Jan. 22, 2026
Do less lethal weapons count as arms?
A San Diego lawsuit challenges California's ban on pepper projectile launchers, arguing they are bearable, less lethal arms protected by the Second Amendment.
C.D. Michel
Senior Partner
Michel & Associates PC
180 E Ocean Blvd Ste 200
Long Beach , California 90802
Phone: (562) 216-4444
Email: cmichel@michellawyers.com
Loyola Law School
C.D. is a civil rights attorney, civil litigator and senior partner at Michel & Associates, LLP in Long Beach. Among its many other clients, the firm has represented firearm owners, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, as well as the NRA and the California Rifle & Pistol Association since 1993.
A recently filed federal lawsuit in San Diego challenges California's restrictions on pepper projectile launchers. These are devices that use compressed gas (not gunpowder) to fire irritant-filled bursting projectiles to incapacitate an attacker without lethal force. These "guns" are marketed as alternatives to firearms and share the same defensive purpose as handheld pepper spray....
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In