Stun Guns | Pepper Spray | TASER® Blog

Mace 10% PepperGard Pepper Spray

2010-02-15T11:20:00.008-05:00

We get so wrapped up in stun guns we sometimes forget to feature our pepper sprays. These products typically spray up to 8-10 feet so you don't need to be right up to the person to employ it like you so with a stun gun. (TASER type stun guns can be deployed up to 15 feet away). A pepper spray formula causes an assailant's eyes to shut while gasping for breath.

A case in point is our popular Mace Police Strength 10% PepperGard pepper spray. The unit is designed for consumers and measures 4 1/2 inches high and 1 1/4 inches across. It features a flip top safety cap that helps protect against accidental firing while assuring ease of use. The body has an easy grip contour that helps position the unit in your hand without needless fumbling--even in the dark!

With an effective range up to 10 feet, the PepperGard® is an essential self defense tool that should be in everyone's easy reach. The Police Strength 10% PepperGard comes with a built-in beltclip and key chain. It's Mace strong and very effective in subduing an aggressive foe.

We almost forgot! This personal pepper spray formula contains a UV dye. That way if the police apprehend your suspect, the UV dye will glow under UV light thus positively identifying your assailant!

Streetwise SW400 Stun Gun - Product Close Up

2010-01-20T13:44:00.003-05:00

Sometimes a product comes along that seems right for just about anyone. Such is the Streetwise SW400 stun gun. It's styled in the typical stun gun fashion. It is modestly sized. At just under five inches tall, it's easy to hold and operate. The voltage supplied is 400K, strong enough to do the job but not over the top.

The SW400 features three safety procedures. First the supplied wrist strap pin must be inserted into the body of the unit. With the strap around the wrist, an attacker cannot grab the gun away from the intended victim and use it on that person. Once the pin comes out, the stun gun becomes inoperable.

Second the unit must be turned on. This is accomplished by sliding the switch on the side of the case to the first position. Third, to fire the stun gun, the rocker switch must be pushed. This is easily accomplished because your forefinger falls right to the switch. These procedures show careful thinking by the designers. You want the stun gun to fire reliably in an emergency situation, but not otherwise.

As if that were enough, Streetwise obliterates the competition with still more features. When the on-off switch is pushed ot he second postion,, a loud chriping alarm sounds. The alarm alone may be able to scare away an intruder.

The Streetwise SW400 comes with a nylon case with belt loop. For a "quick draw" clip the stun gun on your waistband with the attached belt clip.

The unit comes with a lifetime warranty. You get a lot with this unit and we have an unbeatable price. Just go to the Streetwise SW200 page and upgrade to the SW400.

Taylor Swift and Stun Gun Supply

2009-12-22T11:53:00.004-05:00

During a recent air flight, I happened to pick up the Delta Sky magazine. There I found a interview with country-pop sensation Taylor Swift. What really caught my eye was one of the questions she was asked and her response. The questioner asked what her current personal fears were. Her answer:

"I am scared, honestly, of anything happening to my family or my friends. I am also scared of being alone in a dark parking lot and walking to my car."

How many times have I heard that concern over the phone from my customers! This is exactly what motivated me to open Stun Gun Supply, to help even the odds in a dangerous encounter. A pepper spray canister, a cell phone stun gun, a personal alarm, a TASER, all these products can play a big part in reducing fear to a manageable level.

When you are walking alone to your car at night or driving through a scary part of the city, you must be prepared. In these situations you must have your hand on the device you intend to use. Yes, it must be armed and ready to fire in an emergency!

Let Stun Gun Supply be your personal supplier of all things safety related. We have a special price right now on one of our favorite self defense devices, the SM-Cell phone stun gun. It looks like a cell phone but it's actually a stun gun with a built-in flashlight and alarm. WOW! It's an arsenal that fits in your palm.

So even a celebrity like Taylor Swift fears a dark parking lot. You are not alone. We can all agree that it's better to be prepared than sorry.

Later..

Lightning Rod Stun Pens

2009-11-19T14:13:00.004-05:00

It's not everyday that a new product comes along that causes a buzz in the office. After all, they've seen it all, many of which we decide not to carry in our webstore. It doesn't seem that long ago that we reviewed the Streetwise LR800 Lightning Rod Stun Pen. What's a stun pen? Well, think of it as a mini sun baton. It's no bigger than those smallish halogen flashlights. It's about six inches long and just under an inch in diameter. It uses low drain LEDs and it's quite bright.

