There are a few different non-lethal self defense tools, two of which being stun guns and Tasers. Both of them use an electrical charge that is high voltage and low-amperage electricity to immobilize an attacker. This charge is released into their body so it temporarily leaves the attacker trying to figure out how to use their legs and arms. This is done through the electric charge that is sent through the attackers body that signals the brain and muscles not to respond for a short while. Even though they do close to the same thing there is a difference between stun guns and Tasers.
Invented by a NASA scientist Jack Cover, Taser was developed in the 1960’s. The products got its name from the initials of a fictional character from the early 1900’s, his name was Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle.
The effects from the Taser give you a large amount of time to get away since it will disable the attacker for around ten to fifteen minutes. The terms stun gun and Taser are used interchangeably so many people think that they are the same thing, the truth is they are very different. The word Taser refers to the brand of stun guns and stun gun is just a category of devices that are used for self defense.
Stun guns, unlike a Taser, do not fire anything at the attacker. Instead, they must come in direct contact with the person. There are two metal probes or small metal contacts that you must touch the attacker with while firing the stun gun.
The biggest difference between the two is that you must touch the attacker with a stun gun, while the Taser allows you to be up to 15 feet away. Plus, a stun device can be used repeatedly, while with a Taser you get one shot per cartridge. It’s very easy and quick to replace the cartridge.
The Taser uses a special cartridge of nitrogen gas to propel a pair of barbed darts attached to wires at the attacker. 50,000 volts travels down wires into the attacker. The electricity can go through 1/2 inch of clothing or a bullet-proof vest; the projectiles do not need to strike skin in order to work. After the cartridge has been used, it can still be used close-up, in the same way a stun gun is used, by touching the attacker.
For most consumers, cost is a major factor. A Taser can cost several hundred dollars, and each use requires a new cartridge. While a stun gun can be purchased for less than $50, and uses regular lithium or 9 volt alkaline batteries. A Taser is more effective, but they may be too expensive for the average consumer.
These two products are treated the same when you talk about them legally. In most states they are legal but you should check with a local law enforcement office to see what the restrictions are on purchasing one of the two self defense devices.
Thelka B Brocsery is one of the foremost specialists on non-lethal self defense products. There are many choices, including stun guns, pepper sprays and personal alarms. He provides full support and instruction on how to use the products.