When it comes to self-defense, many people doubt whether they should use a stun gun or taser. But is a stun gun a taser? No, the two aren’t the same. So, are you interested in learning the differences between stun guns and tasers? Stun gun vs. taser—which one’s better?
Both are electrical devices that can be used for self-defense, but they have some key differences.
It can be hard to decide whether a taser or a stun gun is the better option for you, so in this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each weapon to determine which is right for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Stun Gun vs. Taser: Meaning
What Is a Stun Gun?
A stun gun is a weapon that uses a high voltage to disable an attacker temporarily. The voltage causes muscles to contract, resulting in pain and confusion. Stun guns are not lethal, but they can be very effective in deterring an attacker.
What does a stun gun look like? Stun guns come in all shapes and sizes. However, most stun guns look like handheld flashlights, which makes them easy to carry and conceal.
What’s a Taser Gun That Shoots?
A taser is a weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt the muscle function of an attacker. A battery-powered device generates the current delivered through two probes connected to it via insulated wires.
Stun Gun vs. Taser: Function
How Do Stun Guns Work?
Essentially, they deliver a high-voltage, low-current shock that disrupts the electrical signals in the body. Most stun guns work by firing two metal probes into an attacker’s body. The probes are connected to the stun gun by electrical wires.
When the trigger is pressed, a high-voltage current flows through the wires and into the attacker’s body. So, what does a stun gun do? It can cause muscle spasms, drowsiness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
While the effects are temporary and not typically harmful, they can give you the time you need to escape a dangerous situation. Stun guns can also be used in non-lethal law enforcement situations, such as when rioters need to be dispersed.
What Does a Taser Do?
All taser types fire two darts connected to the gun by wires. The darts are barbed and deliver an electric shock that incapacitates muscles, causing the person to fall to the ground. All types of tasers work in the same manner.
The cycle of electrical impulses lasts for five seconds, during which time the person cannot move or control their body.
Stun Gun vs. Taser: Voltage
The Voltage of Stun Gun
When it comes to a stun gun, voltage is everything. The higher the voltage, the more effective the stun gun. After learning that over 18,000 Americans have died in a single year due to assault, having an effective self-defense tool is vital.
The average stun gun voltage is about 25,000 volts, but the best stun gun range is between 50,000 and 100,000 volts. The highest-voltage stun gun typically has 10 million volts or more.
How Powerful Is a Taser?
The effects of a taser depend on the weapon voltage. There’s not much difference when considering stun gun vs. taser voltage. In other words, while the voltage can vary, tasers typically deliver a peak voltage of 50,000 volts.
Stun Gun vs. Taser Effective Range
Stun Gun Range
Stun guns are a popular self-defense tool, but many people don’t realize they work only over a very short range. That’s the most remarkable difference between a stun gun and a taser.
The electricity from a stun gun has to make contact with the person you’re trying to stun to be effective. So, there’s no long-range stun gun, meaning a stun gun won’t do any good if someone attacks you from more than a few feet away.
How Far Can Tasers Shoot?
Tasers can be fired from a distance. So, how far does a taser shoot? Namely, most taser models have a range of up to 15 feet. This is significant because it means officers can use the weapon without physically engaging with a suspect.
The long-distance taser gun can be especially beneficial in dangerous situations with a risk of violence. Additionally, a distance taser allows officers to maintain a safe distance from a suspect who may be armed.
Overall, the increased range of tasers provides several benefits for law enforcement officials and the public.
Stun Gun vs. Taser: Cost
How Much Is a Stun Gun?
Another stun gun taser difference is the price. Namely, the cost of a stun gun can vary depending on the device’s features and quality.
For instance, a basic stun gun may cost as little as $20, while a more advanced stun gun model with additional features, like the O-Mega Star Warrior, costs $129.
How Much Is a Taser?
In general, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a taser. You can find basic models for less than $1,000, while more advanced versions with additional features can even cost about $2,000. So, different tasers have different prices.
Ultimately, the best taser for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. As we’ve seen, there’s a substantial stun guns vs. tasers price difference. But, considering that 51% of people in ths US consider crime to be a leading national problem, self-defense is important.
People Also Ask
Are tasers and stun guns the same thing?
No, they are not. When talking about tasers vs. stun guns, we can say that a taser uses an electrical current to incapacitate an assailant from a distance.
On the other hand, stun guns use an electrical shock to cause pain and muscle spasms, temporarily immobilizing an assailant.
What’s the difference between a stun gun and a taser?
When talking about a taser vs. a stun gun, one major difference is that stun guns must make direct contact with the person to work, whereas tasers can be used from a distance. So, how far do tasers shoot? They can shoot up to 15 feet away.
Even though the taser gun distance is an advantage, remember that tasers are also more expensive.
What hurts more: a stun gun or a taser?
Both weapons can cause intense pain, but hand tasers are more likely to cause incapacitation by affecting the victim’s muscles. Therefore, the taser is more likely to cause more pain than the stun gun.
Can I use a stun gun for self-defense?
Yes, you can use a stun gun for self-defense. But are stun guns effective? In fact, they can be quite effective in certain situations. One of the great things about stun guns is that they offer a non-lethal way to defend yourself.
Is pepper spray better than a stun gun?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific situation and the preferences of the person using a self-defense tool.
Some people might find pepper spray more effective because they can use it from a distance, while others might prefer a stun gun because it is a shock gun, i.e., it provides an electrical shock. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which self-defense tool is best for them.
Do police use stun guns or tasers?
Police can use both stun guns and tasers, depending on the situation. For example, they use tasers if they need to shoot from a distance. That’s one of the crucial differences we’ve mentioned when discussing a stun gun vs. a taser.
