The most effective legal means of self-defense of citizens is gas weapons - pistols, revolvers, as well as aerosol packages with tear gas (cans). If necessary, air pistols, revolvers and rifles designed for sports and recreational shooting can also be used for self-defense purposes. The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize the reader with modern samples of gas and pneumatic weapons, which are widely used in the CIS states and are allowed for use in self-defense. The book consists of four parts: "Gas weapons," "Pneumatic weapons," "Ammunition and passive protection means" and "Regulations governing the circulation of gas and pneumatic weapons."