Reddit reviews Fox Labs Defense Spray- Flip Top Stream (1.5 Ounces)

I don't know about local laws in Chicago, but there's no federal law against carrying the same mace or pepper spray used by police. I carry, legally and without permits, this exact police pepper spray every day. Anyone can, just be damn sure to research your state and local laws.

On the topic of self-defense and pepper spray:

• Please please please do NOT take a "sport" martial art for actual self-defense, like your typical karate or TKD classes. Take something that has been PROVEN such as Krav Maga, which is an Israeli military martial art. It does not require you to have a gymnast's flexibility, and it concentrates more on application than technique, whereas your normal karate, tae kwon do, or kung fu classes stress on getting the technique and form right over anything else. If you can't find a Krav Maga training facility in your vicinity, look for Sambo (Russian) or Brazilian Jujitsu as an alternative.
  
  
• When it comes to buying pepper spray, a lot of brands out there are JUNK, especially those that claim their product is the best purely due to the concentration of OC in the product. However, the main factor in determining which type of pepper spray is effective is the rated "hotness" unit in millions of SHU. I carried a Fox Labs pepper spray container while I was in college (http://www.amazon.com/Labs-Defense-Spray--Flip-Stream/dp/B002S5110I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331568475&sr=8-2). Check out the reviews on it.
  
  
• Legal restrictions by state for pepper spray can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray#North_America
  
  
• Do not carry a stun gun. The ones where you have to stick it to someone to shock him has just that as it's main disadvantage: It requires contact to use. Tasers are too expensive and are only good for 1 shot, and for the price of one, you're better off getting a state concealed handgun license and carry a compact pistol with you.

You can actually get some good knives and pepper spray on Amazon. For knives I prefer Benchmade. I suggest you look at the Griptillian. I beat the shit out of my EDC knives and none of my Benchmades have ever let me down

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-551-Griptillian-Pardue-Design/dp/B000NZPFMK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348021061&sr=8-2&keywords=benchmade

http://www.amazon.com/Labs-Defense-Spray--Flip-Stream/dp/B002S51BEY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1348021389&sr=8-5&keywords=fox+labs

http://www.amazon.com/Labs-Defense-Spray--Flip-Stream/dp/B002S5110I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348021389&sr=8-2&keywords=fox+labs


Just to give you an idea of price and what to look for with the Mossberg, check these out

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_336/products_id/411551209/500+1218.5+SYN+SHORT+STOCK

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_336/products_id/55292/Mossberg+590A1+LE+12+6SH+18+BD+PRK

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_336/products_id/81179/Mossberg+590A1+12+9SH+20+BD+PRK

And just for the sake of comparison, heres an 870

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_64_991/products_id/95077/Remington+870+Express+12g+18%22+blued%2C+black-synthetic

For a HD shotgun, I suggest you keep things simple and effective. Buy a shotgun with a real stock, no pistol grip only bullshit with an 18-20" barrel and at least 5+1 capacity. Load it with No. 1 buck or 00 buck. Add a side saddle and load it with 2 or 3 round of buck and 2 or 3 slugs (slugs add a huge amount of versatility to your shotgun for no penalty). Add a good sling (mainly for weapon retention purposes) and maybe a light. Thats it.