But of course, we're not Flashlight Supply, we're Stun Gun Supply so yes, it is also a stun gun. You take off the tip cover, turn the switch to stun and with a push of a button you've got 800,000 volts of stopping power. It's powered by two CR123A batteries that are included.

We were pretty impressed because, first, your assailant won't suspect that flashlight is really a personal defense weapon. Secondly, it's got a slim new shape, one you could store almost anywhere. We liked it and still do. Sales have been brisk since it's introduction.

Now we're all buzzing again because Streetwise has sent us the latest Lightning Rod model, the LR1200 stun pen. This one is even stronger than the LR800 and is rechargeable. That does away with battery replacements. Those lithium type batteries, though very long lasting, can be somewhat pricey to replace. No such worries with the LR1200R.

Do we love this one? Yep! It's cute as a bug and so easy to hold and maneuver in the hand. It's got a lot going for it and we're recommending it to the undecided customers who want something new and different.

Product Review: Stun Master Cell Phone Stun Gun

2009-11-12T14:02:00.003-05:00

Few consumer stun guns are most popular than the "cell phone" simulated style. The Stun Master red cell phone stun gun "SM-Cell Red" has been a best seller on my site. Here you can go "stealth" because someone bent on assault will not know your innocent looking red cell phone is really an 800,000 volt stun gun. Needles to say, this unit does not operate as a real cell phone.

The Stun Master cell phone stun gun comes in red or blue. The unit is 4.5 inch tall X 1.75 inches wide X 1 inch thick. It comes with a soft holster with a snap snap loop on the back. The unit can be operated while in the holster. Measurements are marginally more with the product in the holster. The colored front face contains a screen at top about 1 1/4" square with a sky and cloud picture that simulates a Windows type environment.

The device is operated first by turning on the safety switch located on the side of the unit. Then a red LED lights indicating the on status. The stunning effect is activated by pressing a center silver button above the keyboard display. Like all stun guns of this type, you must touch the assailant's body to complete the stun effect.

The red cell phone stun gun requires two lithium type CR123A batteries. It is a well made unit for the type and cost. One word of caution. After you use the stun gun and your assailant is dazed and confused, don't stand there looking at your handy work. The stun effect is temporary with no lasting harm. Run, don't walk, to safety.

New Item - SGS-2800KV Compact Stun Gun

2009-09-02T13:46:00.008-04:00

Looking for a strong and effective self defense product? Stun Gun Supply is now offering the Stingray SGS-2800KV mini stun gun to the general public. This non-lethal crime deterrent carries a 2,800,000 volt rating, the highest power rating in the industry thus far. Like all stun guns, the amperage is very low so it leaves no lasting effect on the individual. It gives the user enough time to get away, and that is what they are designed to do.

Mini, micro and compact stun guns are the hot trend in personal defense products. They are easy to stow and their mini size allows covert operation. The black Stingray 2800KV unit measures only 4 1/4 inches high, 2 inches wide and a depth of just under 2 inches. So the device can easily fit in a hand bag, glove compartment or shirt or pants pocket. It comes with a black nylon holster with attached belt loop.

The unit contains a nickel-cadmium rechargeable power supply so no batteries are needed. The fold-down plugs are integrated in the unit so there is no separate charging cord to possibly lose. A bi-monthly 5 hour charge ensures a full charge when needed.

The Stingray features a large and bright built in LED that is situated between the electrodes. You operate the flashlight by sliding the on-off switch to the first "on" position. To operate the stun effect, you slide the switch to the next position and then press the button directly above the switch. Careful! If you are not used to high powered stun guns, you will be surprised by the loud crackle and strong spark emitted from this unit. We also advise not looking directly into the bright spark.

A problem that exists with these small units is the smooth shiny plastic finish. They are sometimes difficult to hold on to especially in a stressful hand sweating situation. The Stingray SGS-2800KV solves this problem by using a proprietary rubberized coating that provides a non-slip surface.

Stun guns work by disrupting the normal nerve impulses to the muscles. When activated and applied directly to a person’s skin or clothing, the muscles work rapidly but inefficiently. This rapid work cycle depletes blood sugar by converting it to lactic acid all in the space of a few seconds. This energy loss makes it difficult to move or function. Second, the disrupted nerve impulses cause loss of balance, confusion and disorientation. The low amperage of stun guns ensures that the effect is short lived with no injuries.

