Comprehensive Guide To Stun Guns

Having good self defense is an important factor in your day to day life, but it involves searching for the right tool of defense for yourself. The market is flooded with various options, but one device that stands out for its effectiveness and ease of use is the stun gun. Which model is the right one for you though? There are a variety of choices, but it’s important to find one of the best for the sake of personal security. At the Home Security Superstore, we’ve put together a guide to stun guns and the best models you can choose from!

WHAT ARE STUN GUNS?

A stun gun is a handheld, non-lethal device designed to immobilize potential threats by delivering an electric shock. It is a compact and discreet tool that can be easily carried in a purse or pocket, making it a practical choice for personal protection. The electric shock, delivered upon contact with an assailant, temporarily disrupts the body's neuromuscular system, causing disorientation and loss of muscle control.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Once a stun gun is activated and applied to an assailant, electrical current goes from the prongs through any garments the attacker may be wearing into his body causing the body to lose all blood sugars that are needed for energy. The pulse current causes the musculature structure to work superfast similar to running a long-distance race. The pulse current also interrupts the tiny neurological stimulus that controls muscle movement resulting in disorientation and loss of balance.

HOW TO USE STUN GUNS

Here are some tips on how to use a stun gun properly and safely.

• You probably already did this before you got a stun gun, but make sure they are legal where you live. They are not legal everywhere. Read and understand the instructions that came with the stun gun.
• The very first thing they should tell you is to charge your stun gun. This usually requires as much as eight hours to develop a charge for your device.
• Learn the safety features of your device. Every stun gun has an on-off switch or button. Some have an additional safety feature that prevents accidental discharge. Practice turning it on and off so you get used to it.
• The very first time that you activate the stun device you will see flashing arcs on the end and hear a loud noise that those flashing arcs make. If you are not used to it, this can scare you. So practice firing it so those sounds become second nature.
• Know the optimum points on an assailant’s body where the stun gun should be applied. They are upper hips, upper shoulders and below the rib cage on both sides of the body-so six optimum points of attack.
• Before you use your stun device make sure the batteries are fully charged.
• A stun gun is considered a weapon and misuse of it can be grounds for criminal prosecution.

Benefits of Stun Guns

Non-Lethal Option

Portable and Convenient

Size and portability are important factors to consider when you’re picking out a device. A self defense stun gun offers just that. Many models are designed to be easy to carry on you for day to day activities, without becoming cumbersome. Their portable size also makes them discreet, allowing an element of surprise in a situation where you may need to defend yourself. 

Rechargeable or Battery Powered

When you’re in need of a self defense weapon, having reliable power is essential. With stun guns, most models often have rechargeable batteries, or they can be charged through an outlet. Many models have excellent durability when it comes to their charging power. With the ability to hold plenty of power to discharge multiple times, it makes them devices you can trust when you’re at risk.

Range

Stun guns have an advantage in situations where an attacker has closed the distance, bringing you within reach. The contact points on a stun gun are typically meant to make direct contact in order to discharge, making them vital when you can’t get away from an assailant. With a quick discharge, the close-range defense can leave an opening for you to get away.

While stun guns offer great advantages to your self defense, that leaves you with the matter of picking the model that’s right for you. With many on the market, it can be hard to decide, but some stand out amongst the rest. Below we will look at some of the best stun guns available and help you find the one you need.

ARE THEY LEGAL?

Stun devices are not legal in all states. So check online or check with your local law enforcement officials to make sure they are legal in your area.

SALES ARE PROHIBITED TO Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Annapolis, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

Types of Stun Guns

There are several types of stun devices available in the marketplace. They all provide excellent personal protection and personal safety. Your choice of what type you want is completely personal.

Flashlight Stunners

Flashlight stun guns are the next most popular-probably because they are some of the most powerful and serve a dual purpose of the self-defense product in an emergency and a way to provide light in darkened areas or in power outages. Some flashlight stun guns have beveled edges so can be used as an emergency glass breaking tool or as a striking device for additional self-defense.

JOLT Police Tactical Stun Flashlight

If you want the additional protection of a tactical weapon, the JOLT Police Tactical Stun Flashlight is an ideal stun gun model. Disguised as an everyday flashlight, it allows for efficient concealment, and added power with a jagged head for jabbing at an attacker.

Key Features:

• Everyday carry flashlight design with concealed stun gun
• Discharge power that can disorientate and disrupt muscle control
• 3 light modes: high (200 lumens), low (160 lumens), and strobe
• 3 level activation safety feature to prevent accidental discharges
• Military-grade aluminum alloy and shockproof exterior
• Anti-roll head and heavy-duty belt clip built in for easy carry
• Rechargeable battery with included charge cable
• Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty included

The bright flashlight that makes up this stun gun model offers you the ability to temporarily blind your attacker with a bright light that is up to 200 lumens and can go into a strobe mode. The combined weapon is a practical choice to carry around day to day.

