If you’re looking for a way to protect yourself it’s extremely important that you have the right tools. For some people that means a gun but not everyone wants such a powerful weapon. For some people, the idea of pepper spray alone isn’t enough. That’s where you want to look at a stun gun or a Taser. Both a high voltage stun gun and Taser can prove to be highly effective non-lethal weapons, which are regularly used in law enforcement and both come with a number of added features.
But what’s the actual difference between these two tools and how can you make sure that you’re getting the power that you need to keep yourself safe?
What is a Taser?
A Taser is actually an electroshock weapon. It uses an electrical current to disrupt the muscle control of your attacker to stop them instantly. It uses two metal probe darts to direct the current and can be shot up to 15 feet away from you. Of course, if you happen to be closer to your attacker the Taser can be used as a stun gun, directly applied to the attacker’s body to also provide a disruption of the muscle control through the same electrical application. These weapons are good for both long and short distance which makes them a good choice for most.
Why You Want One
One of the best things about a Taser is that it can shoot the barbs up to 15 feet, which means you can hit your attacker before they get too close to you. This can help you stay safe and keep the attacker from ever actually touching you. The barbs also pierce through up to 2” of clothing to get direct contact with the skin and deliver the 50,000 volts of power, which is enough to really stop your attacker quickly. Not only that but the voltage lasts for about 30 seconds, plenty of time for you to drop the device (it will continue providing the electrical current) and run to safety.
If your attacker does get too close to you or you miss on your shot you can still use the weapon as a stun gun, meaning that you use it with direct contact and get the same amount of power. Of course, the laser sighting that is built into these types of weapons should help you to get a good, clean shot, but you always want to be prepared for what could happen. If you do have to use it in a dangerous situation and leave it behind when you flee you’ll be able to get the unit replaced at no cost to you.
The Trouble With Tasers
Now, as with anything, there are going to be some negative features that you want to know about. The most important one is that these weapons require both barbs to hit the target for them to work. Though it’s generally easy enough to make sure this happens if one of the barbs doesn’t connect it’s going to be useless in that respect (though you can still use it as a stun gun).
If you live in certain states you’ll also have to pass a felony background check before your Taser can be shipped, but this can be a good way to keep a criminal from getting ahold of one. Finally, you’re going to spend more money on this type of weapon as they generally start at about $399-$450 and go up from there. The uses are more numerous, however, which can provide you with some counterpoints to the higher cost that you’re going to pay overall. You’ll also need to purchase replacement cartridges and batteries or power magazines, which add to the cost.
What is a Stun Gun?
A stun gun is similar to a Taser in the execution and use but it does not work at the same distance you’ll get from a Taser. Instead, a stun gun can only be used directly in contact with the attacker. If you can reach out and touch them you can use a stun gun because you just press the stun gun to their body and release a stream of electricity that is designed to interrupt the muscle control of the attacker. This gives you time to get away. Unfortunately, these guns are only effective in very close proximity, which can be more dangerous.
Why You Want One
If you’re not sure what type of power you really want a stun gun is great because there are a range of different options. You can get different sizes, which make it easier to carry in whatever you have or different voltages to make sure you have what you need. Not only that but it works extremely well when your attacker is close range because you don’t have to worry about how to fire the weapon. You just touch them with the prongs and it releases the full voltage.
With a lower price point, these are definitely easier for most people to purchase and they don’t require additional pieces to keep them working either. They can be charged up quickly and easily and be ready to go whenever you are and wherever you want to go. You can also ‘fire’ your stun gun into the air to release a crackling sound that is definitely unmistakable and may be able to help you avoid an attack in the first place.
The Trouble With Stun Guns
Unfortunately, stun guns require your attacker to be very close to you when you deploy them. You have to be able to reach out and touch them directly, but you don’t have to worry about them touching you at the same time because the current will not be redirected back to you or even simultaneously through you. Still, having to wait for your attacker to get close enough to touch can be a difficult situation and can be more dangerous. Still, there are some beneficial features that help to counter this.
No matter which of these weapons you decide to go with you’re going to have a good tool of self-defense and you’re not going to have a problem protecting yourself or your family at a price point you can afford and with a weapon you’re comfortable with.