Stun Guns...

[AStar617]

Is anyone here really knowledgeable on what voltage would be sufficient for personal protection? Basically if 100kV was sufficient, why are the 400-500kV really needed?

There's a lot of cheapie 100kV's out there for ~$20... but that will do a would-be victim no good if it won't stop someone in their tracks... Anyone willing to share personal experiences would be great.

(On a side note, I had a buddy that almost volunteered to get stungunned if we promised him aftercare during recovery for the rest of the day... he has since lost his nerve 😀)

 

[quakefiend420]

i would just get the biggest, meanest one you could afford...and get your friend with it when he's not looking :evil:

 

[Cattlegod]

could you get in trouble for being at a bar, get in a fight at the end of the night and zap the poop out of the person?

 

[AStar617]

Well part of the problem is size. It would be for my GF's sister so I can't assume they'll have a big grandma purse or any large pockets with her. Getting the meanest one would require her carrying around something like a fullsize Mag-Lite...

And yes I might just zap that bastard while he's not lookin 😛

 

[AStar617]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod
could you get in trouble for being at a bar, get in a fight at the end of the night and zap the poop out of the person?

I think this would depend on the state (illegal in some) and of course the circumstances...

 

[Dessert Tears]

"Consumer grade" contact stun guns (i.e. not barb-shooting ones) are practically worthless. Their effectiveness has been tested by individuals numerous times: it stings, but there is no nerve disruption. Some of these people zap themselves repeatedly as a conversation starter. A determined or trained attacker can easily shrug it off.

The theory has been put forth that "law enforcement grade" stun guns operate at a much higher, more effective voltage, but that the voltage required to be effective on a reasonable portion of the population will be lethal for a non-negligible portion.

 

[AStar617]

Originally posted by: Flatscan
"Consumer grade" contact stun guns (i.e. not barb-shooting ones) are practically worthless. Their effectiveness has been tested by individuals numerous times: it stings, but there is no nerve disruption. Some of these people zap themselves repeatedly as a conversation starter. A determined or trained attacker can easily shrug it off.

The theory has been put forth that "law enforcement grade" stun guns operate at a much higher, more effective voltage, but that the voltage required to be effective on a reasonable portion of the population will be lethal for a non-negligible portion.

Good info, thanks. Do you feel that pepper spray is a more feasible alternative?

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: AStar617

Originally posted by: Flatscan
"Consumer grade" contact stun guns (i.e. not barb-shooting ones) are practically worthless. Their effectiveness has been tested by individuals numerous times: it stings, but there is no nerve disruption. Some of these people zap themselves repeatedly as a conversation starter. A determined or trained attacker can easily shrug it off.

The theory has been put forth that "law enforcement grade" stun guns operate at a much higher, more effective voltage, but that the voltage required to be effective on a reasonable portion of the population will be lethal for a non-negligible portion.

Good info, thanks. Do you feel that pepper spray is a more feasible alternative?

I do. Works well on stray animals too.

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: AStar617
Good info, thanks. Do you feel that pepper spray is a more feasible alternative?

Pepper spray (Oleoresin Capsicum, OC) works physiologically in addition to the pain. Tearing interferes with vision, and mucus makes it even harder to breathe. It has reduced effectiveness on individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol and on a small number (I think it was estimated at 2%) of genetically-advantaged people. It can be fought through with sufficient determination, but doing so generally requires a small amount of training.

Like any other self-defense tool, OC requires training and practice, including the user being exposed (wind could blow it back or the attacker could rub it in a grappling situation).

 

[Medea]

Originally posted by: AStar617
Is anyone here really knowledgeable on what voltage would be sufficient for personal protection? Basically if 100kV was sufficient, why are the 400-500kV really needed?

Hate to tell you this, but stun guns are illegal in MA.

"Massachusetts State Law. Ann. Laws of Massachusetts. Chapter 140. Sale of Firearms. Section 131J: Sale or possession of electrical weapons; penalties. Section 131J. No person shall sell, offer for sale or possess a portable device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure or kill. Whoever violates this provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than two years in a jail or house of correction, or both."

 

[Icepick]

Are stun guns legal in New York State? Can any fool (like me) just carry one and use it for self defense legally?

 

[Mloot]

Getting a face full of pepper spray is no joke.

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: icepik
Are stun guns legal in New York State? Can any fool (like me) just carry one and use it for self defense legally?

Not sure. Actally, that's a good question. (N.Y.S. resident)

 

[Medea]

Originally posted by: icepik
Are stun guns legal in New York State?

No, click the link in my post for the statute

Can any fool (like me) just carry one and use it for self defense legally?

No, unless you want to get charged with CPW 4th (Class A Misd.).



(Had to edit because I first read your post as are they "illegal".)

 

[bradruth]

It's amperage, not voltage, that causes the real shock.