by RACastanet » Sun Aug 27, 2006 1:56 am
Hello Henry.
Dave is correct... The most important information on the can is the % of solids. Starting with 2 million shu of something but diluting it to 1% leaves you with 20,000. Still enough to get your intention but not the max available.
I like the Sabre products because they list what is really in the can. SABRE Red is an honest 200,000 shu. Plus, it has the UV die in it so it is a 'two way' product. I have a can of it right here in fact.
Some states restrict the content to 20,000, such as Michigan. If you read the can and it says legal in Michigan it will be 20,000 or less.
Also read the expiration date. A fresh can will be about 4 years out. I demo old cans in self defense classes and as they reach the expiration date the spray really loses its distance.
Another thing to watch is if it is an oil based propellent and carrying agent or if it is non-flammable and water based. Those tend to be weaker. However, that is what the Marines use in training and day to day carry. I was sprayed with it and it was a long day. It is roughly 50,000 shu. Our local PD carries the same product. Since the Marines are regularly in 'expolsive' situations they want a non-flammable product.
I have a can of it right here...Defense Technology/Federal Labs in the MK-4 red can. I have a can of it in yellow as well that is labelled MK-4C. Dave... do you know what the C indicates? The contents appear to be the same as the MK-4.
Dave is the expert on this. I have all of 8 hours of training in OC, half of which was spent recovering. But that is more than most people so I feel ok discussing it. The chief Marine OC trainers have experienced 200,000 OC and say the effect is longer lasting. As for pain, the meter is pegged with either product. they told me they did not use the 200,000 shu products as they take too long to wear off and if you spray someone, they are yours for a long time. Remember, a LEO has to handle the sprayee and perhaps stay with him in the ER all night.
SABRE also makes a 3 way product similar to MACE except that they use military CS tear gas instead of the CN MACE uses. The problem with the OC/CN or CS blends is that they will react with each other in the can at high concentrations so I believe the OC in the can with tear gas is about 10,000 shu.
Sound correct Dave?
Rich
Member of the world's premier gun club, the USMC!