How can I aquire and carry mace/pepper spray?

Question

I live in Massachusetts and I am interested in carrying mace/pepper spray for self-defense reasons because I was recently attacked and I feel defenseless. I am an adult female, I only weigh 100 pounds and I am 5'2. Does anyone know the process I have to go through to aquire and carry mace?

Answer 1

you need to get an F.I.D. card to purchase and carry. Contact your local police station they can tell you what you need. You may need to take a hunter's safety course even for just pepper spray/mace not 100% sure.
Either way you need to start at your local police station.

additional info: You do need a license to purchase & own in Ma. don't listen to the people on here saying just buy it. No can do in Mass. If you go to a neighboring state that may allow it and you use it you will be screwed.

Answer 2

First of all, you should learn the difference between mace and pepper spray. Pepper spray is the one (out of the two) you should use because it's safer. Still, explore other self defense ideas too:
1. Keep a camera with you. If you're the victim of a crime, photograph the criminal.
2. Keep a gun with you. Pepper spray won't stop a criminal. A gun will, but only if you're willing and able to use it.
3. Learn a martial art. Being small and lightweight doesn't mean you can't hurt a bad guy.
4. Carry a whistle with you. This will make sure the criminal knows everyone nearby is watching him.
5. I liked the suggestion of a big dog that was already made. The dog isn't afraid of a big criminal, even if he's armed and the dog won't be caught off guard. This is also the best deterrent on my list.
6. Carry a bright flashlight. If you're attacked at night, shine it right into his eyes. You'd be surprised how defenseless a blind criminal is.
7. Carry a knife. Without training it won't do much to physically protect you, but it will keep him at a distance.
WARNING! Before doing any of these, make sure you not only know what the official law is in your area, but how the cops behave in practice. If they'll kill a guy for having a wallet, they sure as heck will kill you for having a knife.

Answer 3

Pepper spray is generally available in most states and should not be hard to buy. Mace is more damaging and it is regulated. You may be able to get a license to carry mace or some other protective substance through your local police. They would be a good source of onformation on what you may purchase and where. Remember that any weapon is only good if you know how to and are willing to use it. Also carrying a weapon of any kind can turn against you if your attacker gets a holsd of it before you can use it.

Answer 4

Here in New Jersey the rule of thumb is it can be purchased but must not be over a certain percentage. Also there is no need to register such device as it is personal self defense. Keep in mind not all cities in New Jersey will honor that as well as certain states. I know for certain New York does not allow carrying mace because of the types of heinous mayhem that occurs every second for any reason.

Where I reside at I kind of friendly with the locals so it does not bother them as much as it would bother another department or county outside of my territory.

Think of it like a city cop crossing county or state lines. Nuff Said.

Answer 5

My brother and I each have a container of pepper spray (I'm 17, he's 15).

My dad bought it at the Police store, or something like that. You don't need any kind of certification to carry it.

Answer 6

I got all of my self defense stuff from www.expressdefense.com They ship almost right away it seems and they have cool stuff. I don't go anywhere without my stun gun, pepper spray, and also I got a super loud personal alarm. I was attacked on campus a couple years ago. I jog alot and I run into some strange situations sometimes. Im always ready though to defend myself. Be safe my friend:)

Answer 7

talk to the attorney general's office in you state first and see if it's legal to carry. also maybe ask about a concealed carry permit. most places such as wal-mart, k-mart, or a big store have it in stock, I find it to be lower quality and not as effective. try a police supply store or magazine. www.galls.com sells all kinds of public safety supplies (fire,police and EMS equipment. and of course pepper spray). call them they will usually send you a free catalog. I would strongly recommend you have some kind of practice or training, don't be afraid to ask a police officer from your state for advice on use and types. And yes there are ways you can but your self at a disadvantage quickly if you don't know what your doing. stay safe and good luck.

Answer 8

i think you better talk to an officer about it first, because if you use the pepper spray, in some states the suspect can come back and sue you for damages. personally, i would look into self defense courses rather than pepper spray.

Answer 9

You can buy mace at your local Gun and knife stores or shows.
But it is illegal for you to carry pepper spray without being trained to use it.

You are allowed to purchase and carry stun guns.
They have this really neat wand that not only gets an attacker if you poke them but if they grab it -- it zaps them too.
Worth checking out.

Answer 10

The regular mace or pepper spray available to the general public is not nearly as strong as the law enforcement varieties, so I would say yes. Protect yourself from "unethical" situations like rape, muggings, beatings by using equally "unethical" protection available to you. However to successfully fight off the perpetrator you must use law enforcement strength chemical agents. Using cheap key chain varieties will just piss them off, making your situation worse.