Who would have thought that technology which started out as air rifles and BB guns, by such famous makers as Crossman and Daisy, would morph into survival games?

And who would have thought that weapons designed for survival games would one day morph back into providing very effective pepper spray protection?

The first recognized, official game of paintball happened in June of 1981 when Charles Nelson first had the idea for a gun that could shoot paint balls. Meanwhile, three other guys (Gurnsey, Noel, and Gaines) had seen guns that marked trees and cattle and figured, as game-minded folks do, that similar equipment could be rigged to deliver similar markers in play roughly resembling “Capture the Flag.” Next, they bought the Nelspot 007, originally known as the Daisy Splotchmaker. It became the official weapon for the competition which was soon organized. Some time later Gurnsey founded the National Survival Games and commissioned the first paintball guns made specifically for the purpose.

From those beginnings the paintball craze mushroomed in popularity at the same time that technology and the need for non-lethal protection was exploding. Designed to launch a ball of PAVA (capsaicin II), the non-lethal weapons accurately deliver a fragile ball which breaks upon impact. It then releases the extremely effective super irritant at a safe distance from the user.

In stand-off situations, these pepper spray launchers are invaluable when deadly force is not needed but it is safer to maintain some distance from the danger area. Referred to as “stand-off” weapons, they are particularly useful in situations besides just the classical stand-offs. They are effective not only when used against individuals but also to help control crowds. While providing the safety of distance, launchers can saturate an area with PAVA within about a 200 foot range.

For the safety-conscious private citizen, the use of pepper spray is well worth consideration. While the delivery system is much smaller than the launcher, a small, hand-held container is capable of neutralizing a would-be assailant.

Carrying pepper spray discreetly provides both a level of confidence and also a very effective weapon. Not only are the products affordable, but they are easy to use. Cleverly designed “holsters” make it possible to keep personal protection literally at one’s fingertips.