Oleoresin capsicum (OC) is the oil extracted from the placenta near the stem of a pepper. It is the active ingredient used in most pepper sprays. However, the percentage of OC in a pepper spray does not indicate its strength. OC percentage only measures the amount of raw pepper in the formulation, not its pungency or effectiveness. Pepper spray strength is determined by the concentration of capsaicinoids, the compounds responsible for the burning and incapacitating effects.

Capsaicinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in chili peppers that are responsible for their pungency or heat. Capsaicin is the most potent and significant of the five major capsaicinoids. Oleoresin capsicum is composed of these capsaicinoids, and it is the percentage of total major capsaicinoids, not the OC percentage, that determines pepper spray strength.

Civilian and law enforcement pepper sprays typically range from 0.18% to 1.33% major capsaicinoids, while bear sprays range from 1.0% to 2.0% major capsaicinoids.

CS tear gas is generally considered better than CN tear gas. Super CS military tear gas offers several advantages over CN, which is why the U.S. Department of Defense replaced CN with CS in the late 1950s. CS provides the following benefits:

• CS takes effect more quickly
• CS is more potent but less toxic
• CS is highly effective even at low concentrations

Because of these advantages, CS has become the preferred tear gas for military and law enforcement applications.

Although blended formulations can be more effective, many law enforcement agencies carry OC-only pepper sprays because their objectives differ from those of civilians. For civilians, pepper spray is often the first and only means of defense, making maximum incapacitation essential to allow escape and contact with police.

Law enforcement officers, however, have additional tools and follow-up capabilities, including apprehension and investigation. If immediate arrest is not possible, descriptions and ultraviolet dye can help link a suspect to the crime. As a result, many agencies carry OC-only pepper sprays, while CS tear gas is typically reserved for crowd-control situations.

Law enforcement pepper sprays are not necessarily more potent than civilian products. While potency can vary between formulations, civilians have access to pepper sprays with the same maximum strength used by law-enforcement agencies. When measured by major capsaicinoids, the strongest civilian-available sprays can match the potency of those carried by agencies using top-tier formulations.

Spray duration varies by canister size and brand. For example, a typical 0.54 oz (15 gram) keychain-size pepper spray canister is one of the most popular sizes carried by civilians. SABRE 0.54 oz canisters are rated to deliver approximately 25 quick bursts, or about 10 seconds of total spray time, which is intended to provide multiple deployment opportunities during a single defensive incident, including situations involving multiple assailants, and not for use across separate encounters.

All aerosol products will eventually lose pressure over time, which can affect performance. Many pepper sprays on the market have a shelf life of around two years from the date of manufacture. SABRE pepper sprays and gels are designed with a longer shelf life and are rated for four years from the date of manufacture, helping ensure reliable performance over an extended period when properly stored.

No. If a pepper spray canister has been used in a defensive situation beyond brief testing, it is recommended that the canister be replaced. After use, the remaining spray level and pressure may be reduced, and you want the canister to be as full and reliable as possible when needed, especially if confronted by multiple threats at one time. A previously used canister may be kept for training or practice purposes and should be disposed of properly once no longer needed.

Most keychain pepper spray products have an effective range between 6 and 12 feet, depending on the spray pattern and wind conditions. Pepper sprays that use a stream spray pattern typically reach 8 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters). Cone or mist spray patterns generally deploy about 6 to 12 feet (2 to 4 meters), with an average effective range of around 10 feet (3 meters).

Pepper gel sprays are designed to travel farther than traditional sprays and typically project about 20% farther than stream-based pepper sprays, while also reducing wind blowback.

SABRE products undergo extensive testing through both independent laboratories and internal quality-control processes. Independent laboratories conduct testing for dermal irritation, eye irritation, inhalation exposure, flammability, and capsaicinoid pungency using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

In addition, SABRE performs internal testing that includes crimp integrity, weight, pressure, spray pattern, range, number of bursts, and temperature performance to ensure consistent reliability. SABRE's parent company, Security Equipment Corporation, maintains an ISO 9001-certified quality management system, and select SABRE pepper spray and pepper gel products are certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to ASTM E3187-19 standards, reflecting internationally recognized manufacturing and performance benchmarks.

