Tasers And Stun Guns - The Main Difference

Both Tasers and stun guns are non-lethal self defense tools. They both use high voltage and low-amperage electricity to immobilize an attacker. The electrical charge released into an attackers body disrupts the signal from the brain to the muscles temporarily leaving him trying to figure out how to work his arms and legs. But, there is a difference between Taser and a stun gun.

Invented by a NASA scientist Jack Cover, Taser was developed in the 1960's. The products got its name from the initials of a fictional character from the early 1900's, his name was Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle.

After using the Taser on someone they will feel the effects for about 10 to 15 minutes, this will give you ample time to get away and find help. Many people use the terms Taser and stun gun interchangeably, which is not correct because Taser is a brand of stun guns and using the word stun gun is an open term for a certain type of self defense products.

Stun guns must come into contact with some one in order for the electricity to work and knock them down, Taser on the other hand can shoot so you do not need to be close to the attacker. On a stun gun the metal probes at the end of the gun, one on each side, must come into contact with someone for the stun to effect them.

A big difference between these two products are that the stun gun can be used multiple times and a Taser only has one cartridge in it at a time, they are quick and easy to change but if you miss your target you may be in danger. Also with the Taser you can be up to 15 feet away from the attacker, leaving you plenty of distance to make sure that you do not have to come into contact with anyone, while using a stun gun you must come into contact with the attacker.

The Taser uses a special cartridge of nitrogen gas to propel a pair of barbed darts attached to wires at the attacker. 50,000 volts travels down wires into the attacker. The electricity can go through 1/2 inch of clothing or a bullet-proof vest; the projectiles do not need to strike skin in order to work. After the cartridge has been used, it can still be used close-up, in the same way a stun gun is used, by touching the attacker.

A Taser is more effective than a stun gun but it is also more expensive than a stun gun. When purchasing a it you can spend several hundred dollars on one, where a stun gun can be purchased for less than fifty dollars. This is one of the main reasons why some consumers do not purchase Tasers, they are a little too expensive for the average consumer.

When you compare Tasers and stun guns legally, they are treated the same and are legal in most states around the United States. To be sure about if they are legal in your local area, check with a local police department to check on the restrictions on carrying, purchasing or using one of these devices.

For more information on the difference between stun guns and Taser please visit Parks Personal Safety Products.