Self-Defense – How Does a Taser Work?

What do Edward Stratemeyer and Victor Appleton have in common with the most effective nonlethal self-defense product ever made? Stratemeyer, was the creator of Tom Swift, the central character in a series of books directed at young Americans for science, invention, technology and adventure. Appleton was the ghostwriter for the books which total over 100 volumes. The main character’s name was Thomas A. Swift and one of his big weapons was an electronic rifle. Thus, Thomas A. Swift Electronic Rifle= TASER.

A very smart researcher from NASA started developing the device in the late 1960s. By 1974 Jack Cover had completed the device, which he named after his childhood hero, Thomas A. Swift.

In 2007 the pink C2 taser was released. Black is the best-selling C2 color but pink obviously appeals to women who have snatched up several thousand of the devices since then for their self-defense, personal security and personal safety.

A taser controlled electronic weapon (CEW) uses electricity in a different approach to incapacitating violent people. It uses low voltage and relatively high amperage to “mimic the electrical signals used within the human body to communicate between the brain and the muscles” according to the Taser website.

It interferes with communication between the nerves and the brain that control neuromuscular reactions. They do this by overwhelming the nerve traffic causing involuntary muscle contractions and impairment of motor skills. It literally jams the nervous system.

Tasers work by shooting out two probes that have barbs on the end. Civilian models shoot up to 15 feet away with such force that it can work through a bullet proof vest. Some models have a laser site that helps in aiming and an integrated LED light that illuminates darkened areas to improve your line of vision. There is a safety switch to prevent accidental discharge.

The 30 second timed electrical pulse keeps the attacker down giving you time to escape. In independent tests, tasers have been shown to have more stopping power than a 9 mm handgun and are nearly 100% effective. Police models of the taser have more features and a greater range, but essentially operate the same way as civilian models. And there is a certain amount of pain associated with this nonlethal self-defense weapon.

You must be able to pass a felony background check before the product can be activated. If the product is used in a life-threatening self-defense situation, Taser International will replace the gun at no charge.

If you happen to miss your target, the device can be used as a powerful stun weapon for close range assailants.

Nearly 40 years after it was invented, the taser is the premier nonlethal stun weapon for self-defense, personal security and personal safety.

Many of our popular Taser's can stop an assailant from 15 feet away.

Check out all of our Taser Devices including the new X2 that can load two cartridges for multiple attackers.

Our BLOG is updated daily and is a wealth of information covering tips and info you can use with over 700 posts. Check it out to see what you might be missing.

 The Home Security Superstore is one of the oldest and largest independent distributors of high quality home security, surveillance, spy, self-defense, survival and safety products.

Frequently Asked Questions