Abstract: A device for spraying a noxious powder includes a housing for a CO.sub.2 cartridge, and a moveable barrel which carries a firing pin by which the cartridge can be punctured to explosively release the gas. The barrel has a nozzle at its outer end, and contains the noxious powder in a chamber defined between the barrel and the firing pin. When the barrel is released from an outwardly extended position it is thrust by a spring against the rupturable end of the cartridge, thereby releasing the gas which in turn propels the active agent through the nozzle and toward the assailant at whom it is aimed. Generally, a powdered tear gas will be employed in the device.