Stun guns are powerful personal self-defense products that require proper knowledge and practice to use effectively.  This guide will teach you the best practices for using a stun gun, ensuring you can defend yourself safely and effectively against a violent attack.

How a Stun Gun Actually Works?

A stun gun uses high voltage with low amperage electrical shocks to temporarily disrupt the normal function of an attacker’s nervous system.  Ideally, this incapacitation is accomplished by targeting large muscle groups within the human body.  This causes the muscles to work quickly and become inefficient – allowing you time to escape​​​​.

Where to Target the Attacker?

The most effective areas to target with a stun gun are large muscle groups, especially those found between the neck and waist area. This range includes the shoulders, back, and chest. Focusing on these areas increases the likelihood of incapacitating the attacker.  This will make it harder for them to push the stun gun away compared to if you targeted either their arms or legs​​​​.

How Long Should the Stun Gun Be Deployed on the Attacker?

Stun guns don’t instantly incapacitate the attacker with a single, brief touch. You will usually need to apply the stun gun for at least three to five seconds to effectively bring down an attacker. If the attacker continues to pose a threat, you may need to apply the stun gun for a longer duration​​​​.  Stun guns can work through clothing, but their effectiveness can vary depending on several factors:

Thickness and Type of Clothing: The effectiveness of a stun gun is influenced by the thickness and type of clothing the attacker is wearing. Thin or tight clothing typically allows the electrical charge to pass through more easily, whereas thick or loose clothing can diminish the effectiveness of the stun gun.

Voltage of the Stun Gun: Higher voltage stun guns are generally more effective through clothing. They have a better chance of delivering the necessary charge to incapacitate an attacker, even through layers of clothing.

Contact Duration: For a stun gun to be effective through clothing, it may need to be applied for a longer duration compared to direct skin contact. This sustained contact helps ensure that enough electrical charge passes through the clothing to affect the muscles and nervous system of the attacker.

Area of Application: Targeting areas of the body where clothing is less thick, such as the neck or underarms, may increase the stun gun’s effectiveness.

It’s important to note that while stun guns can still work through clothing, they are not foolproof and should be used with an understanding of their limitations. Practicing and familiarizing yourself with the capabilities of your specific stun gun and potential limitations is the key to using it effectively in a personal self-defense situation.

What About Your Personal Safety and Preparedness?

Prior to heading out with your stun gun, you need to check that the batteries are fully charged and working.  Familiarize yourself with how your stun gun operates, to include how much pressure is needed to activate it.  You should consistently practice drawing and handling your stun gun, especially if you plan to carry it in a purse or pocket.  Quick and easy access in an emergency is critical​​​​.

What Are Some Legal and Ethical Considerations of Stun Gun Use?

Remember, a stun gun is a serious personal self-defense weapon.  It is not a tool for intimidation or misuse.  A stun gun should only be used in situations where you are in immediate danger from a potential attacker.  Awareness of your surroundings is the key to avoiding potential threats and knowing when to use your stun gun appropriately.

Should You Continuously Train and Practice with Your Stun Gun?

You must properly train and practice with your stun gun regularly. This includes understanding its features, effective aiming techniques, and the physical handling of the device. The more comfortable and familiar you become with your stun gun, the more confidence you will have if you are forced to ever deploy it against a violent attacker​​.

Conclusion

Stun guns can provide a significant advantage in personal self-defense situations, but they require knowledge, practice, and responsibility.  Only by understanding how a stun gun operates, practicing with it regularly, and being aware of the legal and ethical considerations, you can make the most out of this powerful self-defense tool.

Taking the Sting Out of Crime

Author Biography:

Trevor McGinnis is the President & Owner of Hornet Self-Defense, LLC. Prior to starting this personal self-defense products company, he served for over eighteen years as a California law enforcement officer. As an officer, he was primarily assigned as a School Resource Officer where he worked directly with the youth of the community. His experience dealing with victims of crime has inspired him to start this personal self-defense products company. His numerous years of expertise qualifies him to be an authority on self-defense and the avoidance of becoming a victim of criminal behavior.

Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.