Stun Gun vs Taser

 

Stun Guns and Taser™ devices are reported about all the time. So much so that the average Joe uses those words interchangeably. Stun guns and tasers have a very important tactical difference... Effective Range.

 

If you need to repel someone, would you want to do it from 0 feet away or up to 15 feet? Up close and personal or from a safer distance?

 

Stun guns are an effective contact weapon but you must physically touch the person with the prongs of the stun gun. It is also best to hold it on them for many seconds. Stun guns work by rapidly overworking the muscle group and depleting it of blood sugar. See "how stun guns work.”  In addition to shocking pain, the result is similar to muscle failure.

 

Self-defense is a serious discipline that can save your life. Not everyone feels comfortable or is physically able, to defend themselves solely with their body. That's where self-defense tools come in handy.

 

Firearms are most people's first thought, but owning a gun for personal protection can cause a number of issues in terms of family safety: Americans who keep a gun at home are actually significantly more likely to be killed in a homicide than those who don't have a gun.

 

But there are other self-defense options besides learning karate and owning a gun. TASER devices and stun guns are common choices as defense weapons that can help save you in a dangerous situation.

 

And while some people use these terms interchangeably, there are key differences between these two products.

 

A Taser device such as the new Taser X1 or Pulse, allows you to repel the attacker from up to 15 feet away (7-10 feet being optimum target spread).

 

 BIG difference from a stun gun which requires direct contact.

 

Police carry their own version of a Taser, which you hear about if you're one to watch the news. The police version is the same as the civilian models and is a matter of preference, although the most popular choice seems to be the newer Pulse Plus or the X1. However, the law enforcement version does have a longer firing range (21 feet compared to the civilian 15 feet).

 

Both TASER devices and stun guns use electric shocks in order to subdue and stop attackers. Let's look at some key differences that could determine which you choose to purchase.

 

Proximity

 

The main difference between a stun gun and TASER weapon options is the proximity at which they work. TASER devices can fire the electric probes at distances up to 15 feet, or they can be used at closer proximities to deliver the electric shock.

 

Stun guns, however, can only be used in close proximity since they have to make physical contact with the attacker and they can't "shoot" probes as a taser can.

 

Neither is necessarily better; it depends on your personal preference. Some people feel uncomfortable with the idea of having to be close to their attacker in order to defend themselves like they would need to be when using a stun gun.

 

The other danger of using a stun gun is that an attack could reach you and either grab the gun or avoid it and overtake you. A TASER device would eliminate some of this risk since you could fire at a safe distance.

 

Ease of Use

 

Despite the risks of having to use a stun gun at close proximity, many people find stun guns easier to hold and use. TASER devices can shoot from far away, but you have to make sure your aim is on point, as you probably only have one chance to hit the attacker before they reach you.

 

Stun guns eliminate the added complication of aim.

 

So now you know one of the main differences between a "taser" and a "stun gun." Effective range.  And you also know that a stun gun is not the same as a Taser. The media doesn't know any better when they're reporting it, but at least you do.

 

 

Taser - Stun Gun