Are Stun Guns Better Or Firearms?

A stun gun is a great option for those looking to defend themselves with a non-lethal weapon. It can be used to immobilize an attacker and has a flashlight that helps illuminate the area for help. It also comes with a wrist strap and holster to make it easy to carry.

What is a stun gun?

Stun guns (and stun batons) trace their lineage to cattle prods, delivering electrical shocks that incapacitate an attacker by debilitating them with short bursts of electricity. The shocks, which last up to 15 seconds, create bright electrical arcs and a loud buzzing noise that scare away most assailants.

Stamina and physical strength vary among individuals, and the level of force required to stun someone might prove lethal for some people. Therefore, it is important to use stun weapons responsibly and only in self-defense situations when you cannot reasonably articulate that no other alternative was available.

In addition to high voltage, you also want a stun gun with a large charge weight to ensure maximum effectiveness. The voltage and current needed to cause pain depend on the pulse duration and strength, as well as the electrodes’ ability to transfer energy through layers of clothing. Fortunately, some models of stun guns (like our top pick, the Vipertek VTS-880) are more forgiving in this regard than others.

How does a stun gun work?

A stun gun uses electricity to subdue an attacker. Unlike pepper spray, which requires distance to be effective, a stun gun has prongs that must make contact with the assailant in order to send out an electric shock.

The first pulse (just 3 microseconds) creates an electrical arc, which provides a low-impedance pathway for electricity to reach the attacker’s nerves and skeletal muscles. This causes pain and overloads the nervous system, resulting in neuromuscular incapacitation. Incapacitation lasts for the duration of the stun gun’s discharge, typically three to five seconds.

Different stun guns have varying voltages, which affect how much power they deliver. The higher the voltage, the more electricity is sent to the target and the faster it will work to incapacitate them. Moreover, more amperage produces a brighter, louder arc and will cause more muscle seizures. Those with more amperage will also be able to disable an assailant from a greater distance. The SMACK keychain stun gun, for example, fits right on your keys and can be used in close proximity to an assailant.

Is a stun gun better than a firearm?

Stun guns are a good self defense tool, but they require direct contact with an attacker and can only work if the attacker is within arm’s reach. Stun gun manufacturers have responded to this limitation by introducing stun guns that can be used from a distance, like the police TASER device.

A stun gun works by transferring electricity to the attacker through prongs that puncture the skin and clothing. This energy causes extreme pain, and in some cases, can disable an attacker for up to 30 minutes.

To be effective, a stun gun must have a high enough voltage to cause pain and a low enough current to avoid causing permanent injury. This measure is called charge weight, and it’s determined by voltage times current over time. A higher charge weight will result in a stronger stun. Another factor to consider is simplicity of use. Some models have a laser sight to simplify aim and make it easier to use in a stressful situation.

Is a stun gun safer than a firearm?

Stun guns are non-lethal weapons that cause intense pain and incapacitate an attacker. They are often effective in close-range encounters and can buy you time to escape or call for help. They are easy to use and do not require specialized training.

Some stun gun manufacturers claim their products can generate millions of volts, but that’s not accurate. The amount of electricity transferred to the attacker depends on the electrode placement. Typically, the chest, stomach, groin, and back are good places to aim for. Clothing can reduce the transfer of electricity, so some models have pronounced electrodes that are designed to penetrate thicker materials.

Stun guns are legal for self defense in most states, but you must abide by the laws in your state. For example, in Illinois, you must have a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and pass a background check to possess one. You also cannot carry a stun gun on school grounds or in government, prison, secure juvenile residential, or halfway house buildings.