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5 Best Salt Guns Compared & Reviewed

Last Updated: 05.12.23

 

Best Salt Gun Review – Top Rated Models in 2023 with Buying Guide

 

In case you are in the market for the best salt gun, but you don’t have enough time to actually research the category yourself, this article will surely come in handy. We’ve taken the time to gather the relevant information on this topic and to find the answers to your questions after carefully going through a lot of data and reviews. Our conclusion is that the salt gun you should consider as a first option is Bug-A-Salt’s 2.0 model. This powerful device needs regular table salt to get the job done while offering improved features such as using less salt and more shooting power. Moreover, thanks to the textured hand grip, there’s no risk of not being able to handle the gun just as you need to, and given that it doesn’t require any batteries you will never run out of power. If you cannot find this product in your area, the most suitable alternative is Bug-A-Salt 3.0, the newer version of said gun.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

5 Best Salt Guns (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

Finding an effective salt gun for sale can prove to be quite a challenging task, especially if you feel a bit lost among the many alternatives you can find on the market. That’s why we are here to help, and in the following section, you’ll find detailed salt gun reviews to ensure you make the right choice.

 

 

1. Bug-A-Salt 2.0 from Skell Yellow 

 

We all know that when it comes to house pests, you want to get the job done as quickly as possible, and this is where a good salt gun such as this model offered by Bug-A-Salt comes into play. The 2.0 model is an extremely powerful and efficient device that shoots sprays of regular table salt in such a way that it gets rid of flies upon contact.

Not to mention that this type of product also makes the entire task more fun, even though it might not be perceived as such if you use the regular means of killing flies. One thing you should be aware of is that it should not be used by persons under 18 years old, to avoid any potential accidents.

Since the 2.0 salt gun is an improved and re-engineered device, you can be sure that it will provide the effective results you need around your home.

 

Pros

This Bug-A-Salt product doesn’t require any batteries in order to work, which means that you can use it pretty much anywhere and anytime you need to.

Since it’s an improved version, it ensures more power and greater accuracy, at the same time using less salt per shot, which in turn leads to an easier cleaning up process once you are done.

Thanks to the textured hand grip, you can maneuver the salt gun with ease, without running the risk of having it slip out of your hands.

A pop-up indicator lets you know when the device is ready to fire, while another viewing window allows you to see how much salt is still available before needing a recharge.

 

Cons

If you decide to give this method a try, you will have to clean up the salt afterward.

Children might find this device highly amusing, so make sure to keep it as far away from them as possible.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Bug-A-Salt 3.0

 

The new version of Bug-A-Salt comes with a rapid-fire Cross Bolt Safety. The trigger mechanism was changed so now it’s very light. This is good news for you but it also means you need to be sure to keep it away from small children so that they don’t get hurt.

Another improvement is the fact that the barrel has been lifted following feedback from the customers.

The product isn’t toxic, it doesn’t require batteries, and has a good accuracy rate for an area within 3 feet. All of this means that it is much easier to use than other models and also safer when compared to other products on the market.

One of the features that make it a good choice is the fact that the salt hopper was improved and is more durable. Reloading it is now easier if you are trying to get rid of pesky flies.

 

Pros

The addition of the new, rapid-fire Cross Bolt Safety makes the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 stand out as the mechanism was modified to be lighter than in the previous version of the product. As a result, using it will be easier.

After taking into consideration the feedback of the customers, the barrel of the product was lifted for better usage.

The accuracy rate is good as long as your aim is at around 3 feet which puts it in line with many other similar products that help you get rid of flies.

The salt hopper was improved compared to the older version and is now more durable which means that reloads are easier to make when you are fly-hunting so you won’t be wasting any more time.

 

Cons

There are moments when the salt gun gets stuck so it doesn’t shoot salt which means you’ll have to wait and have another go at the fly.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Bug-A-Salt Reverse 2.5

 

An updated version of the classic Bug-A-Salt, this patented salt shooting, insect eradication product was created with the goal of killing a wide array of insects, like the common housefly, lanternflies, and any other type of soft-bodied bugs.

