Offbeat: Kimber PepperBlaster II

When it comes to OC (oleoresin capsicum) delivery systems for personal defense, the Kimber PepperBlaster® is in a league of its own. Its compact ergonomic design, patented pyrotechnic propulsion system, and ultra-hot OC formulation make the PepperBlaster the ideal non-lethal tool for everyday carry.

The unique pyrotechnic power drive employed by the PepperBlaster outperforms conventional OC sprays. Unlike conventional sprays, which utilize hairspray technology developed in the 1950s, the PepperBlaster is not a pressurized canister.

Original Kimber PepperBlaster. Photo: Kimber Mfg.

The performance of the PepperBlaster is unaffected by temperature. Conventional sprays are unreliable in cold weather. Canisters have been known to explode if left in hot cars. The PepperBlaster has an operating temperature range of -4°F to 176°F. You can leave it in a hot car without worry. It cannot rupture, burst or depressurize.

And it has other advantages. Unlike most conventional sprays, the PepperBlaster can be fired at any angle. It doesn’t have to be shaken before use for it to be effective. You don’t have to worry about propellant (pressure) loss over time. Simply put, you can count on the PepperBlaster to work at maximum performance when you need it.

Deploying the PepperBlaster is very intuitive. You simply press the ambidextrous safety tab (swing-away trigger guard) to the side, aim and pull the trigger. The PepperBlaster has a two-shot capability. If a second shot is necessary, simply pull the trigger again. A white mark on both sides of the trigger indicates if the PepperBlaster has ever been fired. If the white mark is not visible, the PepperBlaster has been fired at least once. Trigger pull weight is 6.6 pounds. The PepperBlaster is drop safety tested to five feet and is water resistant.

The PepperBlaster has an effective range of 13 feet. Conventional sprays generally have a maximum effective range of around eight feet. Each PepperBlaster blast travels at a velocity of 132 feet-per-second (fps), and penetrates around glasses and into the eyes, pores and membranes of the subject. There isn’t time for the subject to move out of the way or block the blast. Unlike conventional sprays, the PepperBlaster shoots through rain and wind. The chances of blowback and cross-contamination are greatly reduced.

The nozzle is designed to spread the blast for greater accuracy. The main OC jet has a diameter of approximately one foot at a distance of 13 feet. The supporting spray has a diameter of eight inches at a distance of only two feet.

Each charge fires 6 ml of agent. The PepperBlaster utilizes an exceptionally hot 10% OC formulation with a benzyl alcohol carrier. The capsaicinoid content is a major determinant of the effectiveness of OC. The PepperBlaster formulation has a whopping 2.4% major capsaicinoids.

A subject can be immediately incapacitated with a single hit. The effects last for up to 45 minutes. Of course, as we all know, no chemical defensive spray is 100% effective all of the time. The effects will vary. That said, I don’t think you’ll find any chemical defensive spray that surpasses the effectiveness of the PepperBlaster (or its bigger brother, the Kimber JPX Jet Protector).

The PepperBlaster® II is the latest PepperBlaster from Kimber.

New Kimber PepperBlaster II features ergonomic pistol grip and sights. Photo: Kimber Mfg.

The new PepperBlaster II features the same street-proven delivery system and formulation as the original PepperBlaster. The major difference in the new model is its ergonomics. A pistol grip has been added for enhanced control and instinctive aiming. Front and rear sights have also been added for precise aiming.

There are other differences between the two models. The PepperBlaster II does not have a belt/pocket clip. However, a wrist strap attachment has been added. The color of the device has also been changed from black to red to clearly identify the PepperBlaster II as a nonlethal/less lethal weapon.

The PepperBlaster II retains the compactness and light weight of the original PepperBlaster. Measuring just 4.7 inches long by 1.0 inch wide by 3.3 inches high, the PepperBlaster II is only slightly larger than the original. Like the original, it fits easily in a pocket or purse. The weight is unchanged at a mere 4.2 ounces.

The PepperBlaster II has an MSRP of $49.95. Inert training devices containing blue dye are available. If you’re in the market for a non-lethal device that packs a wallop, the PepperBlaster II may be just what you need.