| Today there is a new class of stun guns called micro | | | | The answer is no. You are grounded against this |
| or mini stun guns. They are typically of a smooth | | | | happening. |
| rectangular shape somewhat resembling a pager. | | | | 2. Must the gun contact the person to deliver the |
| Dimensions are typically 3 plus inches x 2 plus inches | | | | shock? |
| with a depth of less than one inch. That's about the | | | | Yes, you must touch the person. You may have to |
| size of a pack of cigarettes. The electrodes and on | | | | deliver several shocks to take the person down. You |
| off switch are flush with the unit further hiding it's | | | | must then run away. Don't stand there looking at your |
| intended purpose. Popular model names are Small Fry, | | | | assailant on the ground. The stun effect is temporary |
| HotShot, Scorpion and Firefly. | | | | and in a short time he will be able to walk. We |
| Typical of the new breed is the Stun Master Runt stun | | | | recommend using a pepper spray when the |
| gun. It comes in battery models with voltages of 350K, | | | | perpetrator is down. The person will be unable to see |
| 650K, 950K and a 950K rechargeable one. All share | | | | and function for 10-20 minutes. Even so, do your duty |
| the same case. Yes, that's 950,000 volts. But rest | | | | and then run away! |
| easy. Voltages are high but amperage is very low, | | | | 3. Is a stun gun like a TASER? |
| several milliamps at best. The high voltage is | | | | A stun gun is not a TASER and visa versa. The |
| necessary to be effective deterrent and to penetrate | | | | consumer model TASER can be activated up to 15 |
| clothing. These are non-lethal self defense items. | | | | feet away. A stun gun must be applied directly to the |
| The micro mini stun devices typically take three | | | | person. A TASER works by sending two barbed |
| CR123A lithium batteries. Lithium is a long life battery | | | | darts through the air that attaches to the aggressor. |
| type, something that is appreciated in a device that | | | | These are tethered to thin wires going back to the |
| you may need to use in a very stressful situation. The | | | | gun. The TASER sends the electrification along the |
| small size allows a covert palmed approach where | | | | wires. This all happens in under a second. Due to |
| you can use the element of surprise. Some models | | | | advanced techniques the TASER gives a charge that |
| such as the Barracuda line feature a wrist strap pin | | | | causes the muscles to quickly seize causing the |
| safety system. You wear the strap around your wrist. | | | | person to drop to the ground. |
| If the attacker tries to take the device from you in an | | | | 4. Is a stun gun legal for citizens? |
| attempt to use it on you, the pin comes out of the | | | | In most states, yes. As of this writing, stun guns may |
| device causing the stun gun to become inoperable. | | | | not be shipped to HI, MA, NJ, NY, RI, CT, WI, IL. Also |
| Frequently asked questions: | | | | prohibited are Annapolis MD, Baltimore, MD, |
| 1. If I activate the device on a person and that person | | | | Washington DC and Philadelphia. Please check your |
| touches me, can I get shocked? | | | | municipality if you plan on purchasing one. |