[SpeedRacer]

A canister of pepper spray is an effective weapon against any potential thugs and/or goons and might have been a wiser choice.

Hmm... Let's choose! Given the choice of a) a pick axe handle vs. a can of pepper spray, or b) a pick axe handle vs. a firearm?

I'll take "b" please!

[andy58-in-nh]

A firearm is definitely more effective (in the permanent sense), and a solid deterrent (which is why I carry). But don’t discount the effectiveness of pepper spray: with it, I can reach the holder of the pickaxe handle out of his effective range, and within 2 seconds he will be in extreme pain and virtually unable to see.