In order to get rid of the problematic minibeasts, you don’t need anything else besides this salt gun and some standard table salt that is used as ammunition. This makes it easy to use as salt is just something we tend to have around the house and you won’t need to go to the store to buy a special substance to fill the gun.

The product stands out thanks to the fact that it has an improved sighting so that you will enjoy better accuracy no matter what insect you are hunting.

The cocking mechanism has a smoother spring so you will be able to operate it with ease.

 

Pros

You don’t need any kind of special substance to fill the gun in order to hunt the bugs – you simply need to use some ordinary table salt that you most likely have around the house anyway, so no extra costs.

The gun’s sighting was improved by the company so you will have better accuracy even if you don’t have much experience in aiming.

The Re-Engineered salt shooting internal mechanism was created so that you can have better reliability, and durability, but also lasting power, this way, the product can be used for years to come in your hunt against pesky bugs.

This salt gun has an automatic safety aka it resets every time, which means that even small children can use it if you just want to relax while they have fun hunting insects, supervised of course.

 

Cons

Hunting down wasps seems to be a problem for this product as it was reported by several customers.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Bug-A-Salt Realtree Camo 3.0

 

The salt hopper of this Bug-A-Salt product is improved and has a higher durability which means that your reloads will be easier to make which tends to be very important when you’ve just hit a fly but the shot didn’t quite do its job which means an extra one would be necessary.

Every model in this line stands out from the others due to some cool design-idea the makers had – they all have different and unique variations in their patterns, layouts, and colors so get ready for a pleasant surprise!

The newly-added cross-bolt safety makes all the difference as when it’s on, it remains on, and when you’ve put it off, it stays that way. This means no more unexpected and, frankly, unpleasant incidents. Furthermore, it also means that you are free to enter rapid-fire mode so that hunting insects can actually become more fun than you could ever think it would be.

 

Pros

The product is one of the improved ones in the Bug-A-Salt line with higher durability so that your reloads will become faster and easier to make – a crucial element when you’ve just barely hit a fly but you need to finish the job.

The idea to have all products in this line come in slightly different or even unique variants in their patterns, layouts, and colors is very neat, as you can be sure you will always have something different than anybody else.

The cross-bolt safety, which is a new addition, makes sure that the product remains on when you’ve turned it on and that it remains off when you’ve turned it off. This way the risk for any type of incident is less likely to happen.

 

Cons

Some people may have a harder time trying to pump this salt gun. This may be up to everybody’s strength, but it is still something to consider.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Bug-A-Salt 2.0 Lawn & Garden Model

 

If you are looking for a good salt gun home defense, then you might want to take a look at Bug-A-Salt’s 2.0 Lawn & Garden, as there’s a good chance that it provides exactly the benefits you are looking for. This edition brings more power, more loading capacity, and more fun than previous ones.

Since it uses regular table salt, you will most probably always have everything you need around the house to use the gun whenever you want to. Its power decimates flies on contact and, although it makes the task of getting rid of flies a fun one, it should not be used by anyone under 18 years old.

Moreover, since it comes with a 90-day warranty, you can rest assured that in case anything goes wrong with the product, you will have solutions on your hand. Another aspect worth considering is that the Lawn & Garden salt gun works for a wide range of insects.

 

Pros

Specially designed to be used in the great outdoors, this gun releases a larger load of salt to ensure effective results in combating pesky insects that might otherwise prove to be annoying.

It doesn’t require batteries to work, which means that you will be able to use it every time you need to.

Thanks to its improved features and the way it releases the salt, the Lawn & Garden model offers increased odds of taking down insects in flight.

You can rely on it to get rid of multiple types of insects, including flies, roaches, cabbage worms, and many others.

 

Cons

You might need some time to get used to using the gun and aiming at insects, especially if it’s the first time you are using such a device.

For larger insects, you might need to shoot the gun from a close distance to get the job done.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

We all know that insects can be very annoying, especially around your home or workplace. If you are constantly looking for ways to get rid of them, then you should know that you are not alone in this. Although they certainly do play an important role in our lives and in keeping natural balances, they can also carry various diseases.

