OC Spray question...

[jaysen]

I'm sure i'm not the only one, or at least I'm the only that is not afraid to admit but just realized my OC has been expired since 2007 !

Anyway, never knew much about them and frankly never bothered to learn... I was just on Def Tech's website because my current (expired) can is "MK4" branded but it seems like there are SOOOOO many variations. Someone help me out and suggest something - LEO's only with experience please.

Thanks.

[Shumba]

We got sprayed in the face while in the academy. They used OC that deputies turned back in after the expiration date. Still hurt like hell, even though it was expired.

A brand new can costs something like $12 or $14. Just go to a police supply store and pick up a new one. Save your expired one for practice!

[P5Ret]

Isn't it issued? I don't think I ever had a can unused long enough to reach an expiration date. Anyway I think the last on I was issued was .4%, I know for certain that I have been hit by a a .2 and had gotten cross contaminated by an .4 they were all bad. I am hyper sensitive to it so that may have something to do with how bad it is for me. MK4 is a size not a brand 3 ounce I think. The higher the percentage the more active OC in the can. More OC doesn't mean hotter, it is supposed to work faster. Kind of the bigger the bite of the chili the quicker you feel it kind of thing. As long as you are getting a reputable brand DEF-TEC, Saber, and a couple others I can't recall it should be fine, just remember to shake it up once and a while, and you should be good to go.

[jaysen]

Yes, they're issued but we have still have to go to the uniform shop to pick up. I figured i'd ask, and at the cost of $12 every 10 years , I wouldn't mind buying on my own instead of having to jump through hoops for the dept to issue.

Thanks for the clarification... Looks like Def-Tec carries an OC/CS mixture - sounds like a good time. I might pick that one up.

Oh, and forgot to mention not only is it expired but near empty... which by the why was the reason for checking the canister.

[CaptMike]

In my department, it is against policy to purchase your own. It has to be issued by the department because they have tested it. You should double checkyour departments policy regarding OC.

[retired]

As a former leo, out of the game, I have a question. I know I can no longer buy the same size OC that leos can, but am I restricted from buying one that sends out a stream, not spray of OC. I had one dealer tell me that only leos can buy that kind and the spray and gel type are the only ones a civilian can purchase. I hope that isn't true.

I like the stream OC cans we were issued and also liked the distance it would travel (close to 15'). I don't know if distances are reduced for civilians also.

Thanks.

[P5Ret]

As a former leo, out of the game, I have a question. I know I can no longer buy the same size OC that leos can, but am I restricted from buying one that sends out a stream, not spray of OC. I had one dealer tell me that only leos can buy that kind and the spray and gel type are the only ones a civilian can purchase. I hope that isn't true.

I like the stream OC cans we were issued and also liked the distance it would travel (close to 15'). I don't know if distances are reduced for civilians also.

Thanks.

That's interesting, I've never seen that in writing only the size limitation of 2.5 ounce, I think is what it is. I'm curious about it too, since I fall into that category also.

[CaptMike]

There is no legal restriction in regards to stream, only size is restricted. In my opinion, the streambis better because of the distance. Some of the cans spray up to 15 feet away. Good stuff.

In regards to expiration dates, we use the expired cans during our academy OC training classes and the recruits dint complain that the cans are weak. Quite the contrary, they are quite effective. The important part is mixing well before use.

[Spyder]

No restrictions to the type of spray/stream/foam. I prefer stream for the distance, and the less chance of cross contamination in windy situations.

As for expiration, the stuff still works, but the propulsion out of the can is what loses strength. All of them that I've gotten expire in something like 4 years...which makes me wonder, and I'm going to go check my expiration date right now!

[hermosabeach]

http://search.galls.com/search#w=OC&PMSRCE=92350001&SESSIONID=000000068471213

Galls has a good selection...
IF you choose to go the Amazon or Ebay route- ask for the expiration date.

Sabre makes a 2 1/2 OZ size sold as 70 Grams... OC, CS and UV dye combo spray that fits into the left leg pouch on BDUs.... Model HM-80

http://www.lapolicegear.com/sahoun708fed.html

The product has a 4 year expiration date... so verify it is fresh stock before ordering...

[<IXOYE><]

Once used, no matter how much, we are required to not only write a hefty report but also turn it the can for a new one. Nothing worse than trying to spray a subject and run out mid stream.

[Dr.Lou]

There is no legal restriction in regards to stream, only size is restricted. In my opinion, the streambis better because of the distance. Some of the cans spray up to 15 feet away. Good stuff.

In regards to expiration dates, we use the expired cans during our academy OC training classes and the recruits dint complain that the cans are weak. Quite the contrary, they are quite effective. The important part is mixing well before use.

It's not the OC, CS or CN that degrades with age, it's the O-rings that seal the container that can fail causing leaks.

Moreover, all the department policies I am familiar with require officers to carry department issued chemical weapons and forbid the carry of any chemical weapon that's not department approved. It's considered safety equipment and is to be furnished by the Dept. However, there my departments out there that allow it.