Pepper spray should be used only long enough to create an opportunity to escape safely. Once the spray has had an effect and the threat is interrupted, leave the area immediately and contact law enforcement. Pepper spray is intended as a temporary defensive tool to help you break away from danger, not to remain engaged. If a canister is used in a defensive situation, it is generally recommended that it be replaced to ensure full reliability for future emergencies.

Pepper spray is legal for personal defense in all 50 U.S. states; however, some states and local jurisdictions impose specific regulations on its purchase, possession, and use. These regulations may include restrictions on canister size, formulation, point of sale, shipping, or age requirements, and can vary by location and change over time.

For this reason, individuals should review their state and local laws before purchasing or carrying pepper spray. Pepper spray is intended for defensive purposes only, and in most jurisdictions may only be sold to or carried by adults, with limited exceptions defined by local law.

No. Pepper spray should not be relied upon after its expiration date. Like any pressurized aerosol device, a pepper spray canister may lose pressure over time, which can reduce spray performance or prevent it from deploying properly. For this reason, it is recommended that pepper spray be replaced on or before the expiration date printed on the canister to ensure reliability in an emergency.

SABRE pepper spray should be stored at temperatures between 32°F (0°C) and 120°F (48.9°C). Exposure to temperatures outside this range may cause the canister to leak or lose integrity, which can affect performance or damage the unit. For this reason, pepper spray should not be stored in a vehicle, where temperatures can quickly exceed or fall below safe storage limits.

Yes, but only in limited circumstances. In the United States, pepper spray is not permitted in carry-on luggage, but one small container may be allowed in checked baggage if it meets federal requirements. Under FAA regulations (49 CFR §175.10), the spray must be 4 fluid ounces (118 mL) or smaller, include a positive safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge, and contain no more than 2% by mass of CS or CN tear gas.

Airlines may impose additional restrictions, so travelers should always check with their carrier before flying. For international travel, ICAO and IATA regulations prohibit self-defense sprays in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Expired or empty SABRE pepper spray should be replaced and disposed of properly. Because pepper spray canisters contain pressurized chemicals, they should not be used once expired or empty and must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Disposal requirements can vary by location, so users should follow their local waste-management or hazardous-materials guidelines when discarding a pepper spray canister.

If pepper spray cannot be shipped to your location due to state or local restrictions, it must be purchased in person from an authorized retailer. In some states, laws restrict the online sale or shipment of pepper spray, even though in-state retail sales are permitted.

SABRE products are commonly available at mass merchants, hardware and home improvement, automotive, licensed firearms dealers, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, and other approved local retailers, depending on your location. Because regulations vary by jurisdiction, consumers should check their local laws or use SABRE's retailer locator to find authorized in-store purchase options in their area.

Only products approved for use on dogs by the United States EPA or Health Canada can be used on dogs. SABRE Red Protector Dog Spray contains the maximum potency allowed by the EPA. SABRE Dog Spray contains the maximum potency allowed by Health Canada.

You are allowed to carry the SABRE Dog Deterrent Sprays in Canada, but it is only legal to use on aggressive dogs and coyotes; it is not legal to be used on another human being.

SABRE Crossfire™ pepper spray and pepper gel differ from traditional pepper sprays and gels in how they deploy and how reliably they reach a moving target. Crossfire™ technology allows the spray or gel to deploy at any angle, even upside down, helping maximize target acquisition, whereas most standard pepper sprays and gels require the canister to be held upright to function properly.

In addition, Crossfire™ pepper gel delivers a thicker, more controlled stream that is less affected by wind and reduces blowback, making it more dependable indoors and outdoors. These design differences provide more consistent coverage and reliability compared to traditional pepper spray and gel products.