What this means is that getting rid of flies and other insects is not only a matter of being comfortable in a certain space, it can also be a matter of safety, by keeping your close ones protected from potential exposure to diseases.

Among the many ways in which you can keep insects under control in your area, an inexpensive, convenient, and potentially fun solution is a salt gun. However, since there are many models you can choose from, you might find yourself browsing through salt fly gun reviews without knowing which one offers those benefits you need.

Therefore, we’ve decided to lend you a hand, and in this section, you’ll find the relevant information you should take into consideration as you go through the options.

How it works

A salt gun is actually a creative way of using salt to get rid of insects as quickly as possible, by shooting sprays that can also go through otherwise hard-to-reach spots, with enough power to, most of the times, instantly kill an insect.

These models usually feature a cap through which you can load the salt, and a salt-viewing window to know how much ammo you have left. What you need to do is lift the loader cap and pour the salt into the device. Once this is done, a cocking handle needs to be pulled and activated in order to get the gun ready to fire.

Make sure that the auto-safety is activated as well, while a pop-up sight will appear, if the model you choose features one, indicating that the gun is ready to fire away. Once the safety is released, you are all set to aim and fire at the insects that stand between you and your comfort.

 

Construction

In terms of construction, salt guns are not very complex, but it’s still important to go for a product that is made of high-quality materials just to be sure that you won’t have to replace it very soon.

Moreover, this also means more protection for those using it since high-quality models have various safety features included. Given that this is an inexpensive solution to use in the long run, you don’t necessarily need to look for one of the cheap salt guns on the market.

A textured handle might also be useful if you want to make sure that you will be able to quickly handle the gun in any circumstances without running the risk of potential slips. Although salt guns can be fun items around the house, do keep in mind that children should not be allowed to use them, to prevent any potential injuries.

 

Benefits

As you can only imagine, such a product comes with multiple benefits, one of the most important ones being that since it uses salt as ammo, there is no toxic element that you might get exposed to in the process. Even if you go on full fight-mode and kill multiple flies around the house, your pets or family members will still be safe since it’s only salt that we’re talking about.

Moreover, such a device doesn’t require batteries, therefore you will be able to use it whenever you need to. You might want to make sure, however, that you have enough salt on hand, which fortunately is cheap, making this an inexpensive solution.

Besides being able to reach flies and bugs on windows, on the ceiling, or in corners, this is also a fun way to get rid of them, so if you’ve ever wanted to know what those guys handling guns in the movies feel like, but without needing a special license, this might be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

 

Types of ammunition

Your friends might have told you about their new rock salt gun, or you might have heard about what a salt pellet gun is, as there are various alternatives in terms of ammunition you can choose from. However, the most common one is the model that uses regular table salt, given that this product is so easy to find in stores nearby.

If you are already used to salt guns and you want to see the differences between the various types of salt for yourself, then you can certainly try the other alternatives as well. However, if you are just getting started, then you might be more comfortable choosing one that uses regular salt since aiming and getting the hang of it might require some adjusting time as well.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about salt guns

 

Q: What is a salt gun?

These devices are an effective way to get flies and bugs out of your life and living space, using salt to get this done. They work just like a gun that you load with salt and they ensure enough power in each shot to almost instantly kill insects.

Luckily, you don’t need a license to use them, so you can safely get one if you want to have some fun in the process. One of the downsides of using such a product is that you will need to clean up the salt once you are done.

 

 

Q: Are salt guns legal in Australia?

When it comes to salt guns, these are not usually classified as firearms, but this doesn’t mean that certain local restriction could not apply. It’s true that these are not intended to be used on other people, but rules differ across different regions of Australia in terms of pepper sprays and similar self-defense devices, so some restrictions might apply in this case as well.

You might want to check with the local authorities in your area to make sure that there are no specific regulations regarding this type of guns, and if there are, to see how you can meet them in order to safely place your order.

 

Q: Are salt guns legal in California?

In the case of California as well, you might want to double check with the local authorities in your area and see if there’s any particular regulation when it comes to salt guns. Although it doesn’t use any potentially harmful ammunition, having a confirmation is always a good idea.

