| A stun gun is a hand-held self defense device that is | | | | disorientation, loss of balance and leaves the attacker |
| used to deliver a shock to an attacker. They are not | | | | in a passive and confused condition for several |
| guns in the traditional sense, because they do not | | | | minutes. |
| shoot any type of bullets or ammunition. A stun gun | | | | The electrical current is absorbed in the muscles and |
| will generally have two prongs located at the end of | | | | will not pass through to the user, regardless of the |
| the device. A stun gun is typically activated by | | | | conditions. Even if the assailant is holding you, the |
| pressing a button that will cause an electrical current | | | | current will not pass through you. This type of |
| to be instantly released from the prongs. To use a | | | | defense device has been proven safe and cause no |
| stun device as defense, simply hold the electrodes or | | | | permanent damage to an attacker. There is no |
| prongs firmly against an attacker and press the | | | | evidence that the electrical charge of the stun gun |
| button. For more effective results, target an area | | | | has adverse psychological or neurological effects. |
| that is more difficult for an assailant to move, such | | | | Stun devices have shown to have only very minor |
| as the upper shoulder or hip. The arms or hands are | | | | effects on the heart or other major organs and will |
| not good target areas because they can be moved | | | | not permanently injure or kill anyone because of the |
| away too quickly. To completely subdue an attacker, | | | | voltage. A single rated amp can kill a person but most |
| the stun gun must be continuously applied for a few | | | | stun guns only deliver approximately 3 milliamps and |
| seconds. More time is required if the person is large, | | | | considered to be far below the amperage that could |
| or you are using a lower voltage model. | | | | do any lasting damage to an individual. Overall, stun |
| A stun device works on the muscular and neural | | | | devices have proven to be a safe and effective |
| system. It does not rely on high amperage or pain | | | | form of protection. There are many sizes, shapes |
| for results. Although the voltage can be as high as | | | | and voltages available on the market today. Stun |
| 1,000,000, the amperage is low, so it will not cause | | | | devices are generally battery powered and the |
| any permanent damage to an individual who receives | | | | power level will typically determine the battery type. |
| the shock. A stun gun dumps its energy into the | | | | There also rechargeable models available that can be |
| muscles at a high pulse frequency which causes the | | | | plugged directly into the wall or with a cord. A person |
| muscles to work rapidly and results in energy loss. It | | | | should always be aware of their local laws and |
| also interrupts the tiny neurological impulses that | | | | restrictions regarding stun guns before purchasing this |
| travel through the whole body to control and direct | | | | type of device. |
| voluntary muscle movement. This causes | | | | |