Buying Mace/Pepper Spray in New Hampshire: Where and What to Know

New Hampshire permits civilian purchase and carry of pepper spray (OC spray) and mace for self-defense with minimal restrictions. Here's where to find it and what regulations apply.

Where to Buy

• Gun shops / firearms dealers: Most carry defensive sprays alongside firearms
• Sporting goods stores: Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, local outfitters
• Outdoor/hunting supply stores: Often stock bear spray (higher concentration) and personal defense sizes
• Hardware stores: Some (True Value, Ace, local) carry personal safety sections
• Pharmacies/convenience stores: Occasionally stock small keychain units
• Online retailers: Amazon, specialized self-defense sites, manufacturer direct—shipped to NH addresses

New Hampshire Legal Framework

• No permit required for purchase or carry
• No registration required
• Age 18+ to purchase (retailer policy; no statutory minimum)
• Container size: No state limit on OC spray volume (bear spray canisters ~7.9–9.2 oz legal)
• Prohibited persons: Felons, those under domestic violence protective orders, adjudicated mentally incompetent
• Use of force law: Justified in self-defense when reasonably believing force imminent (RSA 627:4)

Mace vs. Pepper Spray

Traditional Mace (CN/CS tear gas): Less effective on intoxicated/mentally disturbed attackers; more indoor contamination risk. Pepper Spray (OC—oleoresin capsicum): Inflammatory agent; causes immediate eye closure, respiratory distress, intense burning—effective regardless of pain tolerance. Recommendation: OC spray (1.0–1.4% major capsaicinoids) for personal defense.

Practical Advice

• Buy stream/gel pattern (not fog/cone) for indoor/vehicle use—less blowback
• Check expiration (2–4 years); replace expired units
• Practice deployment (inert trainers available)
• Carry accessible, not buried in bag
• Know NH has no "duty to retreat" (stand your ground state)