When people talk about self-defense, they usually think of firearms. Guns offer a high level of protection, but not every situation calls for lethal force. Sometimes you need options and having a less lethal option is, well… a good option to have.
One of the most overlooked tools in self-defense is the CO2 powered gun. In this case, it’s one that shoots balls full of good old’ pepper spray. But not like the small pink cans seen in the store. From a .68 caliber barrel comes a ball full of the burning powdered irritants. Think of it like a paintball gun, but full of pepper spray powder instead of paint!
The truth is, there are times when a pepper ball gun is not only handy, but also the better option. The Salt Supply s2 is one of the best pepper spray guns I’ve seen. It gives you a means to defend yourself or your property without resorting to lethal force.
While it doesn’t replace a firearm, it offers an excellent middle ground. Whether for home defense, personal protection, animal control, or law enforcement, SALT Supply s2 is one of the best options out there.
Let’s take a look at the SALT Supply s2 Pepper Spray Gun, and what it has to offer for those in need of a non-lethal, but effective weapon.
About the SALT s2 Pepper Spray Gun
The SALT Supply s2 is a sleek, compact, semi-automatic pepper ball gun that fires less lethal projectiles designed to incapacitate a threat without causing fatal injuries.
It comes with a 5-round magazine, capable of shooting high-impact rounds filled with a combination of pepper spray and tear gas powders. When fired, the projectiles explode on impact, dispersing a cloud of irritants to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system of the target. The effects can stop an attacker in their tracks, giving you time to escape or get help.
Operating the s2 is simple, and we will talk more about that shortly. Overall, the frame of the s2 is larger and slightly bulkier than a standard size handgun. This isn’t an issue at all for me as it’s not meant to be or replace a firearm. It has a comfortable grip and a nice texture around the grip area of the frame.
One of the features I like most about the s2 is its ability to carry non-punctured CO2, but still be ready to fire in seconds. You simply slap the bottom of the cap, which punctures the CO2 and the gun is charged and ready to go.
The safety lever is located on the side, just above the trigger and is easy to toggle on or off. All you need is a CO2 and the pepper ball magazine and it’s ready to pull the trigger.
One of the advantages of the s2 is that it doesn’t require the shooter to have perfect aim. The pepper spray/tear gas mixture expands upon impact, creating a cloud that can affect anyone within its radius. That’s useful when facing multiple attackers or when you’re under stress and unable to make precise shots.
Specs:
- Caliber: .68 caliber pepper balls
- Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
- Range: Up to 150 feet
- Power source: CO2 cartridge
- Weight: 1.1 lbs (without CO2 or projectiles)
- Safety: Manual safety switch
- Material: Polymer body, metal internals
- Included accessories: 5-round magazine, CO2 cartridges, pepper ball rounds
What Do You Need a Pepper Spray Gun For?
While less lethal weapons are not meant to replace lethal force when justified, they provide an option when lethal force is not warranted. Sometimes, all you need is a strong deterrent to de-escalate a dangerous situation without causing irreversible harm. The s2 Pepper Spray Gun excels in these cases.
For many, carrying a less lethal weapon is not always possible. It could be hard to conceal both a firearm and less lethal weapon. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good to have at home, in your car or some other place, available for certain situations.
As I mentioned in the beginning, there are times when a less lethal weapon is the only option. Most colleges around the country ban carrying firearms on campus. College kids are often under the legal age to carry a handgun anyway. In these cases, something like this is the only option available.
I’ve personally used my s2 to deal with wild animals trying to get into my chicken pen. It’s proven effective in keeping them away without having to kill them. That’s not what the s2 was designed for, but it sure is handy when you don’t want to use a firearm.
Another thing to consider are states that restrict carrying firearms. In some states, it’s nearly impossible to obtain a carry permit and these states restrict carrying in most public areas. If you can’t carry a handgun, something like the s2 is a great alternative.
Using the s2 in Law Enforcement
This is where you start seeing the most benefit from an advanced less lethal weapon like the SALT s2. Law enforcement officers often encounter situations where less lethal force is needed. This could be dealing with unruly suspects, crowd control, or jail settings.
In my agency, we’ve found that the SALT Supply s2 Pepper Spray Gun is highly effective. There are concerns with using Tasers in jail settings because the inmate often falls to the ground, causing a risk of hitting their head on the floor.
When multiple inmates are involved in an altercation, the SALT s2 can be fired directly above the group at the wall. When the pepper spray/tear gas combo hits the concrete wall, it bursts and affects everyone in the group below. You can also fire it at the ground around their feet to affect multiple people in a close area.
When needed, you can also fire it directly at a threat. Of course, you do not want to fire directly at the face, eyes, ears, throat, or spine as this can cause permanent damage.
My experience with the s2 in jail environments is this is one of the best options for detention officers to carry. SALT has molded holsters available for the s2, which is what our detention officers use. Because it can be charged so quickly, they carry the pepper spray gun loaded, with an un-punctured CO2.
When they need it, they draw the gun, slap the CO2 cap on the bottom of the grip and it’s ready to go. It’s an excellent tool for jail settings and allows detention officers to protect themselves and other inmates in a less lethal manner.
How Well Does the SALT s2 Work?
As I mentioned above, the SALT s2 is easy to load. You simply insert the CO2 cartridge into the handle and screw on the CO2 cap. When you are ready to use it, slap the bottom of the cap and the CO2 is punctured and charges the gun.
The provided magazine will hold five projectiles which load in the side of the mag. So basically, you load the mag, and place it into the end of the gun, just below the barrel. Insert a new CO2 and screw on the CO2 cap. This is how the s2 can be carried or stored in a “ready to go” position. When you need it, slap the cap on the bottom of the grip, flip off the safety and fire.
Salt provides projectiles filled with pepper spray powder, solid impact rounds, and practice rounds. Using the solid impact rounds will cause bruising and pain, without the use of chemical irritants.
Firing the Salt s2
When it comes to shooting it, the SALT s2 is louder than I expected. Not loud enough, you need ear plugs, but it makes some noise! It also shoots as hard as it sounds.
I started off at 10 feet away firing at a scrap piece of ¾ sheetrock. I fired three rounds and all three went through the sheet and broke apart on the back side I was able to get two of the three shots in the same hole (see blue circle in photo below). The powder in the practice rounds is inert so it doesn’t bother you.
For the last two shots in my first mag, I backed up to 25 yards. On these two, the projectile rose by several inches, hitting above where I was aiming (circled in red above). I’m guessing there is an upward spin on the projectiles which means they would come back down to center when fired from further back.
After setting up my target outside, I backed up to 50 yards and was surprised to see it was still hitting my target. I wouldn’t say it was anything close to the accuracy of a firearm, but plenty accurate enough to hit the general target. The target I used was about the size of an average adult’s torso.
This means if I were to aim at the chest from 50 feet away, it would easily strike the chest area. Up close, this thing would hurt and burst open sending powder irritant all over the target.
Do you need one?
The SALT Supply s2 Pepper Spray Gun may not replace your firearm, but it provides a valuable less lethal option that fills a critical gap in self-defense. It’s also a perfect less lethal weapon for jails, security personnel and police.
The powder disperses well enough, you could easily use it to fire into small rooms when suspects are refusing to come out. Our jail has done this multiple times, and it has worked every time.
It’s effective for both civilians and professionals, and what is even better is the price. It’s a solid built weapon and you can purchase the whole kit for about $250. Multiple colors are available, and you can order both CO2 and projectiles from SALT.
If you’re looking for an alternative or supplement to your firearm, the SALT Supply s2 is worth serious consideration. It’s fun to shoot, it’s affective and it’s well worth the price .
