The stun gun, considered a self-defense weapon, is of the less-lethal variety. As compared to a firearm, its intention is to 'stun' an assailant; to render their attack useless.

One objective in stun gun use is to maximize escape opportunities while minimizing harm to a person. The average citizen wants to deter an attack without using unnecessary force. The reason is clear: excessive force has the potential to harm the attacked as well as the attacker.

The typical stun gun is the size of a small handgun or flashlight. They typically use a common 9V battery. They are of relatively simple design on the exterior and interior.

The jolt from a stun gun causes temporary incapacitation. This is a result of the electroshock on the superficial muscle system and the nervous system. The shock from the electric charge can cause disorientation in the person receiving it. They will experience pain and an inability to stay balanced and functioning. They will literally, 'be stunned into submission", long enough for their victim to run away and seek help.

Manufacturers of this self-defense product say that the length of the charge determines the effect:

* A quarter-second charge from one will cause muscle contractions.
* One to two seconds can cause an attacker to fall to the ground.
* A charge of three seconds or more will cause an attacker to fall. The disorientation from this level of charge can last up to fifteen minutes.
Certainly, there is the pain the assailant will feel. This, in and of itself, will buy time for a victim to flee.

Some may think that a stun gun is akin to a cattle prod device. The similarity is in the electric charge. They differ in that a stun gun can shoot a charge into the entire body. The cattle prod, whether used on a human or animal only charges the point of contact. The determining factor is the level of voltage, with the stun gun's being higher.

How exactly does a stun gun do its job? It all involves electricity. Electricity comes from the gun and interacts with electricity in our body. The stun gun acts as a disrupter. It interrupts normal courses of action. Think of an aggressive driver cutting in front of you and blocking your path. The brain uses electrical impulses to send communication to other parts of the body. When a stun gun is used, its electrical charge interferes with the body's normal electrical charge. A signal to walk, from the brain to the legs, doesn't get through. The charge from the stun gun cuts off the message to the legs. This will cause the assailant to freeze or fall.

With a person's whole body a bundle of energy so-to-speak, it doesn't matter where a stun gun charge lands. This is why it is an excellent self-defense product. Accuracy in aim isn't as much of a concern as it is with guns and bullets. You do not have to be so precise.

A stun gun's use is as a one-on-one weapon. It only achieves its intended results when used in close quarters with an attacker. Using it from too far a distance would be the equivalent of shooting blanks.

Stun guns are popular as a self-defense product because of their portability. Today's models are easily concealable and of streamlined design. They are also lightweight, which makes them ideal for purses, small bags and coat pockets.

As self-defense products go, stun guns remain popular. They give a person the power to subdue an attacker, without escalating a confrontation with gunplay.

Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
Self Defense & Surveillance Shop
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com