[pct-l] bear protection

[g l]

Good points Bob, but this is not the first time I've discharged it briefly.  The first time was many years ago, when it was new(ish).  As near as I can tell, nothing lodged in the nozzle to affect it's performance since then.  My brief blast today went (guessing) about 12 feet and was about 2 feet wide.  Respectable.....packed plenty of punch and was accompanied by the big "whoosh" sound of a powerful  discharge.....even a little bit of a "kickback" upon discharge.

I won't buy any more or carry it on any hike.  But a small can of mace hidden on the front of my pack/ person makes me feel more secure.

Wheeew

Bob Bankhead <wandering_bob at comcast.net> wrote:       I'd advise against replacing the used can in your supply closet  for use on some future hike.  
  
 Counter Assualt will tell you that once you discharge even a small amount  of the material, you should empty the can and dispose of it. Some of  the material  will lodge under the valve so it can't re-seat  completely. Even though you can't hear or see it, the can will be slowly losing  pressure; pressure that you will desperately need if you have to deploy it as a  real defense.
  
 Also, beware of residual material on or in the nozzel. Getting it on your  hands, even months later, can be damaging to your eyes or nose if you  transfer it there.
  
 I'd suggest you use the rest of the can as practice, noting how far and  wide it sprays. If you think you'll need it on a future hike, wait and buy a new  can just before you go.
  
 Wandering Bob
    ----- Original Message ----- 
   From:    g l  
   To: Bob ; PCT 
   Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 12:30    PM
   Subject: Re: [pct-l] bear  protection
   

Well, I couldn't bring myself to unload a perfectly good (?)    can of Counter Assault, but I will tell you this:  I gave the can a toot    out my back door and the blast was (I'm assuming) as forceful and healthy as    day one.  So there ya have it!  Now it may vary from can to can, but    its seems pretty sturdy to me.  Also- I have had the trigger guard in    place the whole 10 years, so that may have made a difference by preventing    accidental mini- blasts......not sure.  So Bob, I'd say hang on to the    old ones you have, and just give them a 1/2 second test before carrying    them.  That won't be a guarantee in the field of course, but it should be    a reasonably safe bet.          

       
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