I've been involved in supporting law enforcement agencies all over this country through personal participation in training, tactical support teams, and special security details. When I'm asked what type of non-lethal self defense weapon I would recommend, there are three weapons of choice. All three are compact, reasonably affordable, and very effective, when used properly. Stun guns, pepper sprays, and TASER ECD devices are all commonly available today. Hundreds of online and local retail shops offer these devices to civilians, as a means to defend themselves against a growing number of violent criminals in our society. If you don't carry one of these items when you leave your home, you're a fool!

This article address the use of stun guns and will ultimately recommend one stun gun in particular.

Stun guns produce a very high voltage (power potential) at very low electrical currents (the "kill" factor). The low current is what makes a stun gun non-lethal and safe to use as a crime deterrant. It will safely deter and/or thwart, not kill, relatively healthy attackers and prevent them from ruining your day. The very high voltage is what causes incredible pain and muscle spasms to occur in the animal tht catches the business end of this device. These electrical stun devices are available in voltages from 50,000 volts up to the most powerful stun gun on the market today, the 2.5 Million Volt Cheetah stun gun. The Cheetah not only generates the highest voltage, is compact and very affordable, it is rechargeable and incorporates several excellent safety features.

1. The Cheetah 2.5 has a safety On/Off switch uses a slide-switch to turn it on and off; much safer than the rocker-style switch that many other manufacturers use. This prevents the stun gun from being accidently turned on in your pocket or your purse.
2. The Cheetah offers a 3-LED flashlight to light up dark areas; as you approach your car, your front door to your home, or enter a building at night.
3. This great device also has a safety "kill" switch that is a pin tied to the wrist lanyard. If the pin is pulled from the device, it kills the power. With the lanyard on your wrist, you are not in danger of an attacker taking the stun gun from you and using it against you during a struggle.

Do I recommend the Cheetah 2.5 for personal self defense? Absolutely!

Does my wife carry one in her purse? Absolutely!

Is a stun gun the only self defense tool to carry. No, but it is an excellent start!

NOTE:While legal in most states to carry, stun guns are either not legal or restricted for civilians to possess or carry in the following States and municipalites. This is not necessarily an all inclusive listing, so be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency, before purchasing any electrical stun device for self defense.

STUN GUNS & TASERS ARE EITHER ILLEGAL or SIGNIFICANTLY RESTRICTED IN OWNERSHIP AND CARRY IN THESE STATES:

CONNECTICUT, HAWAII, ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND, and WISCONSIN

STUN GUNS & TASERS ARE EITHER ILLEGAL or SIGNIFICANTLY RESTRICTED IN OWNERSHIP AND CARRY IN THESE MUNICIPALITIES:

ANNAPOLIS, MD  ...   BALTIMORE, MD  ...  BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD  ...  DENSION / CRAWFORD COUNTY, IA  ...  

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA  ...  and PHILADELPHIA, PA