Stun guns are a very popular defensive tool used by students, women and other people who require additional protection for their personal safety. There are many different types of tasers and stun guns on the market, which tend to vary greatly in price and features. If you’re currently looking to purchase a taser, you may be slightly intimidated at the number of choices. Here is some useful information that will help you to choose a stun gun that will best help you to stay safe.
A Word of Caution
Just like many other defensive products, tasers and/or stun guns are not legal in all states. In addition to this, some states have strict restrictions on stun guns and other self defense products. It’s important to be aware of these laws before purchasing a stun gun, especially if you’re traveling. If you are caught with a stun gun in a city or state that has an operational ban, you could face legal consequences as well as a hefty fine. Here are some states that currently have strict restrictions on stun guns.
States with Taser/Stun Gun Bans
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Wisconsin
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Rhode Island
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New York
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New Jersey
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Michigan**
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Massachusetts
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Hawaii
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District of Columbia
** Michigan only allows stun guns and/or tasers to be possessed by sworn police officers, aircraft pilots, bail agents and private investigators. In addition to this, each stun gun contains a tracking device that identifies its owner. Violation of this law is punishable as a serious offense.
States with Restrictions
Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is illegal to possess a taser or stun gun outside of your home. If caught with a taser in your vehicle or on your person, you may be punished by up to 3 years in prison, federal charges and a monetary fine. These restrictions exclude law enforcement officers.
Arizona
In Arizona, it is legal to carry a stun gun or taser for defensive purposes. However, every sale of a stun gun or taser is required to be documented by the seller, under penalty of legal consequences.
Indiana
In Indiana, there are specific restrictions pertaining to stun guns, tasers and electric stun weapons. If you wish to purchase a taser, you need to obtain a handgun licence.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, it’s illegal to sell a taser or stun gun to an individual that is under the age of 18. If used against a law enforcement officer, use of a taser is punishable by a potential felony charge.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, it’s prohibited to carry a stun gun or taser in a liquor establishment, or into a casino/gaming site. When carrying concealed, you must have a licence.
It’s also important to note that not all cities follow the same laws as their specific states. For example, it may be legal to carry a stun gun in a specific state, but it may be punishable by criminal charges in certain cities. When traveling, be sure to double-check the state and city laws in order to ensure that you can safely carry a stun gun or taser.
Types of Stun Guns/Tasers
In general, there are three different types of tasers, each of which uses a slightly different electrical impulse to provide a method of self defense. The three types are:
Static Charge
This type of stun gun operates as a defensive tool by utilizing a static charge, which powers the electrical current. Range of voltage is usually from 80,000 and 625,000.
Phase Induction
This type of stun gun (often sold under the “Talon” brand name) is able to deliver an electric shock through using phase induction. This is a more efficient method of delivery, and is more powerful than the Static Charge type of stun gun.
T-Wave
The T-Wave stun gun is the type most commonly used by law enforcement officers. It uses two small barbed darts, which deliver an EMD (Electro Muscular Disruption) charge to an assailant. The darts are usually released by compressed nitrogen gas chambers, which need to be reloaded in between firings of the stun gun.
Close Contact or Ranged?
Some stun guns require direct contact between the device and a potential assailant in order to operate. Other tasers fire two pronged charges that can stun an assailant through clothing. In addition to this, some devices are able to stun both on direct contact, and from a distance. It’s important to remember that a ranged stun gun will require that you re-load the wires, as well as install a replacement air cartridge in between firings. This means that if you miss the first time, you won’t be able to fire again.
For most students, women and other individuals interested in personal safety, it’s best to stick with the direct contact tasers. They don’t require expensive refills, and are able to be used repeatedly until their battery charge is depleted. In addition to this, they are often small enough that they can be kept in a purse, laptop bag or backpack in case of an emergency.
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