Stun guns and tasers are both popular decisions for non-lethal home defense in many countries. Both tools have a strong history of use by both law enforcement and everyday people, and they give great peace of mind during dangerous situations.

What does this mean for you? It means that having or carrying these weapons is against the law and can result in some serious legal problems. If you get caught with a stun gun or taser, you could face either a minor offense or a serious crime - the punishment could be jail time for up to five years.

The name stun gun is a bit of a misnomer since it doesn’t actually shoot anything from it, nor does it look anything like a gun. It doesn’t use projectiles and it eliminates the stress of having to aim. Stun guns are more affordable, rechargeable, and don’t require replacement cartridges after being used. Stun guns, vs TASERs, are compact, and lightweight. They’re smaller, but they’re easy to use, and they’re legal in most areas.

So, is spending more money and dealing with possible legal issues worth it for the safety of being able to stop a threat from far away? Usually, only in certain situations. Police carry tasers, but it's carried in combination with pepper spray, a firearm, de-escalation training, martial arts training, and other helpful tools.

There are lots of real incidents where homeowners used stun guns to scare off an intruder. In one, the sudden pain made the intruder jump back - but it didn't completely stop him. Thankfully, the homeowner (who had to use the stun gun multiple times) created an opening to escape since this shows how a stun gun can sometimes fall short of completely stopping the attacker. Things like body weight, genetics, the brand of a stun gun, the charge, and whether or not the attacker has drugs in their system - all those variables can affect the efficacy of stun guns.

There's a reason police carry them, too. It's a great option for when words fail, but when you also don't want to use lethal force - that's where less-lethal options come into play.

One of the differences between stun guns vs TASERs is the price. Stun guns are mostly affordable, and are widely available. While TASERs are also widely available, their prices tend to be a bit more prohibitive for some. Another difference is the operational range, or the distance needed between you and the attacker. Stun guns are close-range weapons meaning the attacker is basically already on top of you. TASERs are long-range weapons that you can use while the attacker is still further away.

Again, stun guns are only effective with close-up encounters, which makes them a little more dangerous. Even then, how well they work depends quite a bit on your physical ability and other personal factors, too.

When the trigger is depressed, two barbed electrodes shoot out of the TASER. Assuming both projectiles hit their target, the barbs hook into the attacker. Both barbs MUST hit the target for the TASER to have an effect. When the two projectiles hit their target, an electrical circuit is formed with the TASER. The current is then passed through the conductive, insulated, copper wires, and delivered by the probes. This is the shock that disables the attacker.

Once you depress the trigger, the current is cycled for 5-30 seconds. The current creates a disconnect between the brain and the muscles resulting in the loss of voluntary muscle control. It’s not enough to cause serious or permanent damage, but it is enough to immobilize an attacker giving you time to escape. Once deployed, the cartridge can then be ejected. Then, in case you missed your target, or there are multiple targets, you can use it as a stun gun by pressing it into the attacker and pulling the trigger again. Once used, the cartridge will need to be replaced.

Picking between a stun gun and a Taser depends on your preferences, what makes you feel most comfortable, and whether you live in Canada or not.

How exactly does this change your decision? A stun gun is it needs direct, physical contact. Tasers can stop an attacker from much farther away, but stun guns only work close. That's not ideal in a home defense situation, where keeping some distance is extremely important for your safety. A stun gun will not necessarily avoid an attacker from striking you or causing you harm, either.

tasers nearbellevue, wa

You need to know how to use these devices safely, too, and knowing the specific guidelines for stun guns and tasers makes a huge difference. Just to give you an example, did you know that tasers can actually reach up to 15 feet? This is good info!

When it comes to maintenance and reusability, stun guns usually come with rechargeable batteries, which you can plug in to recharge them. You can plug some into the wall directly. Tasers need new cartridges after each use, and that means different costs and training habits.

Police stun gun

When considering stun guns vs TASERs, although their names are often used interchangeably, they aren’t actually the same thing. In fact, all TASERs are stun guns, but not all stun guns are tasers. Both are designed to employ a non-lethal, electrical charge that temporarily stuns, incapacitates and/or disorient their target in a manner, but they function differently in their application. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference, as well as their intended use.

