How to Choose the Best Stun Gun for Personal Defense

Have you ever found yourself walking alone at night, clutching your keys like a makeshift weapon, wishing you had something more? Or maybe you're just a big fan of the phrase 'safety first'? If so, you might be in the market for a stun gun. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for your personal defense needs? Fear not, this guide is here to help you navigate through the electrifying world of stun guns!

Stun Gun vs Taser: What's the Difference?

The two devices are often confused. After all, both of them are supposed to charge up your attacker with an unwillingness to assault you. And electricity. However, their working principles are not the same. One of them is more forgiving to misses and the other allows you to start defending yourself before the assault cuts the distance between you.

Stun Guns: First off, we have stun guns, which are often compact, easy to use, and can even be disguised as everyday items. The key thing to remember about stun guns is that they require direct contact with the target to deliver a shock. That means you need to be within arm's reach of an assailant to use it effectively.

When activated, a stun gun releases a high voltage, low amperage charge that disrupts the attacker's muscle function. It's kind of like trying to run your computer on a thousand cups of coffee – things short-circuit pretty quickly.

Tasers: Now, let's talk about Tasers. The term "Taser" is actually a brand name that's become synonymous with projectile electroshock weapons, kind of like how we say "Kleenex" instead of "tissue". Unlike stun guns, Tasers can be used from a distance. They fire two electrodes connected to the weapon by conductive wires, allowing you to shock an attacker from up to 15 feet away.

When hit with a Taser, the target experiences severe muscle contractions and an overall sensation of extreme discomfort (to put it mildly). And if the darts miss? No problem, most Tasers can also be used as direct contact stun devices. Just make sure your Taser combines the two before relying on it.

Voltage: The Shock Factor

Voltage in a stun gun refers to the intensity of the shock delivered to the target. It's often mistaken as the measure of a stun gun's strength, but this isn't entirely accurate. While higher voltage can deliver a shock more efficiently, it's not the voltage alone that stops an attacker. It's actually the charge, or amperage, that disrupts the body's electrical signals and incapacitates the assailant.

However, the voltage is still important because it determines how thick of clothing the stun gun can penetrate. Higher voltage means the stun gun can overcome thicker clothing, which can be particularly useful in colder climates where attackers may be bundled up.

The average stun gun voltage is about 25,000 volts, but they can range from a few thousand volts to millions. However, don't get too caught up in the numbers game. A common myth is that super high-voltage stun guns are more effective, but this isn't necessarily true. Even a stun gun with a relatively low voltage can effectively deter an attacker if it delivers a sufficient charge.

Design: Looks Can Be Deceiving

Next up, let's talk about design. There are conventional looking stun guns that scream “Get ready to be shocked” and those that enjoy a more concealable design. A stun gun that looks like an everyday object – like a cell phone or lipstick – can give you the element of surprise. Plus, it's easier to carry around without attracting unwanted attention.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional design, make sure you feel comfortable using it. The following criteria might help you understand whether the stun gun will be a nice fit:

Size and Shape: Stun guns come in all shapes and sizes, from compact models that can fit in the palm of your hand to larger baton-style units. Smaller stun guns are easy to carry and conceal but may deliver less voltage than their larger counterparts. On the other hand, bigger stun guns often pack more power and might include additional features like a flashlight or an alarm. When choosing a stun gun, consider what size and shape you'd be comfortable carrying and using.

Grip: The grip of the stun gun is also important. It should feel comfortable and secure in your hand. Some models have rubberized or textured grips to prevent slipping.

Material and Durability: You'll want a stun gun made of durable material that can withstand being dropped or knocked out of your hand. Many are made of high-quality plastics or aircraft-grade aluminum.

Ease of Use: In a stressful situation, you don't want to fumble with complicated switches or buttons. Look for a stun gun with straightforward operation, ideally one that can be used quickly with one hand.

Safety Mechanisms: To avoid accidental discharge, many stun guns feature safety switches or buttons. Make sure these safety mechanisms are easy to disengage so you can act swiftly if needed.

Additional Features: The Bells and Whistles

Last but not least, consider any additional features that could come in handy.

Flashlight: Many stun guns come equipped with a built-in flashlight. This can be incredibly useful in low light situations, not only to see where you're going but also to disorient an attacker, providing you with a valuable split second to react.

Disguise: Some stun guns are designed to look like everyday items - from cell phones and lipsticks to pens. This feature allows for easy concealment and can provide the element of surprise in a defensive situation.

Panic Alarm: Some models come with a panic or siren alarm. This feature is designed to scare off attackers and draw attention to your situation.

Rechargeable: Many modern stun guns are rechargeable, eliminating the need for batteries. This not only saves money in the long run but also ensures your stun gun is always ready to go when you need it.

Wrist Strap Disable Pin: This is a safety feature that prevents your stun gun from being used against you. If the stun gun is taken away from you during an attack, the pin will be pulled out, disabling the stun gun.

Targeting Laser: Higher-end models may include a targeting laser to assist in aiming at an attacker.

Safety Switch: This feature prevents accidental discharge, which could be both embarrassing and painful!

Shock Plates: Some stun guns have shock plates along the sides of the device. If an attacker tries to grab the stun gun from you, they'll get a shocking surprise.

Let's summarize everything we've learnt so far. Here are the features you'd want to consider.