We use the words Taser and stun gun interchangeably, but do we really know what they mean? Tasers and stun guns differ in various things, the biggest being range. While a Taser can be shot from a distance, a stun gun requires direct contact with the attacker. Both deliver a powerful shock to the attacker and are meant to give you time to create some distance between the two of you. In this article, we’ll teach you more about the basics of Tasers and stun gun including other differences, the history behind them and more.
Tasers vs Stun Guns
Although we may use the terms Taser and stun gun interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A Taser shoots probes at your target, typically within a range of 15 to 30 feet. A stun gun has prongs that must make direct contact with your target.
What is a Taser?
A Taser is shot from a distance and is a form of electroshock weapon. A Taser shoots probes, which are connected to wires, toward your target. The probes, which are spear-shaped, penetrate clothing and sometimes skin, and emit an electrical current that can affect up to a two-inch area. Your target completes the circuit to deliver the electric shock.
To give even more clarification about the Taser vs. stun gun dilemma, in the United States, we generally refer to face tissue as Kleenex. However, Kleenex is a brand of face tissue and is not the actual name of the product. The same goes for calling all gelatin dessert Jell-O. Jell-O is a specific brand of gelatin dessert and is not the name of all gelatin desserts. Taser is the name of a specific brand of electroshock weapon but does not classify all stun guns.
What is a stun gun?
A stun gun has two or more prongs attached to it to deliver the electric shock. To use a stun gun you must be in direct contact with the person since it does not shoot out any type of probe. Typically, two of the prongs will have an electricity arc between them that you can physically see; the other prongs have the same voltage as these prongs but it won’t be visible. It can be dangerous to use a stun gun because the person who is trying to harm you may reach you before you can use the weapon. However, a stun gun may be more comfortable to use and more accessible than a Taser.
Do Tasers Kill People?
Tasers are not meant to kill people and do not emit a high enough voltage for lethal electrocution. However, there are circumstances where a Taser can result in death. Typically this occurs if someone has a heart condition. This is very rare though.
Where Are Stun Guns Legal for Civilians?
It is illegal for you to own or possess a stun gun in Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Michigan, and DC. You can own a stun gun in Illinois but there are restrictions. The following cities do not all you to own or possess a stun gun either: Annapolis, MD, Baltimore, MD, Chicago, IL, and Philadelpia, PA. In addition the following counties are illegal: Baltimore County, MD and Crawford County, IA.
What Happens When You Get Tasered?
The electricity overrides your brain’s control of your body by emitting pulses that match neuron pulses. Neurons transfer electrical pulses, or information, between the muscles and brain. When nerves are flooded with information, as they are during a Taser shock, neurons get covered up and muscles contract uncontrollably. The body often collapses to the ground and stiffens up some while shaking. Here’s a video of a person being Tasered in slow motion so you can see exactly what happens.