We're favorably impressed with the mini Stingray 2,800,000 volt stun gun. It's easy to operate and the somewhat weighty feel leaves an impression of high quality. When we test fired the unit in the air, we were surprised at the very strong crackling spark. It makes a distinct visual and auditory impression.

To us, it makes no sense to under-arm yourself with a low powered device. You don't know the size and strength of a would-be attacker so it's better to have enough power to quickly deter any unwanted advances. We can't see power ratings going much further with present technology so the model SGS-2800KV stun gun will not become out-of-date anytime soon.

Stun guns are permitted for citizen use in most states. As of this writing, stun guns may not be shipped to HI, MA, MI, NJ, NY, RI, CT, WI, IL. Also prohibited are Annapolis MD, Baltimore, MD, Washington DC and Philadelphia.

New TASER® X26C On Sale Now

2009-07-09T11:23:00.003-04:00

After an anxious wait, TASER International has finally released the consumer version of the police model X26. The TASER X26C carries over many of the sophisticated features found on the police model. The device delivers 50,000 volts delivered through two fine wires that attach to the attacker by two projected darts. You can shoot up to 15 feet away. The TASER X26C actually comes as a complete kit with carrying case, 6 dart cartridges and a lithium power magazine good for 150 10 second firings. There is a digital readout of remaining battery life.

Although extremely powerful and effective, the Electronic Control Device is lightweight and easy to handle. It comes with a target practice also. You can buy the TASER X26C at authorized TASER® dealers only.

Self Defense Do's and Dont's

2009-05-20T15:57:00.003-04:00

Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation - "anticipation and avoidance" are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk to an aggressor without provoking them. Practice relaxation, as appearing fearful or stressed can actually provoke an attack. Remember that body language is important in aggressive situations, so maintain a comfortable distance between you and the aggressor.

Use a gas or electronic attack alarm, as these give out a short piercing sound and will temporarily disorientate an attacker, giving you enough time to escape. Carry it somewhere where you can get to it quickly - don't leave it buried at the bottom of your bag. If you don't have an alarm, just make a noise yourself by screaming as loud as you can, or shouting "call the police" - if you're loud enough this can be just as effective as a personal alarm. If you have an alarm, use it and shout as well.

Steady yourself if danger threatens. Panic can disable you, so again it’s useful to learn how to keep control in a difficult situation. And if you must fight back, adopt what police term the "bash and dash" approach. Primary targets are the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees or shins; choose whichever is easiest to get to.

If held from behind don't struggle forward, you'll only exhaust yourself. Instead throw yourself backwards to surprise your attacker or stomp on the lower leg or foot.

You have the right to defend yourself with reasonable force and this includes using items you have with you such as an umbrella, bag, briefcase or keys. However, don't carry or use anything that the law would regard as an offensive weapon. Once you've achieved your primary aim of stunning or surprising your attacker, get away as fast as you can. If you manage to overcome them don't attack again, you could be putting yourself in more danger or you could end up being charged with assault.

These are just the very basics of self-defense, but to learn more about it and get some exercise at the same time, find a local self-defense class and encourage your family along to join you. Just remember "anticipation and avoidance" are the best forms of defense.

The Pepper Shot PS-6 Self Defense Kit gives you three pepper spray forms for car, home and person. We recommend it to anyone interested in their own self defense. Pepper spray works!

Preventing Rape

2009-05-15T13:35:00.000-04:00

If you are in immediate danger of being raped, here are some things that you can do.

Make a loud noise - Carry a whistle or scream "police" to attract attention

Run - Only run if there is somewhere safe to run to. If there is no where to go you may aggravate the assailant further by running

Stall - Speak calmly and rationally. Try not to plead, cry or show that you're scared, this may be the reaction that he's going for.

Urinate or vomit - Do anything you can to repulse the assailant. Tell him that you have a STD or AIDS.

Fight - Women who resist attacks and act quickly are less likely to be raped, than those who are passive. The optimum time to react is in the first 20 seconds when the body releases chemicals in the blood that help to put up a fight. Be cautious if he has a weapon.

Keep alert - Even though it will be difficult, try to pay attention to as many details as possible, so that you can identify your assailant.

Get help - Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Police are becoming more willing to help victims of rape. You are not obligated to press charges or go to court.

Collect evidence - Do not bathe, shower, or douche. If you change clothes, put the clothes you were raped in into a bag and seal it.

Tell someone - Call the police, rape crisis counselor, telephone operator, friend. It is very important that someone knows and that it is not kept a secret.

