| Although many people think TASER devices and stun | | | | nonlethal weapon, making it a good choice for self |
| guns are the same thing, they are actually two | | | | defense. |
| different kinds of self defense devices. Stun guns | | | | These technologies have come a long way since the |
| must be pressed to the skin of an assailant, while | | | | 1960's, when the first TASER was developed by a |
| TASER devices shoot two electrodes, so that they | | | | NASA engineer named Jack Cover. This device, |
| work from up to fifteen feet away from the | | | | based on a stun gun, used gunpowder to fire the |
| attacker. | | | | projectile. This first model was called the TASER |
| TASER is actually a brand name, produced by TASER | | | | TF-76. Though it was not designed to look like a gun, |
| International. There are several different TASER | | | | the use of gunpowder led it to be classified as a |
| models designed for different audiences. The C2, | | | | firearm, as a weapon available only to police. As a |
| which is the newest model, is the one specifically | | | | result, these early models did not find the wide |
| designed for private citizens to carry as self defense. | | | | audience necessary to make these devices |
| The design is meant to look sleek and ergonomic, | | | | commercially successful. |
| less like a handgun or dangerous weapon. Designed | | | | By 1993, the next generation of TASER models |
| to be carried in a purse or backpack, it even comes | | | | were being developed. This time, the model was |
| in a range of colors, including pink, red, silver, blue and | | | | specifically designed to use compressed air, so that it |
| more. Yet it still includes most of the features from | | | | could be made available to the general public. The Air |
| the TASER models designed for police or military use. | | | | TASER 34000 was very similar to the TASER TF-76, |
| The C2 can be used up to 15 feet away from the | | | | except that it used compressed air. This model was |
| attacker, and it delivers a 50,000 volt punch. With | | | | not strong enough to subdue some attackers, |
| EMD (Electro-Muscular Disruption) technology, | | | | however, so they again went back to the drawing |
| exclusive to TASER International, this jolt interrupts | | | | board to come up with a model that would stop any |
| the body's electrical system, stopping an attacker for | | | | aggressor with uncontrollable muscle spasms. The |
| several minutes. These devices are known for being | | | | TASER M18 and M26 models, the next generation, |
| very effective against any attacker you may need | | | | became widely accepted as a non-lethal tool for use |
| to fight back against, so you can be sure that you | | | | by law enforcement. The M18 was offered to |
| will be protected when carrying one. While the C2 is | | | | civilians, while the M26 is a law enforcement-only |
| the most powerful TASER model yet, it is still a | | | | model. These both resemble the shape of a pistol. |