Since some manufacturers, such as Bug-A-Salt, are located in California, there is a high chance that you don’t have anything to worry about in terms of needing any special permit or license to use this salt gun since it basically keeps flies away from your food.

 

Q: Do salt guns hurt?

These devices might look like toys, but they are certainly not that. There’s a reason for which manufacturers warn against letting anyone under 18 years old handle salt guns. They are not lethal, but their construction ensures enough power to kill insects, which means that the sprayed salt can hurt if pointed at another person.

For this reason, although it’s certainly fun to use them, do this by placing your own safety and that of those around you first, and don’t ever aim and shoot at anything else than insects and bugs to avoid any potential injuries.

 

Q: Do salt guns kill flies?

Not only do they kill flies, but they do this almost instantly, depending on the distance between the gun and the fly. These products can be successfully used to keep insects away from your food, your home or your garden, especially when you simply want to enjoy a nice time during hot days.

Depending on the size of the fly, there’s a possibility that it won’t be killed right away, and you might need to fire additional shots to get the job done. However, for regular flies, getting killed is generally the outcome when meeting with a salt gun.

 

Q: Do salt guns kill spiders?

Although salt guns are most often used for flies given their power, depending on the size of the spider there’s a chance it can kill it as well. This can be useful, especially if the said spider is located in a hard-to-reach spot such as the ceiling or a corner.

However, don’t forget that spiders also try to trap flies, so you might in fact somehow work together if flies are really an issue in the area you live in. Of course, everything depends on the type and size of the spider that you intend to kill.

 

Q: Do you need a permit for a salt gun?

These devices are not actually firearms and they don’t use toxic elements to work, which means that you don’t normally need any license to use one. You can most probably enjoy your fun killing off those pesky flies without having anything to worry about.

However, if you do want to make sure that there aren’t any particular regulations applicable in your area, you can ask the local authorities for more information on this topic. Chances are you will learn there’s no need for a permit, but it’s better to know for sure.

 

Q: How to make a salt gun?

If you don’t want to purchase a salt gun, you can try making your own version at home. You can find a lot of information on this online, but do keep in mind that you should consider your safety first and protect your eyes and hands before building any type of salt gun.

You will need various elements, such as a bicycle pump, duct tape, pieces of hoses, and other similar materials to get the job done. However, as much fun as this alternative might seem, it might not be the safest one, so getting an already built salt gun could be a better idea.

 

 

The pros and cons of killing bugs with a salt gun

We’ve covered a lot of information on salt guns in general, but you might be wondering what the pros and cons of using such a device are and why there are so many people excited about using it, after trying it out. If that is what you are thinking, then let’s see what using a salt gun is all about.

Pros

In terms of pros, the most obvious one is getting rid of those flies that can make your life a living hell if they insist on keeping you company in your home or garden. Let’s not forget about those times when you simply want to enjoy eating outside and you see them going around your favorite foods.

This effective solution also doesn’t include any toxic elements, which means that you can use it wherever you need to, being way safer than sprays or other chemicals used to get the job done. Your pets and children don’t need to be exposed to anything harmful, while you can have your fun with the bugs.

Moreover, given that salt guns don’t usually require batteries which is another great thing, as long as you have enough salt at your disposal, you can shoot as many flies as you want to.

Let’s not forget to state one of the most obvious benefits, namely that using a salt gun can be a lot of fun. It’s true that you should be careful while you use it, especially in terms of keeping any salt away from your eyes, but other than that, you can certainly feel like you’re in an action movie and flies are the villains.

 

Cons

There are not that many things that might keep you from using a salt gun, but the one you should be most aware of is that this device will splatter the insects in tiny pieces most of the times, and this will need to be cleaned up. Of course, it also depends on the distance between the gun and the fly, but nevertheless, it can get messy.

And since we’ve mentioned messiness, it’s a good thing to know that salt will be sprayed pretty much everywhere around. The good news is that it’s just regular salt, so it cannot do any real damage, but you will need to clean it up.

Plus, it might take some time to adjust to aiming for the flies in the most effective way, but this doesn’t mean that you are not going to enjoy the process.

