Dakota - don't bring your gun to neu yawk crappy. If you are caught with it you will be crucified. If you want to watch something that makes you puke, watch the law and order series or some of the episodes about nyc on tv and you will get some sort of an idea about the zealousness of the law in nyc and it is true. And don't forget that neu yawk crappy cops love to shoot unarmed men, they are the only targets that react..........
But, go thee not unarmed to the city of foul stench and rudeness, where crime and disdain for human life is matched only by a few other places in the state (all of them along the Mohawk River), not to mention chi-town, san fwancwisco, la, or dc.
Hie thyself over to your local sporting goods store and inform those there of your intent to twavel to noo yorque, and purchase some Bear Repellant - it is better than pepper spray or mace and you can carry it in a bag and look touristy. And, perchance said sporting goods store doth not carry the aforesaid product, then get thyself a large spray can of Raid Wasp and Hornet Killer and just make sure you don't spray it upwind........... even a small can will do more than just screaming. Actually, the stuff is extremely caustic and almost immediately incapacitating to humans. If it gets shot directly into your eyes it will burn like fire and probably blind you, if not temporarily then most likely permanently. If you get it in your mouth you may not be able to breathe. If you were willing to carry a gun for self defense then don't worry about using a spray acid, except that ya don't wanna get it on yourself.....
If you must spray, then one shot should do ya. The larger cans spray a steady stream for up to 20' - Thurston defense eligible.... if the assailant attempts to shield himself from the spray then just flic your bic and you now have a 22' flamethrower and a full can of fuel. If you can't shoot them dead, then blind and crispy will suffice....... Mikey.