First, when it comes to stun gun for home defense, you need to know how it works and what you realistically can expect. I believe knowing these important details helps you make an informed decision.

The handling and responsibility are a big part of safety here. You need to try to use these devices correctly to avoid getting unintentional injuries for yourself and others. Correct storage technique is also a good idea, too, and may even be by law in your state. Always keep the devices away from unauthorized access - especially if you have kids at your home.

With all these important points, it's clear that even though stun guns have their upsides, their limits in range and how well they actually work is an important point to make.

A stun gun is a "less-lethal" tool made specifically to temporarily stop an attacker by giving them a high-voltage shock. The device has two small electrodes that need to touch the attacker directly since this then makes an electric circuit and causes pain and muscle contractions as the electricity flows to your attacker.

Let's weigh the pros and cons. Stun guns are often cheap and very easy to use without needing much training, and they are small and easy to carry and store. But, their general effectiveness is still a hotly debated topic.

TASER self defense

TASERs are widely used by police, and some are equipped with shooting identification systems such as confetti-sized identification tags. TASERs are meant to be used at a distance, and they require more skill and accuracy to be efficient. They’re usually larger, heavier and bulkier that stun guns. With stun guns vs TASERs, if a TASER is your choice, training and practice is highly recommended.

Safety tips and precautions should be top of your mind. You definitely want to make sure you're protecting yourself while also preventing any accidental harm.

Taser Amazon

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your situation, your budget, and your local laws. That brings me to my next point:

Tasers are a bit different; they cause neuromuscular incapacitation, and that means they stop an attacker temporarily. Their success depends on the distance between you and the attacker. It also helps if both darts hit the target - and if they don't, it's not going to work well at all. Tasers also require some training.

tasers nearseattle, wa

Have you thought about which self-defense tool might be best for your home? When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, you definitely want the most helpful and reliable option - their safety may depend on it.

What about the downsides? First, the legal rules - many places have specific laws about owning and carrying Tasers. These laws can change depending on where you live, so you have to check what's allowed in your area. We'll talk about that more in a minute.

Tasersfor sale

TASER is a trademarked brand that’s based on the novel Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle. T.A.S.E.R. stands for Tom A. Swift Electric Rifle. Another misnomer since Tom Swift didn’t have a middle initial, and the TASER isn’t a rifle. It’s usually shaped more like a firearm with a trigger, and a barrel-ish shape. It shoots projectiles, and can be used up to 15 feet away.

The shock from a stun gun works only briefly and usually needs steady contact since this makes it tough to sustain during a tense situation - you'll want to use it and get away fast.

Tasers near mewithin 5 mi

Both stun guns and tasers have their limits and should be part of a strong general self-defense plan since this plan should also be about being aware of your surroundings and about physical training. Even the best tool can fail when needed most if you don't get the right training.

So, how does a taser control an attacker? The magic is in its ability to cause the muscles to lock up. When the probes hit the person, they cut off the link between the muscles and the brain. That alone causes a temporary loss of muscle control - and this effect makes Tasers a good choice for anyone wanting to stop a threat from a safe distance.

Pepper spray guns, though, have a much longer-lasting effect. Not only can you keep your distance, but it also makes it difficult for your attacker to see or breathe. That also makes it harder for them to attack or chase you.

Unfortunately, the laws in Canada are very strict regarding tasers and stun guns. That means there are some legal considerations to discuss, too.

Why not check out Byrna Canada for your self-defense needs? Check us out at Byrna.ca. We have a great self-defense catalog, and you can enjoy free shipping on all launcher orders. Your peace of mind is closer than you think, so make a smart choice today for a safer tomorrow!

Stun guns have prongs that when contact is made, passes a high-voltage, electrical current through the attacker’s body. The electrical current overwhelms the muscles causing them to spasm and become momentarily disabled. Further, it gives the attacker a sense of imbalance and a dazed mental state. The voltage isn’t high enough to cause serious or permanent damage to an individual, but it’s strong enough to briefly immobilize an assailant. The high voltage inflicts pain, but it also pushes the current through thick/heavy clothing.

