5 mil. will be about right.

One thing to watch for:
If you have small children around, make sure they can't find your OC spray. If they do, the problem will be self correcting , but the lesson should be avoided if at all possible.


Flint.

I have a 15 yr old daughter off to a college campus in the fall. She seems to be comfortable being left at home with loaded weapons when we go out, but I still worry about her away at school.

We are planning to have her carry OC on her keychain and will have practice sessions before she leaves so she will be comfortable with the method of delivery. I can find nothing so far restricting its possession on the campus or in the dorms.

I guess we will get enough for me to have as back up also.

I thought this was an excellent article and sent it so family members as well. Thanks

GrannyGlock wrote:I have a 15 yr old daughter off to a college campus in the fall. She seems to be comfortable being left at home with loaded weapons when we go out, but I still worry about her away at school.

We are planning to have her carry OC on her keychain and will have practice sessions before she leaves so she will be comfortable with the method of delivery. I can find nothing so far restricting its possession on the campus or in the dorms.

I guess we will get enough for me to have as back up also.

My daughter is 19 and in her second year of college..so I share your concerns.

Its a great idea to have a little practice session before hand...but not absolutely necessary. There are a number of companies that make inert "practice" canisters that dispense water or other non-harmful substances. They are not very expensive. Good practice. http://www.copsplus.com/inerttrainingspray.php

We could make a whole tactical discussion out of the do's and dont's of OC delivery..but the bottom line is: Have it with you (where legal), and make sure its readily accessible.

txinvestigator wrote:Do you carry an inhaler? I would think that carrying OC and only using if necessary, then using your inhaler would work.

Just don't get them mixed up!

GrannyGlock wrote:I have a 15 yr old daughter off to a college campus in the fall.

15 in college? Wow thats crazy

It was time to replace the "OC" canisters that Mrs. Flintknapper and Daughter carry...so I ordered new ones today.

While I was at it, I ordered a single canister of "inert" for them to practice with.
____________________________________________________________

Fox Labs Mark 3 Flip Top 2oz. Inert Pepper Spray
contents are exactly the same as in our live units, except there is no "OC" in them. These are not water units. This is because our formulas are heavier than water, and if we substituted water it would not replicate the spray patterns faithfully. Additionally, don't be surprised if you get a "red" face when exposed to them...this is because the inert formula is not water. But if the formula has a "kick" without "OC" just imagine how it is when we add the fire!____________________________________________________________

I feel confident my daughter will use 2-3 second bursts as recommended, but I'm less convinced my wife can/will restrain herself. After all, we've been married 22 yrs. and she has an excellent memory.

Anyway, it can't be as bad as the "real stuff", and I've had that and "CS" before. I want them both to focus on making a good hit (eyes, nose, mouth) and also to show them that there will be no time to dig around for it in the bottom of their purses.

Should be interesting (and irritating).