Several years ago I watched a video series on Urban Survival. In the video the narrator mentioned that while carrying a firearm is certainly recommended, severe issues can come from brandishing a firearm – as well as using it. He suggested carrying a can of pepper spray.
There is no way to review every possible scenario. There’s no way of knowing when the next news event will cause crowds to rise up and cause chaoas. One I am concerned with due to the level of traveling I’ve done and some of the areas I travel through is getting surrounded in my vehicle. One example – Â Chicago. My companies corporate headquarters is in Chicago and my traveling there is just a matter of time.
 
Crowds. Dispersing a group of people so I can continue on my way is the goal. Yes – it’s easy to say, “JUST RUN ‘EM OVER!!!!” While that may be a viable option depending on the circumstances killing a few people and facing felony charges may not be the best way to go.
The video above shows a short clip of exactly what I’m talking about. A group begins to surround the truck and the passenger sticks a can of pepper spray out the window and blasts them. They move out of the way in short order.
I’ve previously ordered two cans of “bear spray” and have them in each vehicle at the ready.
Here is the link – – – > https://amzn.to/3kRyjHv
There are cheaper versions available, however, this brand has great reviews and appears to be a high-quality item. For something this important, I didn’t want to skimp and go cheap.
Thoughts?
Rourke
One other possibility are some of the OC gels.. which is what I carry personally and have for all my girls as well. Additionally they have tasers.. among other things. Gels don’t blow back with wind… and are less weather dependent (marginally). I agree we would rather not use a firearm or the bulk of a vehicle unless there is no other choice. Hard to say unless you are there and “feeling it”, which doesn’t carry over well to a trial. Just depends… If you brandish, you force someone else to assume you will do more. If you aren’t then just don’t take it out.. it’s illegal in most places and is definitely and escalation. Check your ordinances and be familiar with your location of course.
I have always liked the idea of having a big can of bear spray with me but never went with the idea because I’m scared to keep a pressurized can of the stuff in my car down here in the SW Florida heat. It would really suck if one exploded in the car.
Would the gel work in a crowd situation?
Gel OC is not as effective as stream/cone spray. The OC requires the skin to have contact with the air following exposure to maximize its effect. Gel and foam actually works to protect the skin longer from the burning effect of OC, because it take longer to evaporate then the stream/cone sprays.