TASER® And The Models

2009-05-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

The TASER® is a type of stun gun that rapidly takes down an assailant with almost 100% effectiveness. It does this by sending two darts to the target. These probes are attached to the gun by two thin electrical wires. When the user presses the trigger, the probes rapidly fire and send an electrical charge through the wires. The perpetrator goes down quickly with almost 100% effectiveness. The product works by overwhelming a person's sensory and motor functions. When used responsibly, the product is safe with a low incidence of injury.

Note: TASER International prefers the term Electronic Control Device (ECD) to describe the TASER. Many people, including members of the media, often confuse the terms "stun gun" and "TASER").

TASER® began as a company in 1993 and focused on citizen models to deter personal assaults. In 1999, the company brought to the market the M series TASER models which fine tuned the electrical pulse to more effectively incapacitate the target's neuromuscular system. The Advanced TASER M26 (26 watt) model became the first successful ergonomically shaped device to find favor with law enforcement personnel. These and others involved with security found that an aggressive and uncooperative individual could often be subdued and apprehended without the incident escalating to a lethal force situation. Cartridge ranges are available up to 35 feet.

Citizens concerned with personal safety were offered their own M version, the M18 (18 watts). Although not quite as sophisticated or powerful as the police model, the TASER M18 was a successful product. The M-18 was sold without a laser sight, the M-18L included the aiming aid. The device was powered by eight AA batteries with a maximum firing range of 15 feet.

In 2003, the company released the X-26 model. This police model is 60% smaller in size and weight than the M-26. To accomplish this, TASER engineers managed to re-shape the pulse wave so the gun required less power to operate. While the M-26 needed 26 watts of power, the X-26 needs only 5 watts. This "shaped pulse" technology is 25% more effective than the M-26 and better penetrates clothing. The unit requires a lithium power pack. Police departments laud the seven ounce weight that make carrying the unit in its holster much more comfortable than the previous model. Among the advanced features are a Central Information Display (CID) which indicates countdown timer during an activation, battery level and warranty information. A strong night time light has been integrated into the unit.

TASER International claims that 11,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide use TASER devices. But the company hasn't forgotten the individual consumer. The TASER® C2™ is a newer model designed specifically with the female user in mind. The model is stylishly ergonomic making it easier to hold by even small hands. The C2 shoots up to 15 feet and uses a lithium power pack that the company claims is good for 50 firings. The TASER C2 is available in five colors at a lower price than any previous model.

What's new for TASER International? The company is concentrating on audio-video surveillance products. It has been marketing the TASER® CAM™ as an attachment to the TASER X-26. It can record audio and video as the officer sees it. The new TASER®™ Axion™ is a stand-alone audio video system that an officer can wear while discharging his duties. It fits around the head and records the officers view of his surroundings. The company says that law enforcement officers constantly face false allegations and complaints that question their integrity and honor. TASER says that the officer will now have the ability to show administrators and even jurors exactly what he or she saw.

As TASER International fazes out its M-18 consumer line, the newest citizen model X26C takes its place.* Designed around the X-26 police model, the X-26C shares many of its design features. The consumer model comes in choices of yellow, black and clear body parts. The model uses cartridges that shoot up to 15 feet and uses the X-26 long life powering system. It also borrows the Central Information Display and the night light from the police model. This model is as much an advance from the M-18 as the X-28 from the M-26.

TASER devices are not considered firearms by the US Government. They can be legally carried (concealed or open) without a permit required in 43 states. Prohibited citizen use in DC, HI, MA, MI, NJ, NY, RI, WI, IL certain cities and counties. CT require a valid firearm license. Make sure you check local laws before purchasing or carrying electronic control devices including stun guns.

*X-26C TASER® should be in stock shortly.

TASER In The Media

2009-05-05T10:57:00.009-04:00

We've written about TASER® guns before. We're surprised they cause so much media fueled controversy. More US and Canadian police departments are using them to good effect. It's another tool for police officers who are called upon to defuse out-of-control situations. Yes, some officers in the heat of a stressful situation will use the TASER inappropriately. A certain percentage of officers miss-use their firearms too but that causes needless loss of life.

A recent article in the Winston-Salem Journal on-line brought this home. In part it says,

"As the Winston-Salem City Council decides whether police officers should have Taser stun guns, it should consider the experience that the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office has had with them. Deputies have been using the electroshock weapons for about two years now, often when they're outnumbered in fights, whether in the jail or the schools, said Sheriff Bill Schatzman. The weapons protect the officers and the public, he said. It's better than using a baton or pepper spray, he said, because "it's surgical in deployment."

