Carry pepper spray with CCW?

[TurboRocket]

Mr. Ayoob,

I've always considered carrying pepper spray while carrying a firearm to be a no-no for me. My thought process is that, in the moment of need, I don't want the split-second decision (or worse, indecision) to cause a delay in drawing. While I do see some value in carrying PS for some situations, I only carry it now when I'm not able to have a firearm on me.

What are your thoughts on this subject?

[Mas Ayoob]

Turbo, I hear ya, but I still think it never hurts to have something in what a wise cop once called "that vast gray area between a kind word and a bullet."

Rule of thumb: situation that might warrant punching him pretty much warrants spraying him. When the danger escalates into deadly force range, a gun is the right thing to have on your side.

best,
Mas

[TurboRocket]

Thank you. Point taken about punching and spraying - makes total sense. As an example, I can definitely envision a situation where a drunken friend or relative gets out of hand - I certainly wouldn't want to draw in that case but spraying him to protect others wouldn't be out of line. Thanks...