What is a stun gun?

A stun gun is a type of electronic device that uses electricity to control a person. Stun guns are battery powered and come in two major types. The first type is a hand held stun gun, known hereafter as stun guns. Hand held stun guns use high voltage and low amperage to temporarily disable an attacker. Stun guns don't rely on pain, rather they dump all of their power into the muscles of the body causingthem to work overtime. This depletes the body of energy and keeps an attacker from doing much of anything for a while. A Taser is another type of electronic control device but it differs from a stun gun in several ways.

A Taser stun gun, hereafter known as a Taser works under the same principles as a stun gun. It too causes the muscles to work overtime and depletes the body of energy. The Taser works by shooting two darts at a target that can penetrate up to two inches of clothing. The Taser then blasts 50,000 volts of electricity down the wires, however, only about 5,000 volts affects the target. Not only does this have the effects of a hand held stun gun, but a Taser also interferes with the brain's ability to communicate with the muscles of the body. What this means is that even if an opponent wanted to do something, they literally could not.

Can stun guns electrocute people?

In short, no.  While numbers like 950,000 or 300,000 volts are impressive, the reall stopping power comes from the amps of an electronic control device.  A single amp is enough to kill someone.  AED's use up to 500 millipamps to shock the heart back into rhythm.  Stun guns use 3-4 milliamps to stop an attacker.  Sot it's way below the threshold needed to cause the heart to beat irregularly much less what's needed to kill someone.

A closely related question regards water.  You would have to have a little care when you use a contact stun gun and the other person is wet, or you are.  The water may conduct the current to you.  Really though, that's not likely to happen.  Likewise, somebody asked if dropping a stun gun in a tub would electrocute someone.  It's obvious they'd never seen a stun gun before, much less handled it.  There's a trigger you actually have to depress in order to activate the stun gun.  So as soon as you stopped depressing the trigger, the stun gun would turn off.

Do you need a license to carry a stun gun?

This is probably one of the more common questions out there.  In places where it's legal to own stun guns, no you don't need a conceal carry license or anything like that.  Now there are places stun guns are illegal.  It's crazy to think that some places won't allow something as effective and safe as a stun gun to be carried or owned by citizens.  The ATF also doesn't consider Taser products to be firearms because they use compressed nitrogen to fire the darts, not explosives, so you're covered there.

Do keep in mind that you can be charged with assault if you use a stun gun inappropriately.  Much like using any other weapon, you will be charged if it is not used to keep yourself or someone else from harm. 

How fast does a stun gun work?

In less than a second, a victim will be startled, some shock pain will be evident and a little muscle contration.  In a second of contact, muslces will start to spasm and the victim will be slightly dazed.  After three seconds of contact, the victime will start to lose their balance, they will lose muscle control and become totally dazed and disoriented.  The higher the voltage the faster the effects.

Can I travel with a stun gun?

You are allowed to take a stun gun with you when you board an airplane, but it must be in checked baggage.  Do keep in mind that if there place to which you are travelling has laws against the posession of stun guns, then you might find yourself in court.