pepper spray/ self defense tech question (utah specific)

[smileyeagle1021]

OK, a question for those who may be more familiar with it, does anyone know the laws regarding the possession and use of pepper spray in Utah?
Most of you who are on fratching already know what happened, CS safe version, I had yesterday an encounter that could have easily escalated and after that I'm seriously looking into self defense tech and really don't want to have to purchase a firearm, so any suggestions on where I can get pepper spray (or alternative self defense tech that you can suggest that doesn't break the bank) would be appreciated.
I so far have checked Wal-Mart and REI and neither of them carried it and neither had any ideas on where to find it.

[Plaidman]

Its perfectly legal there. However, learn how to use it correctly, otherwise you could be fine. Stupid laws....

Anyway. Most gun shops, outfitter areas, trading posts typically sell it.

[Nurian]

In research, my Google-Fu has determined Utah has no restrictions regarding pepper-spray. For anything stronger or to get confirmation, you can call the local police department.

If you're looking for self-defense, pepper spray is fine, but I also recommend Krav Maga. It's the only art I've seen that emphasizes "STAY ALIVE" over "BEAT THEM DOWN".

[Aut]

I got mine at Skaggs. I don't know where in Utah you are, but this is in Salt Lake County. It's a law enforcement store. Cost me about $10. And I got the pink one just because that's the way I roll. :p

I have never heard about any restrictions regarding pepper spray. I'm sure they would know at that store. I do know about the guns though, lol, because the man and I recently took a CFP class.

[TheSHAD0W]

Let me add, that you should consider whether you'd prefer to be judged by twelve, or carried by six.

[Jack]

Fry's carries pepper spray, if you have Fry's in Utah.

[Amina516]

budkww.com

Where i get my pepper spray (and SWORDS!!!!)

[blas]

Scheels and Gander Mountain (sporting and hunting stores) have large bottles of pepper spray, and they also have handy dandy keychain ones.

I used to have a little one on a keychain. It was probably only two or three decent little shots of it. I never had to use it, but I was glad I had it.

I'd rather get a fine for having it than have to deal with what could happen if I DIDN'T have it.

I won't go so far as to that line of thinking with a gun, because of no conceal-carry in Wisconsin, but damn I'd like t see them try and stop me from having pepper spray or a knife.

[Andara Bledin]

In addition to the tech, you might want to seriously consider also taking a self-defense class.

Not so much for the ability to defend yourself physically as for the mental preparedness you would get from the training.

^-.-^

[blas]

Search online or keep up with the news for a few weeks. A lot of cops teach self defense classes.

Or if you have extra cash, there's always mixed martial arts or karate.

[Hobbs]

In research, my Google-Fu has determined Utah has no restrictions regarding pepper-spray. For anything stronger or to get confirmation, you can call the local police department.

If you're looking for self-defense, pepper spray is fine, but I also recommend Krav Maga. It's the only art I've seen that emphasizes "STAY ALIVE" over "BEAT THEM DOWN".
I find Krav Maga to be so overrated. I prefer Aikido, but then, that is more of a philosophical reason.

A two-inch folding knife is all you need, really.

[Greenday]

A knife will result in an assault with a deadly weapon charge. Plus it involves getting closer than pepper spray does.

I'm pretty sure as long as you can prove it was self-defense, and as long as pepper spray is legal to carry, you should be fine.

[Evil Queen]

I don't remember what brand mine is, but I got mine at Academy. I'm informed that you can find it in most any sporting goods stores (mostly because it's a good animal deterant and joggers like to have it for dogs).

Link me to what happened, dear. I wanna know.

[Seshat]

"The Gift of Fear" by Gavin deBecker is definitely worth a read if you need self-defence information.

[crazylegs]

Smiley,

I know there's a lot of information on here, and this is uninvited advice - but I'm going to give it anyhow!

When you decide what you're buying/lessons you're taking make sure there is self awareness built in - stop yourself from getting into the situation in the first place. Your eyes are your best self defence mechanism, but only if you can appropriately interpret the information.

Look after yourself.

[HYHYBT]

Fry's carries pepper spray, if you have Fry's in Utah.

That's odd... around here Fry's is a computer store. No reason they *couldn't* stock pepper spray, but it's about the last place I'd have thought to look.

Just don't set the stuff off without reason... a customer did that at work once, and it caused all sorts of complaints, aimed at *us.* For not somehow stopping them from doing so, despite their not even meaning to, and also for letting in flies by having the doors propped open to air the place out afterwards.

[Plaidman]

That's odd... around here Fry's is a computer store. No reason they *couldn't* stock pepper spray, but it's about the last place I'd have thought to look.


Fry's a food and drug store in Arizona.

[Andara Bledin]

That's odd... around here Fry's is a computer store. No reason they *couldn't* stock pepper spray, but it's about the last place I'd have thought to look.
Considering some of the odd stuff I've bought while at Fry's Electronics, I wouldn't be surprised at all to find pepper spray on their shelves.

^-.-^

[taxguykarl]

From my days in Uptown (Chicago's northside ghetto), I noticed that those hoodlums fear pepper spray more than firearms. Blas also has a good idea about some self-defense. With regard to martial arts, it takes 2-3 years to be effective in self-defense matters.

[Plaidman]

Blas also has a good idea about some self-defense. With regard to martial arts, it takes 2-3 years to be effective in self-defense matters.

I have read alot about martial arts. That and Bushido. Five Rings. Everything that could possibly boost my self esteem.

That being said, putting it in practice is a bit hard. I never been very fit, and usually in pain. I also have a few spots on my body i need to keep guarded at all times, because even a tiny pinch can make me in agnoy.

Thus, I made my own style of fighting rather then be cowering, or attempting to fight /fair/ against bullies.

No more. Since I started work, I've dealt with more then one pissed off person who was trying to kill me. Like, hands around my neck, or knife, or attempting to slam a case of two liters into my head. I no longer fight fair. I mean, most of the time. I did have one customer who tried to strangle me, but it wasn't... working. My first thought was to slam his glasses into his eyes. But nontheless. Don't be afraid to fight dirty. Eyes, Ears, Privates, Neck, Nose. Any thing really that has a sense works wonders of getting people to back off. You never know if you have to fight for your life. Even I don't understand why I do it myself. I thought I didn't want to. But I think my overwelming sense of justice and the fact that person was wrong drove me to it.