To the comment above who advocates carrying a gun in one hand and a can of pepper in the other:

I'm sure you already realize this, but just in case someone doesn't have much experience with pepper or guns...

Be aware that if you are caught by any surprise and decide to squeeze the pepper can trigger, you might inadvertently squeeze the gun trigger also.

Regarding the tight stream vs the cone: Your goal is to get product into the nostrils and eyes. Imagine being under tight time and distance constraint under heavy duress. There are pros and cons, but getting some product on is better than none. A tight stream requires time to "walk" the stream onto target, all while under attack.

Yes, pepper causes the eyelids to forcibly shut, but like others mentioned, the bad guys know that all they have to do is take their fingers and force the eyelids of one eye open. Have a plan.