Believe I found a good alternative to carrying a handgun outside the house with this Mace Pepper Gun, but fully support the right of others to do so. Ordered the Nylon Holster from a different supplier, and both arrived together.
The size of the gun seems very comparable to a J-frame revolver. It will easily fit in a front pocket, jeans or cargo, but that's all you'll have room for. Tried that method, but quickly went back to the holster which is very comfortable for everyday carry and have done so since receiving it a month ago. In fact, the only time I don't wear it is while sleeping, but keep it bedside.
The all metal construction is nice, not too heavy, but some internal components are cast, meaning rough edges on moving parts. My cartridge release was very difficult to use at first until I oiled it, and now works as it should. Another reviewer noted the grips are prone to falling off, and will confirm that. Recommend prying them off and super gluing back on. Thankfully mine fell off inside the house.
I feel it is very important to have the Mace logo on the grip while openly carrying. I catch a lot of curious looks from people staring down at the gun on my hip, and I don't mind, if only for promotional reasons. If not for the logo, one could mistake it for a real revolver while inside the holster which could cause unnecessary attention if you're not in an open carry state of the union.
Have used up 2 water cartridges in testing, and my son volunteered to be my moving target. I'll confirm the units will shoot 20+ feet, and up to 6 individual shots, although all my shots were within 10'. They can also be dispensed all in one spray if needed. The first water cartridge was used while he was expecting to be shot, and in some cases was able to dodge or shield it, not always. The second water cartridge I tested when he was not expecting it, and nailed him every time in the face. Didn't try nighttime tests, but the flashlight will illuminate your target. If the light was too bright, the attacker would shield his face from the light, and hence, block the spray. Am glad this model was not the strobe light version.
I keep the safety OFF at all times, as it requires firm pressure to release, a precious second of time, and the trigger requires significant force to pull, acting as a safety in itself. I've loaded and unloaded cartridges many times with no misfires whatsoever, and keep a spare in my truck. I believe the batteries will last a very long time for the flashlight.
Overall, I feel safer carrying this as I work nights as a locksmith, and also always EDC bright flashlights. The Pepper Gun gives me options that I wouldn't have with a handgun, and gun owners always recommend pepper spray as an alternative to a gun, and will work much better than a typical stun gun. I have two conventional pepper spray devices, but never carried them, as opposed to this pepper gun that I won't leave the house without. Highly recommend the nylon holster which is very well constructed, but would work fine in a purse or pocket.
Pros:
Relatively inexpensive compared to a handgun.
Easy to carry
Pepper Spray is very effective.
Multiple shots if needed.
Cons:
You'll regret not having it someday...
Don't give it anymore thought if you're on the fence about how to protect yourself.