Taser, stun gun. Potato, Potah-to, right? Not exactly. Ever wondered what the difference is between the two? Confused about which one is right for you? You're not alone - many people think they're one and the same, much less understand how they are different. There are several key features that separate them from each other: read on to find out the how, what, why, where, and when about Tasers and stun guns.

The first key difference is the mode of operation. Tasers work via electrodes attached to 15-foot wires that eject from the unit and attach to the target to deliver a pulse. Stun guns, on the other hand, operate through direct contact with the target's body.

The pulse sent by a Taser gun overrides the motor nervous system and incapacitates muscle function, rendering the target unable to move. The electric shock from a stun gun targets the sensory nervous system, more often causing the body to interpret the pulse as painful.

Both weapons are essentially intended to temporarily incapacitate the target so as to give the victim time to escape, call for help, or both. Tasers especially are designed to hold the pulse for up to 30 seconds so that if necessary, you can deploy the electrodes, then drop the weapon and run and the attacker will still experience the stun pulse for that period of time. Stun guns are often thought of as devices for pain compliance, meaning most people will be significantly inhibited when stunned by a painful electric shock, again giving the victim time to gain control over the situation by fleeing or summoning assistance.

Stun guns require direct contact with the skin. Tasers can work through clothing if it is within two inches of skin.

Since Tasers now have the capability of the "drive stun," or stunning the target via direct contact as a stun gun works, both devices work when a victim is in close proximity to a would-be attacker or other threatening person. Tasers, however, also work from a distance of up to 15 feet, which can be extremely helpful in keeping a safe distance between the victim and the attacker, and also enabling potential victims to ward off danger before it gets too close to effectively fight off. Also, both devices can be used as intervention, perhaps when it is necessary to save a person's life, for example in a suicide attempt. There are several recent reports of Tasers being used in such situations by police and were effective in preventing unnecessary loss of life. It should be noted, however, that once a Taser is fired using the wires, a new cartridge must be loaded before it can be fired again. Stun guns and Tasers used in "drive stun" mode can be fired repeatedly without any interruption.

As far as cost is concerned, Tasers are more expensive than stun guns, but that is largely because they carry the trademarked name of Taser. Both are handheld and compact, neither causes lasting or permanent damage, and both are definitely a better alternative for those private citizens wishing to have a dependable means of self defense without worrying about lethal consequences.