Stun Guns vs Tasers and How to Tell the Difference
Regardless of where you live or what your daily routine looks like, self-defense is something we should all be considering. Being prepared in case of an attack is important, but which weapon will keep you safest? We’ll dive into all things stun guns and tasers so you can make a choice with ease.
How Do Stun Guns work?
Stun guns are a common self-defense tool for people on the go. They’re very small devices made to be carried along in your bag, purse, or pocket. Some small stun guns are even disguised to look like lipstick, a flashlight, a phone, and more.
These devices work with several small prongs that are activated inside the device. When you hit an oncoming attacker, the prongs send electricity to through their body, causing them to temporarily knock out with pain. Though it’s pure electricity pumping through the bad guy, it’s not powerful enough to permanently injure or scar someone.
How Do Tasers Work?
Tasers work similarly to stun guns, though they look a lot more like actual firearms. When you hit an attacker or target, it sends electricity through two prongs to stun or disorientate them. The only major difference is that instead of jabbing the two prongs into a person, you shoot them.
Contained in every taser is a compressed gas cartridge. When you shoot it, the gas cartridge explodes and fired out two wires with prongs at the ends. As soon as the prongs latch onto your target by their clothes or skin, it sends electricity through the wired and into the prongs to electrify them.
The current is so strong it will temporarily freeze the attacker completely, freezing their nervous system. This will provide you with ample time to escape and get to safety. Now that we know how they both work, let’s decipher the key differences between stun guns and taser guns.
Range Differences
When it comes to range, stun guns and tasers differ greatly. Stun guns are proximity devices that require you to be next to the attacker. On the other hand, tasers use projectile prongs that attach to a target from up to 15 feet away.
Differences in Reusability
While we hope to never use self-defense tools, what happens if you must use them more than once? You never want to be in a situation where your weapon isn’t ready for use. Stun guns use batteries, while a taser for sale requires cartridges.
The projectile nature of a taser renders its wires and propellant unusable after one or two shots, depending on the model. Swapping out cartridges is an easy process but will give you less opportunity when deterring an attack. Most stun guns use a rechargeable battery that can be used as long as there’s still some juice.
Stun Gun and Taser Prices
As important as it is to stay safe, it’s ideal to do so within your budget. Prices of stun guns and tasers will vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, effects, etc. Let’s cover the general pricing for both so you can get a better idea.
It’s easy to find reliable stun gun prices for around $20 to $80. Most tasers are at least a couple of hundred as they are heftier. Tasers prices can also be more expensive to use since they require replacement cartridges, costing about $20 each.
Which One Should You Buy?
Now that you know the major differences between stun guns vs tasers, which one should be your go-to self-defense tool? They both have strengths and weaknesses, so your decision will ultimately depend on budget and what you need in a weapon. We’ll dive into the benefits of owning each and what emergencies they’re ideal for.
Pros of Stun Guns
Stun guns are the perfect self-defense item for those seeking something disguisable. If you encounter an attacker, they likely won’t expect to get stunned by your lipstick or cell phone making them the best stun gun for women. This also allows you to get your weapon out as you’re being approached more easily.
Since they can allow you to catch the aggressor off guard, you’re able to stop them much quicker compared to pepper spray and large weapons. Keep in mind that your takedown time will depend on the enemy’s pain tolerance, whether they’re intoxicated, etc. Though stun guns are small, you’ll feel better with one in your handbag or back pocket.
This type of weapon is also one of the easiest to obtain. It doesn’t cause any major damage to attackers, so unlike guns, you don’t need a license for them. They also tend to be pretty affordable, though you still want to find the best stun gun with high quality.
Stun guns will be ideal for those often alone in parking garages or walking in a city. You can even find one with brass knuckles to pack an extra punch. Those on nightly walks should consider flashlight stun guns instead.
Find stun guns online or in-store without worrying about permits. Although, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice safely. Be sure to do thorough research before picking a brand or committing to the cheapest device.
Advantages of Tasers
While stun guns are small but mighty, tasers still pack a larger punch. It doesn’t just hurt the enemy, but temporarily immobilizes their muscles. Instead of just pumping electricity into the assailant, it makes the muscle contract on itself, causing them to forcefully fall over.
Tasers also help in situations where someone is coming at you with a weapon like a knife or a bat. You can shoot them from far away, preventing them from being close enough to grab or injure you. After tasing from a long-range, you can run away and get a head start toward safety.
If you want your weapon to look a bit menacing, tasers often give off an intimidating appearance. The attacker may not want to even attempt approaching after they see you take it out. Tasers also provide laser sight so once you do take that shot, it will always be accurate.
This type of weapon is ideal for home security, as you can intimidate intruders and shoot them from a safe distance. Keep one near your bed just in case, and you’ll feel better going to sleep at night. You can also obtain smaller tasers to keep in your bag on the go if you prefer tasers vs stun gun.
Hopefully, choosing the best safety tool is now a bit simpler. Both stun guns and tasers can be great, it all depends on your needs and lifestyle. Before you head to a self-defense class, don’t forget to check out more advice from Crow Survival.