 

 

Salt guns and non-lethal home defense

 

Although salt guns used for bugs can be a fun way of dealing with flies and other insects, this idea was taken further and introduced in a matter that is a lot more serious than getting rid of bugs, namely home defense.

This is an issue that constantly claims the media’s attention, as many homeowners around the United States feel that they need to protect themselves and their properties, and thus purchase firearms. However, there were many cases in which these weapons proved to be lethal, but a new and non-lethal alternative is currently being developed.

It’s true that we need to be able to protect ourselves and our homes in order to feel safe at all times, but if a non-lethal alternative that drastically reduces the possibility of injuring others in the process is available, then this is surely something to know more about.

A potential solution

Inspired by local shootings near their homes, founders of the Salt startup have created a less-than-lethal weapon. This is, in fact, a pneumatic pistol designed to stop potential intruders by incapacitating them using a proprietary powder, this way also protecting the lives of other persons that might stand nearby.

This type of innovation can further develop the topic of home defense, given that the device can be used at a comfortable distance that would not be possible when using a Taser or a pepper spray.

If you are actually looking for such a solution, then you should definitely keep on reading, as this information might be exactly what you’ve been looking for to protect your home. It’s needless to say that keeping ourselves and our close ones safe is probably at the top of our priorities list, but the good news is there are new and better options to do this.

 

How it works

The device developed by Salt is actually a CO2-powered air-gun that shoots hollow plastic spherical elements very similar to paintballs. The main difference is that these ones are filled with a proprietary powder that has very different effects.

Using ingredients such as oleoresin capsicum and others, these spheres burst upon impact, releasing a fine spray that spreads around the target. Of course, this powder is specially made to be extremely irritating, and it causes an intense burning sensation that temporarily incapacitates anyone around it, particularly acting upon the eyes and the respiratory system.

Its effects last up to 50 minutes, but they start to wear off after 15 to 30 minutes. According to its manufacturer, this powder is stronger in certain aspects than the one used by the military and law enforcement, being made for maximum stopping power.

Moreover, since the substance is dust, it can be used in more than one way. One can shoot an assailant directly, but it can also be used to spread around thus creating a protective cloud-like barrier of 4 to 5 feet in diameter.

 

Legal standing

Such a weapon is surely a good idea and can be a real improvement and help for home defense, especially for those who are not comfortable around lethal firearms but would like to have other options. In case you are asking yourself if such a weapon is legal, then you might be very happy to hear it is.

This product is legal in most of the states across the U.S., but the notable exception is California. The product’s chemical compound is not legal in this state, therefore neither is the weapon.

However, since we are talking about something that can instill some serious discomfort, you might want to check with the local authorities in your area and see whether this device has any particular legal standing that you should be aware of.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) What is a salt gun?

2) How do the Bug-A-Salt guns work?

3) The gun and its development

4) The salt gun in action

 

 

Leave a comment

7 Comments

Bill

March 8, 2020 at 3:16 pm

How far will it shoot a stream

Reply
Marcus

March 10, 2020 at 10:30 am

Hi Bill. These should be accurate within three feet.

Reply
Frank Mantia

August 2, 2019 at 3:47 pm

where can we buy the handgun pictured in the top image?

Reply
Teejay

May 18, 2020 at 10:21 am

Frank, the handgun in the first image is the S1 Pepper Spray Gun from Salt Supply and sells for $349. It shoots balls that explode on impact with a combination of pepper spray and tear gas. You can find more info here: https://www.saltsupply.com/collections/pepper-spray-gun/products/s1-pepper-spray-gun-starter-kit-safety-yellow

Reply
Marcus

August 9, 2019 at 11:47 am

Hi Frank. I’m afraid the image you’re referring to is for presentation purposes only. However, if you didn’t find the product that you were looking for in our guide, please give me some details about what are you searching for and I’ll gladly try to help out.

Reply
Hazel

April 21, 2020 at 4:41 pm

I’m looking for a small Salt gun like the handgun in the first image to keep in my car, is there a gun like that?

Reply
Marcus

April 23, 2020 at 10:22 am

Hi Hazel. I couldn’t find that product or a similar one on Amazon or other websites. I’ll keep on looking and come back to you if I find one.

Reply
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