paintball pistol loaded with Capsaicin/Pepper Spray balls and/or rubber balls.

[kiena]

State: California

I was wondering what the angle is on using so-called "less lethal"
self-defense devices, when there is someone breaking into your home.
Specifically, when it comes to a real-looking paintball pistol loaded
with Capsaicin/Pepper Spray balls and/or rubber balls. Are these
pepper spray balls legal for civilians, first of all? I heard that a
court's position in this case would be: "If you feared for your life,
you should have pulled the trigger of a real gun."

[adjusterjack]

when it comes to a real-looking paintball pistol loaded with Capsaicin/Pepper Spray balls and/or rubber balls. Are these pepper spray balls legal for civilians, first of all?

You can google as well as I can.

However, relying on that stuff to save your life is foolish.

I heard that a court's position in this case would be: "If you feared for your life, you should have pulled the trigger of a real gun."

I agree.

But I'd have to see that in print to believe a judge actually said it or wrote it.

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you may purchase, possess, and use pepper spray as long as you do so only for self-defense purposes. In California, "use" includes not just discharging the weapon, but displaying it in a threatening manner. Using it in non-self defense situations will subject you to a misdemeanor or felony charge, with a possible sentence of 16 months, two, or three years, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. It is no defense to a charge of improper use that the canister was empty or otherwise inoperable. You may also seek guidance in this matter from an attorney.

AFF

[TroyMC]

It is assumed that as far as I understand the use of pepper spray against civilians for self-defense is something that can be authorized without prior training or something like that.