The article sites a recent case at the Mount Tabor High School when Deputy Tracy Steen used an electric shock weapon. He was trying to break up a fight in the cafeteria between two students where one refused to calm down, according to the sheriff's office. Tables were overturned, one landing on an innocent bystander.

After the incident was over, sentiment was overwhelming on the side of the police officer. That's weapons jargon for saying that the stun guns, if used properly, don't hit innocent bystanders. That apparently was the case just over a week ago at Mount Tabor High School when Deputy Tracy Steen used a stun gun. He was trying to break up a fight in the cafeteria between two students when one of them refused to calm down, according to the sheriff's office.

Many of the e-mails in response to Journal stories about the fight have supported the deputy. One e-mailer said that when she heard about the incident at her daughter's school, "my first reaction was concern about the use of Tasers in schools. But then my daughter came home from school and told me what she saw.... Tables were overturned, one landed on top of an innocent bystander.... This incident could have escalated into a tragedy...."

We don't condone the indiscriminate use of the TASER®. It's a tool. It can be used or miss-used. Users must be educated to the proper use of the device.

A couple additional comments: Notice how the media confuses stun guns and TASER® products! Even in the article quoted above, there is a mention of the device as stun gun. There is no such thing as a taser stun gun. TASER International disapproves of that appellation. A stun gun is a hand held device with two attached electrodes. The device must be held to the individual while the user presses the button. A TASER device projects two probes with two thin electrical wires attached that fly through the air to land on the perpetrator. The electrical charge is sent through the wires.

Also, TASER is not spelled TAZER. TAZER get almost as many hits on Google As TASER!

Stun Gun and the Canine Question

2009-03-24T10:59:00.005-04:00

As a customer service representative for Stun Gun Supply, hardly a day goes by that I am not asked about stun guns and their effectiveness on animals. There is an evident need for these people to control unwanted advances from aggressive dogs. It's a complicated issue and I don't want to recommend a product designed for the nervous and musculature system of humans. Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to go this route.

First of all, there are products on the market specifically designed to control canine aggression. Mace Security makes a product called Muzzle Dog Repellent that is EPA approved. It is a pepper spray product that can spray up to 10 feet. Pepper spray (OC) is a known effective tearing agent that works in most cases. Some individuals, and canines by extension, can "fight through" the effects so it can not be considered effective in all cases.

Another product to consider is the Super Dog Chaser. This small hand held unit uses two ways to repel a dog. One is a discomforting high frequency sound above the range of human hearing. The second is a super bright LED flashing strobe that temporarily confuses the dog. The manufacturer claims effectiveness up to 40 feet.

I can find no peer reviewed controlled study that examines the effectiveness of stun guns on animals. There is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that the devise may produce the desired effect on canines at least in some situations. Adam Katz, owner of dogproblems.com, recommends the stun gun. "If you see a stray or unleashed dog approaching you, press the button a couple times," he says. "We've found that the electrical charge hits ultra high frequency sound waves that only the dog can hear. About 50% of the dogs would immediately turn tail and run away." He says that if the dog gets any closer, use the stun gun.

The Times Herald-Record of April 13, 2006 details the use of a TASER gun by a Monroe, NY police officer to subdue two attacking pit bulls on a golf course. The dogs which escaped from their home had been menacing golfers at the Monroe Country Club and golfers were left defending themselves using golf clubs. The officer zapped the dogs twice forcing the dogs to return home.

In another incident, Police officers in the UK armed with a stun gun tasered a dog after it was reported to have 'turned on its owner' in Blackburn, Lancashire. The dog, thought to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is said to have attacked its 45 year old owner who was out walking it at the time on Sunday. Ambulance staff arrived at the scene to treat the woman's injuries but withdrew after the dog attacked them. A police officer arrived at the scene armed with the taser device and stunned the dog before approaching it and tying it up and taking it to a Lancashire police station. The dog's owner was treated for her injuries in the hospital for leg wounds. Police or paramedics did not suffer any injuries in the incident.

The stun baton is perhaps the ideal stun gun weapon to use on a dog. The cattle prod, a progenitor of the modern stun baton, has been used for decades to control farm animals. The stun baton's 16"-22" length enables an application with the arm outstretched. Standard rectangular stun guns top out at about 9" tall and require very close proximity to the animal that could pose a danger to the user. Most stun batons emit an electrical charge along the upper part of the shaft. So even if you can't employ the tip, a strike of the baton's shaft to an animal's flank would be just as effective.