You might also ask: how does this actually make you feel about a stun gun for home defense? Even though stun guns give some level of security and can even scare off attackers, they often fall short in situations where you need to stop an aggressor.

The electrical circuits of stun guns vs TASERs function differently for each, resulting in each having differing effects on an assailant. The immediate reuse factor while in a dangerous situation is also something to consider when deciding on a stun gun vs a TASER. When talking about stun guns vs TASERs, each has their own advantages, and disadvantages, however, these are two of the more popular personal-protection devices. Whichever you choose, be sure to check your local and state laws regarding stun guns.

When it comes to how well stun guns and tasers work in real-life home defense scenarios, you need to look at things like their range, their effects, and of course, their reliability. Stun guns, just to repeat this quick point, only cause short-term pain and they don't always stop attackers. That can make them less helpful in real confrontations.

Now, you should think about the money side; stun guns are usually quite a bit cheaper (starting under $25) while Tasers can cost $400 or more. Your final choice might depend on your budget and what features you need, like range or the ability to stop muscles.

In Canada, there's something important you need to know: both stun guns and Tasers are not allowed by law, and they have banned weapons under section 84(1) of the Canadian Criminal Code and its rules.

Law enforcement can carry and use these devices, but they have to follow strict rules. Officers must have the right training and certification. Their use of stun guns or tasers is controlled by specific guidelines to make sure they use them correctly! Just to give you an example, officers must give verbal warnings, and they can only use these devices when they think someone is about to cause them immediate harm.

You will find pistols, rifles, CO2 cartridges, and sirens to meet all your safety needs without the trouble of background checks. Our products are legal in all of the ten provinces, and we conveniently ship everything right to your doorstep.

If you are searching for strong self-defense options, Byrna Canada is a great option. We are a favorite provider of legal and less-lethal options in Canada!

Since the prongs are fixed and not projectiles, and because the stun guns don’t require replacement cartridges, they can be used multiple times in a row. To immobilize, or incapacitate an attacker, push the stun gun into the assailant, and push the button to activate it. It can be used for as long as the button is being pressed. Comes in many shapes such as:

Taser for women

So, unfortunately, a stun gun or taser for self-defense is not allowed in Canada. You can look into other legal ways to protect yourself, like personal alarms or pepper spray (both of which we sell). But turning to a stun gun or taser for self-defense could result in criminal charges, and this makes them a poor choice for Canadians. It's not worth the consequences.

A taser is a type of weapon that shoots out two electrified probes. These probes are made to break through the skin and deliver an electric shock since - this shock can stop a person by interfering with their muscle control. A stun gun needs you to be up close and touch the attacker for it to work, but a Taser can be fired from up to 15 feet away. So, this distance can be a big plus in a tense situation where keeping away from danger can be the difference between safety and injury.

I recommend you enroll in a training course to help with your confidence and skills with these tools. When you know exactly how they work, you'll also get their effectiveness and the steps to handle them responsibly.

If you weigh the pros and cons, one big plus of a Taser is its range. You can stop an attacker without getting close, and that might save you in dangerous situations. But, tasers are usually more expensive than stun guns - and that cost might turn some people away. Besides, there could be legal issues if you use a Taser the wrong way or without good reason.

Let's talk about the legal factors. Before you choose to buy a stun gun, you need to know the specific rules in your area. In some places, owning or carrying a stun gun might be limited or might need a permit. Always be sure you follow your local laws to avoid any serious legal problems. Usually, though, if you are at home, these are legal to own. Things get harder when it comes to carrying them around town or into government buildings.

The body uses electricity to communicate by sending signals from one part of the body to another. When a stun gun or a TASER is used on someone, the electricity is applied to their muscles and to their nerves causing muscle contractions. Using either one makes it extremely difficult for the attacker to move, potentially giving you the time needed to escape a dangerous situation.

A downfall to them being close proximity, self-defense devices is that you must have physical contact with the aggressor. Also, stun guns are useless on someone that has a high pain tolerance, or someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, they can be used as a visual and an audible deterrent. You can give a warning shot with a visual electrical spark, and a menacing crackling noise when the button is pressed.