I've carried and used the Sabre brand from CT. Used to carry it on my bino harness when bowhunting when living in BC. Had to use it on a problem black bear at the place I was renting. After several attempts at scaring it off (clapping/yelling/stomping/throwing things at it) at 10 yards, I went back inside, grabbed my can. Gave it another try, ended up taking a step towards me, split second spurt with that spray sent it practically back flipping and tumbling down a ridge.
Bear spray
- Thread starter savagelh
- Start date
I don't remember the brand but easy to spot now that i know what to look for . There are plastic flanges on each side of the trigger with holes in them . The molded trigger mechanism has the press down lever with a molded stud on each side that fits into the holes in the flanges . With the defective ones the studs fits into the holes by maybe 1/16th of an inch so when you press the trigger down the trigger just pops out . The studs aren't long enough . Happened on 2 brand new cans about 4 or 5 years ago .
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Great. Thanks. I'll know what to look for.
Myself and all my coworkers carry bear spray while surveying and it is effective but just like a firearm you have to practice. Get a good holster and a big can. Practice drawing the can and removing the safety. Old expired ones don’t always have the same pressure as new ones but work well for practice. If you have never discharged one buy a new one and shoot it off to get a feel for the range.
As for being in a situation where you must use it, don’t wait for the bear to charge to try and spray it in the face as you poop your pants. The idea is to to “build a wall” between you and the bear before the bear has the chance to get you. Spray low at first and move up (ex. From grass to the top of willows or whatever brush). Also, try not to blow your load in one go. Short blasts are effective.
If you ever get the opportunity where you see a bear and it doesn’t see you and the wind is right, give that can a quick blast and watch the cloud travel downwind. The bear will certainly notice.
As for being in a situation where you must use it, don’t wait for the bear to charge to try and spray it in the face as you poop your pants. The idea is to to “build a wall” between you and the bear before the bear has the chance to get you. Spray low at first and move up (ex. From grass to the top of willows or whatever brush). Also, try not to blow your load in one go. Short blasts are effective.
If you ever get the opportunity where you see a bear and it doesn’t see you and the wind is right, give that can a quick blast and watch the cloud travel downwind. The bear will certainly notice.
I use my recently expired cans for practice and training. I set up an IPSC target at the range and practice drawing from the holster and spraying.
You get about about 2 good 2 sec shots and a weaker 3rd shot with the (medium sized 220 gram) can. Range about 7-10 ft.
Recommend training with no wind or wind at your back to avoid any back spray. Any kind of 90 degree side wind and the spray does not make it to the target. Wear coveralls, gloves and respirator when training.
You should have the can already drawn and in your hand when bear is first sighted on path. If the bear is charging and you have to dig the can out of your holster you probably won't make it. As another poster indicated, spray low and directly in front of a moving bear so the bear moves into a wall of droplets. Keep spraying while backing up until empty, then turn and run
Check the amount of active ingredient (Capsaicin) contained in the canister you buy - It should be at least 1%
Some courses (Bear Aware B.C.) are offered where they give a talk and then everyone gets to try an inert can of spray at a target. If you have an opportunity to attend one, It's worth it.
You get about about 2 good 2 sec shots and a weaker 3rd shot with the (medium sized 220 gram) can. Range about 7-10 ft.
Recommend training with no wind or wind at your back to avoid any back spray. Any kind of 90 degree side wind and the spray does not make it to the target. Wear coveralls, gloves and respirator when training.
You should have the can already drawn and in your hand when bear is first sighted on path. If the bear is charging and you have to dig the can out of your holster you probably won't make it. As another poster indicated, spray low and directly in front of a moving bear so the bear moves into a wall of droplets. Keep spraying while backing up until empty, then turn and run
Check the amount of active ingredient (Capsaicin) contained in the canister you buy - It should be at least 1%
Some courses (Bear Aware B.C.) are offered where they give a talk and then everyone gets to try an inert can of spray at a target. If you have an opportunity to attend one, It's worth it.
Cabela's in Saskatoon sells "Counter Assault" bear spray. (They get a little grumpy if you ask for "pepper spray".) Eb's used it to sell it as well, not sure if they still do. Buy the larger can and one of the cheap holsters, if you need.
I bring it on the canoe trips I run for my school. When it expires I like to find an unsuspecting bush and empty the can. It comes out as a vivid orange color, so you can watch what a breeze will do to it.
I bring it on the canoe trips I run for my school. When it expires I like to find an unsuspecting bush and empty the can. It comes out as a vivid orange color, so you can watch what a breeze will do to it.
Is $25.00 every couple years affordable ??
I'd rather spend the 45. for a big can. Like toilet paper, you don't want to run short.Always wondered, does it help to shake the can before use ?
Grizz
I would think if you got time for shaking the can you probably don't need it.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I sprayed a coworker unintentionally with a way expired can, he wasn’t the same for a whole day. Wanted to fight but being essentially blinded, I suggested I held a rather unfair advantage and we should revisit it in the morning.
For the price of it I keep it fresh. But the expired stuff looked impressive on my coworker.
For the price of it I keep it fresh. But the expired stuff looked impressive on my coworker.
I would HIGHLY suggest anyone attempting to practice with a can of bear mace be extremely mindful of themselves and others while doing so. It can be very easy to expose yourself to it with the changing of the wind direction. A product designed to deter an angry 270 KG bear will absolutely destroy you, your eyesight, and your breathing.
* Spray and leave the area immediately. *
It will be a rough couple of hours depending on how badly you get hit, to be sure.
Not something you want to feel the effects of while in a remote location, or during a serious encounter.
As for expired cans.. They are just as effective as current one's, with one minor exception - the pressure in the can will/could be compromised.
If you're needing one for legit purposes - spend the money.
* Spray and leave the area immediately. *
It will be a rough couple of hours depending on how badly you get hit, to be sure.
Not something you want to feel the effects of while in a remote location, or during a serious encounter.
As for expired cans.. They are just as effective as current one's, with one minor exception - the pressure in the can will/could be compromised.
If you're needing one for legit purposes - spend the money.