The disclaimer here is that no study has been conducted to ascertain the effects and safety of stun guns on animals. Until more is known, I recommend limiting stun baton use to 400,000 volts of power for large dogs and 300,000 volts for small dogs. Don't use the device in a prolonged manner. If a 3-5 second application produces no effect, a longer one won't be any more effective.

We recommend that walkers who would likely encounter aggressive dogs also carry canine pepper spray and the Super Dog Chaser device. If one method proves ineffective on a particular animal, the other may. Before purchasing a stun gun or pepper spray, check your state's regulations as some restrict the use of these devices.

Police Take Aim For More Stun Guns

2009-03-05T15:12:00.008-05:00

That was the headline in a recent Edmonton Sun newspaper article. It reports a Canadian police agency's view that conducted energy weapons are not harmful and cannot be traced to any death. Here is the article in part:

Police groups want to arm more officers with stun guns while opposition MPs renew calls to restrict use of the controversial weapons.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association appeared in Ottawa yesterday to convince the public stun guns are essential tools that save lives.

"We are here to address the inaccurate and incomplete information that is circulating in the public related to the use of conducted energy weapons by police," said Thomas Kaye, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

"There is no evidence, either scientific or medical, that a conducted energy weapon has been the direct cause of death anywhere, at any time, on any person."

Our view:

We don't have the oversight that a police bureau would have in assessing stun gun and TASER usage and their effects. We can make the following points:

1. The media often confuses stun guns and TASERs as though they are one. Stun guns must be administered directly to a person's skin or clothing to be effective. TASERs emit two darts on tethered electrified wires that attaches on to a person's clothing or skin from a distance of 15-25 feet, depending on the model. Both emit a similar low amperage high voltage charge. It is the low amperage that makes these non-lethal and allows the general public to buy TASERs for self-defense.

2. In the highly charged atmosphere of a police-perpetrator encounter, adrenaline flows are high. This results in occasional over-zealous use of weaponry, both in firearms and so called non-lethal weapons such as stun guns, TASER and pepper spray. To think otherwise is not realistic.

3. In this same charged atmosphere, the perpetrator is sometimes agitated and out-of-control, high on stimulant drugs or sometimes simply delusional and acting wildly and inappropriately. This makes that person more susceptible to medical emergencies of the heart and nervous system when these conducted energy weapons are applied.

4. Any impartial reading of the data suggests one conclusion: TASERs have gained overwhelming acceptance in the western world's police agencies. It is the preferred alternative to lethal force in subduing an out-of-control suspect in many situations. Like anything, it not not 100% safe in all conditions. It must be used with restraint and with good judgment.

The New Barracuda Stun Gun Line

2009-02-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

We're proud to add Barracuda as our newest Stun Gun Brand. Founded in 2007, the feature rich line consists of the BC-10, BC-12, and BC-18. The three stun guns are strategically placed in the market to cover the vast majority of people's stun gun needs. All carry a 5 year warranty.

The Barracuda BC-10 is a rectangular unit with a traditional shape. The 1000KV unit requires two 9 volt batteries to operate. Some of the unique features include an 80db alarm and a safety/disable pin with wrist loop. This way, if your attacker attempts to grab your stun gun, the pin will pull out and disable the unit. So your enemy cannot turn around and use the stun gun on you.

The unit includes an attached belt clip and nylon weave holster with belt loop. The stun device measures 6" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/4" which is on the smaller side for this style stun gun.

The BC-12 and BC-18 are micro sized units. For the Barracuda BC-12, the manufacturer claims an output of 1.2 million volt or 1200KV making it one of the most powerful stun guns on the market. It is powered by a long life NI-MH rechargeable battery. A nylon holster with belt loop is included as is a wrist/disable wrist loop. Did we say tiny? This unit measures only 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1". You can hide it in your purse and hide it in your hand in high risk situations.

The top-of-the line is the mini Barracuda BC-18. The manufacturer claims an output of 1.8 million volts or 1800 KV making this the top voltage winner among reputable high quality vendors. This stun gun has all the features of the BC-12 including case size. It is also rechargeable so it is always ready when you need it to be.