Mini Stun Guns

These are extremely popular models with women especially because they are so small. Some of them even have keychain attachments so it can be with you at all times. This is a valuable feature for women who are attacked nine times more often than men. The smallest ones that we could find are: one that weighs only 3 ounces and measures 3.5″ tall x 1.25″ wide x .75″ deep and one that weighs 2 ounces and measures 4″ tall x 1.20″ wide x .60″ deep. We have 46 different tiny stun devices for you to choose from plus many more models.

Streetwise™ Sting Ring

To start off the list, there is the Streetwise™ Sting Ring. This stun gun is compact and subtle, but very powerful. The discreet design makes it the best stun gun for women, with it being easy to conceal within your hand or a bag. Its discharge power can immobilize an attacker briefly and allow for a quick opportunity to escape.

Key Features:

• Shock ring that fits comfortably around the middle finger
• Easy to conceal design with a safety switch to prevent accidental discharges
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Squeeze-N-Stun technology allows for a strong discharge with a simple press
• Built-in rechargeable battery with USB cord that fits a standard USB port
• Compact design makes it easy to carry in a pocket, backpack, purse, etc.
• Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty

The Sting Ring’s Squeeze-N-Stun technology offers notable and simple defense. With a quick squeeze, the ring delivers a strong discharge that can disrupt an attack efficiently, making it a small but mighty tool for self defense.

Stun Batons

Batons are another type of stun device that is mostly used by guards and other security personnel. Because they are longer they hold more batteries and are thus more powerful generally speaking. Some of these types of devices have beveled edges that can be used to break windows in an emergency or assist as a striking device. Most of them are not primarily striking devices, however.

Streetwise™ Mini Barbarian Stun Baton

While it may be bigger than standard stun guns, the Mini Barbarian Stun Baton is a powerful self defense weapon. With the dual-use of a stun gun and a baton, it offers optimal protection in the face of an attacker.

Key Features:

• Powerful stun gun and baton allows you to keep attackers at a distance
• Spiked head for added power to a hit
• Triple Stun Technology has three contact points for a better stun radius
• Bright 3-watt LED light for illumination and blinding attackers briefly with 3 light modes
• Built-in rechargeable battery with included cable
• Triple level safety buttons: on/off switch, stun activation button, and function selector switch
• Shockproof and military-grade aluminum alloy
• Included belt clip and wrist strap for security
• Lifetime Limited Warranty included

This stun gun and baton combination is a great self defense weapon when you’re out alone at night. With the built-in flashlight and improved stun radius, you can rest assured you’re thoroughly protected against an attacker.

Keychain Stun Guns

Compact and discreet, keychain stun guns have emerged as a popular choice for personal safety. These miniature devices can easily attach to your keys, ensuring they're always within reach in times of need. Despite their small size, keychain stun guns pack a powerful punch capable of deterring an attacker and giving you the vital seconds needed to escape a dangerous situation. Their portable nature means you can carry them wherever you go, be it on a late-night walk or during early morning jogs. 

Streetwise™ S.M.A.C.K. Keychain Stun Gun

If you’re looking for a trustworthy, concealable stun gun, the Streetwise™ S.M.A.C.K. Keychain Stun Gun is an excellent choice. Able to be carried on an included holster or on a keychain, this device can be a self defense staple for your day to day activities. The compact size doesn’t affect the power of this stun gun, and can deliver the same amount of power a standard one can.

Key Features:

• Half the size of standard stun guns, but the same amount of power
• Intimidating noise when test fired into the air
• Built-in 180-lumen flashlight for dark areas
• Hands-free carry holster and keychain included
• Rechargeable battery built-in with USB charge cord
• Dual activation and on/off safety switch to prevent unintended discharges
• Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty included

The S.M.A.C.K. Keychain Stun Gun packs a punch with its discharge. Less than a second can cause muscle contractions, a second or two can result in muscle spasms and a dazed state, while more than three seconds can lead to loss of balance and muscle control. On top of a powerful shock, this model also provides a bright, 180-lumen flashlight for optimal convenience at night or in any dark area. 

DISGUISED STUN DEVICES

The vast majority of stun guns are disguised as cell phones, flashlights, batons and even a new one that is disguised as a Perfume Dispenser or lipstick dispenser. A disguised stun gun gives you the added advantage of surprise in an attack. An assailant will never expect you to defend yourself with a cell phone or a flashlight.

UNUSUAL TYPES OF STUN DEVICES

Zap brand is a manufacturer of several unusual types of stun devices including an electrified Walking Cane which senior citizens love, and a stun device that looks like brass knuckles worn on your hand.

TASERS

The most effective of all stun devices is the Taser Gun.They are used by over 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States and in at least 11 foreign countries. They have an astonishing near 100% takedown rate record. Law enforcement has come to rely on tasers as a last resort nonlethal self-defense alternative because it is so effective. You must be able to pass a background check to have the product activated.