Empath, there's always the Canadian "Tru-Flare" which is available to just about anyone for about 1/10th the cost of the PenGun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I've had a similar device for years (the original PenFlare, now out of business), and if one does not think a 12 second white phosphorus flare with a range of about 200 feet is not an "anti-personnel" weapon, they should really re-think that.
Take a look through the
www.tru-flare.com site, or do a Google search and you'll see that for very little money one can get the keychain launcher and a bunch of flares - or even better the "BearBanger" exploding flares - though they have less range (maybe 120 feet) before they explode with about the energy of a 12 ga. shotgun shell ...
Did I mention they are made in Surrey, BC, Canada? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
It is amusing that most of the Canadian dealers of the Tru-Flare pens will only sell to Canadians.
These are recommended for carry by serious outdoors types - boaters, kyakers, climbers, hunters, campers, hikers, etc. In fact, it is thought that one of the current fires in Southern California was started with one (the so-called 'Cedar Fire' in San Diego County).