A stun gun incapacitates by interrupting the neuro-musculature system. Make contact on the truck area, not the limbs, face or neck. The person goes down, limp and disoriented. Due to the low amperage, the effect is temporary with no lasting effects. It gives you enough time to flee or call the police. And that could be a life saver.

Product Review - Z-Force ST 300,000 Volt Stun Gun

2009-01-12T11:46:00.005-05:00

The Z-Force ST, model ZF-ST, is a 300,000 volt stun gun styled in a ridged grip design with a slightly rounded edge profile. This is in contrast to the hard flat rectangular design of most stun guns. The black case measures 7" tall from bottom to the electrode tips, 1 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" deep. The unit operates on a 9 volt battery. Even though the instructions designate a 9 volt rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery, a name brand alkaline is also perfectly acceptable. We strongly recommend a 9 volt Energizer cell for optimum performance.

There are only two switches on the Korean made unit, an on-off safety switch on one side and a toggle style "fire" switch on the other. The slim design enables one handed operation of both controls. The safety switch avoids an unintended firing.

Activating the fire switch produces a visible charge across the two electrodes along with a noticeable sizzling sound. The instructions say that a short 1/4 second application will startle the attacker and cause minor muscle contractions. A moderate length blast of 1 to 4 seconds, it says, can cause an attacker to fall to the ground and result in some mental confusion. A full 5 seconds can immobilize an attacker and cause disorientation, loss of balance and can leave the perpetrator weak and dazed on the ground for some minutes. Suffice it to say that the longer the contact, the stronger the stun effect.

The instructions say that the unit will have an effect anywhere on the body but maximum effect is felt on the upper shoulders, below the rib cage and the upper hip. Stun guns cause a neurological loss of muscle control so an attacker cannot will himself to override the effect.

The ridged grip and slim design makes this a particularly easy unit to handle. Although it's made of hardened plastic, the case feels sturdy and up to the task. The stun gun comes with an attached black nylon wrist loop for security.

Stun guns are popular self defense items. Although very high in voltage, the amperage is quite low. So the units are categorized as non-lethal repellents and are effective in most situations. Assailants have been known to flee after just seeing and hearing the firing electrodes. Unlike pepper spray, stun guns require on person contact to work. On the positive side, the unit will be used when it must be used i.e., when an assailant is making an attack on your person.

The Z-Force ST stun gun is also available in a smaller 100,000 volt version. The ZF-ST 300,000 volt model carries a retail price of $35.00 although it can be found for less on the internet. Both carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Product Review - The Streetwise SW1000 1 Million Volt Stun Gun

2008-12-31T15:26:00.001-05:00

The Streetwise 1000K stun gun model is one of the strongest stun guns on the market. According to the manufacturer it is capable of administering a 1,000,000 volt charge. To keep the unit non-lethal, the amperage is quite low by design. It is a rather tall unit as it holds three 9 volt batteries. (Less powerful stun guns typically take one battery.) It is 8 1/4 inches tall, 2 1/4 inches wide and 1 1/8 inches thick. The unit's case is a matte black plastic as are all sun gun of this nature. It features a master on-off switch and a firing rocker switch. This switch must be held to fire the gun. Once you lift your finger off the switch, the firing stops. Also included is a 130db alarm.

The Streetwise SW1000 stun gun features a disable pin with loop that you attach to the underside of the unit. You put the loop around your wrist. If an attacker snatches the gun away from you, the pin will pull out of the unit and the stun gun will be completely disabled. That way the attacker cannot use the gun on you.

Perhaps "gun" is a misnomer because this tall rectangular device looks nothing like a gun. Would stun guns be less controversial if they weren't called guns at all? Perhaps. It should be noted that stun guns like this one fire nothing through the air (except a spark between its two electrodes). It is not a TASER. The unit must be held to the aggressor's skin or clothing to be effective. The effects are temporary and non-lethal unlike a firearm.

As befitting a high voltage unit, this device sports two 3/17 inch diameter electrodes quite a bit wider than lesser units. The snapping sound when activated is louder with a stronger visible spark. The intimidation factor is high. It is known that some aggressors will immediately flee when confronted with the menacing sound and visible spark of an activated stun gun.

This device includes a 130 db alarm which is unusual in a traditionally shaped stun gun. The alarm button is right underneath the toggle on/fire switch for easy accessibility. It is suggested to try the alarm first in an actual encounter as this may be enough to scare off your enemy.

