Guide to Choosing a Stun Gun That's Right For You

1) What is a stun gun? 

There has never been a better selection of stunning devices available to the public as there is now. The personal security industry has responded to the huge demand for self-defense products by developing and manufacturing the most effective, technologically advanced stun devices ever.

On first glance, choosing a stun gun that's right for you can seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Armed with some basic information and a few facts, choosing a stun gun should be simple, quick and easy.

Let's "peel the onion" by addressing Electric Shock of the most frequently asked questions about stun guns:

Stun guns are very simple, battery operated, electronic devices designed to shock and incapacitate an assailant.. They are not actually guns. They don't shoot bullets. They are an affordable, effective, non-lethal alternative to firearms.

2) Why should I have a stun gun? 

If you consider your odds of being the victim of a violent crime, it makes a sense to be prepared in the event the unthinkable occurs. If it does become necessary to defend yourself or a loved one from a merciless attacker who is hell-bent on harming you, then having a stun gun handy will help even the odds. You don't even necessarily have to "stun" someone to stop an attack. To stop a perilous situation from escalating, it may only be necessary to expose and "test fire" your stun gun. The sight and sound of the electrical arc flashing brightly and loudly crackling is an ominous, intimidating deterrent to a would-be assailant.

3) How does a stun gun work? 

Most stun guns have two electrodes at the front of the device that you press against your assailant while you push a "trigger" button which introduces a powerful, non-lethal electric current that passes through his/her clothing and into his/her body. Just a few seconds is sufficient to render even a large, strong, imposing person helpless. The resulting shock will cause the attacker to lose control of his/her muscles and fall to the ground completely disoriented and confused, totally disababled. Technically, the electric shock temporarily interrupts the tiny neurological impulses that control and direct voluntary muscle movement. The effects of being "stunned" typically last from a few minutes to a half-hour or more, giving you precious time to escape an attacker.

4) Will I be shocked too? 

The answer is: absolutely not! Although the current will easily and effectively flow through several layers of the assailant's clothing, it will be absorbed by the attacker even if he/she has ahold of you. The only way for the user to be stunned is by direct contact with the stunning probes.

5) Can being "stunned" cause a heart attack? 

Stun guns do not kill or cause permanent injury. Nor will they cause a heart attack, even if the person has a heart condition. The disabling effects are only temporary but can provide life-saving moments to escape an attacker and save your life.

6) Are stun guns legal? 

Some states and local municipalities restrict the use, possession and/or sale of stunning devices. Before you purchase a stun gun, be sure that you determine what laws or restrictions may apply in the jurisdiction where you live.

7) What are the different types of stun guns? 

a) Size: There are 3 basic sizes - small, medium and large. The smallest, often referred to as "minis" are usually between 3-6 inches long. Some "mini" models are even disguised to look like cell phones. The most notable characteristic of the minis is how easy they are to carry and the ability to conceal them. The medium or "standard" models are slightly larger but still easy to carry and conceal in a pocket or purse. The "standard" models are among the most affordable, starting at under $25 and an excellent choice for "body carrying" or discreetly carrying in your auto. The largest models, or "Batons" are usually 12-20" long and a favorite choice of law enforcement, body guards, bouncers and security guards. The "baton" models are also an excellent choice for home defense and, because of their extended reach, are popular with walkers, runners and bicyclers to ward off dog attacks.

b) Power: The stopping power of stun guns is determined by their output voltage. A "mini" typically falls into the range of 50,000-800,000 volts, the "standard" in the 80,000-1,000,000 volt range, and "batons" can yield up to 2,000,000+ volts. Generally, the larger the stun device, the greater the power. In theory, the higher the voltage, the better and quicker their stopping power. However, more isn't necessarily better. There is a point of of diminishing return with respect to power or voltage. Even a less powerful (50,000 volt) stun gun has adequate power to drop an attacker.