What is the Difference between a Taser and a Stun Gun?

When it comes to using self defensive tools such as a taser or a stun gun, most States within America (42 in total) permit their utilization. As they are considered a defensive tool, people are often able to carry and use them if the situation requires without fear of being fined, or facing criminal prosecution. In the battle for self defense there are two types of devices widely available on the market and via websites and they are stun guns and taser products.

What is the difference between a taser and a stun gun?

Although similar in nature, both types of device differ in the way that they can be used. Below is a breakdown on the key differences that these defensive tools feature.

Tasers

These devices are often used by the police and other authoritative bodies, where distance and effectiveness can both be important factors to consider. Taser devices can be used up close in much the same way as stun guns, where the two prongs, rods, or darts can be pressed into an attacker’s body to emit an electrical shock.

Furthermore, they can also be used from a distance of up to several feet – giving their wielder a much greater advantage should they need to stay away from a particular assailant. Once the darts have been released, they will remain connected via a spring coil that will lead into the core of the device. When the trigger of the taser is pressed, the coils will transmit electrical current which can then result in a shock to subdue the target.

Stun Guns

On the other hand, stun guns are primarily for close combat, or for physical use where reach is more important than distance. Although they may be called guns, they actually possess a lesser reach than pepper spray and so they are best used in physical confrontations. Their electrical current works in much the same way as with a taser however, with current being transferred from the core of the device, along a rod or rods and when skin contact is made, the voltage will transfer to the target.

These devices are widely used for self defense by members of the public and there are 42 States within America that allow their utilization for defensive purposes. This differs when compared to tasers which are often only permitted for use by professional organizations such as the police, the military or personal defense services.

In summary, tasers offer a close up and distance-oriented functionality, whereas stun guns are better suited to close confrontation where their voltages can be transferred from the device to the attacker with the press of a button.