In summary the Streetwise SW1000 stun gun is an impressive high voltage unit. The case is sturdy and comes with a nylon holster with belt loop. Installing three 9 volt batteries take a bit of finagling to fit inside the unit but once in, they stay put. The manufacturer recommends using name brand alkaline batteries for reliable performance.

Stun Guns: Their History and Future

2008-11-26T14:40:00.011-05:00

(The stun guns described below are not TASERs. Although a TASER® may be called a type of stun gun, it is different enough in design to be excluded here.)

Beginnings

The history of the stun gun is not a single birth but a series of developments. Electric cattle prods have been used since the 1940s to motivate cattle to go where the rancher wants them to go. There are numerous patents during the 1970s concerning devices designed to influence animals and repel sharks. During the same period, a couple of patents were issued for stunning devices designed to help patrolmen arrest suspects and control crowds. It's unclear if any of these devices were manufactured in this time frame as described.

An early stun baton design is detailed in 1975 patent number 3917268, "Spark gap type electric shock-producing prod" which describes a device close to the modern device. The summary says in part,"An electric shock-producing prod, usable by cattlemen, law enforcement officials, and others, wherein the electrical or electronic circuitry therein consists of a battery-powered oscillator having a coupled output provided with a series-connected spark gap...the oscillator can and will continue to run with the electric-shock contacts of the prod in engagement with the intended, recalcitrant object."

The earliest compact stun gun of conventional design is detailed in patent number US3722788 published March 1973. It describes a small battery operated device of high voltage and low amperage, designed to be worn on the person. Interestingly, this device featured prods that can be extended several inches for easier application.

While previous patents were issued to Americans, two patents in 1989 were awarded to inventors in Taiwan. The one looks much like a modern stun gun. The other is designed more like a pistol with a flashlight, strobe and siren on board. It's not known if either design went into production.

Recent Times

It's only been in the last several years that stun guns have hit the news and captured the public's attention. The media is quick to sensationalize stun gun mishaps as perceived safety concerns about stun guns in general. The media might not appreciate that thee devices are not gun shaped at all but rather rectangle appliances that are rather benign in appearance. The amperage of a typical stun gun is quite low, only a few milliamps at best. Voltage is limited by a device's applied voltage and size, typically in the form of one or several 9 volt batteries (or 3 volt lithium cells). Although effective in application, stun guns are not the super powerful weapons that their advertised high voltages would suggest.

There have been occasional news reports of law enforcement officers causing a captive's death by using a stun gun. Investigation usually turns up inappropriate beatings and attacks against the inmate much more likely to cause death. Police who use these devices are usually trying to subdue out of control individuals who are frequently on high stimulant drugs. These individuals may go quite berserk when facing apprehension and restraint. If that person suffers a cardiac arrest, did the stun gun really cause it or was it one of several participating factors?

Are Stun Guns Effective?

Common sense would say yes, a stun gun is an effective crime deterrent. But scientific verification is scarce. Various video sites feature young men stunning their friends. Reactions are quick and most participants drop to their knees with accompanying cries and yelps. The internet itself is awash with scary sounding police incidents and promotional efforts by internet stun gun vendors. It is recognized that for this product to be effective, the batteries must be fresh and the device must remain in contact with the assailant's skin or clothing, preferably for several seconds or more. Whether an attacker would sit still for this administration is a question impossible to answer. It is known that some assailants will run away when confronted with the zapping and sparking from an activated stun gun even before the appliance has been applied.

The Future of Stun Guns

Stun guns have gotten more powerful in recent years. Indeed, marketers are advertising voltages up to one million volts and beyond. Take these readings with a grain of salt especially if these new models use the same battery power as lower powered ones. Besides, stun guns are a non-lethal crime deterrent and they should stay that way.

Two new designs that offer a more secure grip have recently appeared on the market. The ZAPTD Double Trouble stun gun features a slim vertical design with a handle grip not unlike a joystick. The electrodes protrude at either end with five inches between them. This creates a larger shock potential of 1.2 million volts, claims the manufacturer.

The ZAPBK950 Knuckle Blaster stun gun features a black molded design with a wrap-around grip similar to brass knuckles. The device has a soft rubber skin and is sized to accommodate all hand sizes. The manufacturer claims 950,000 volts of power.

Crimes against person and property rise in a falling economy. Predictably, sales of stun guns have taken an uptick in recent months. A stun gun remains a viable and easier alternative to handguns. Stun guns are legal in most states and require no licensing. They are effective with a sustained application may be challenging in a real encounter. Perhaps a totally new technology will be invented that provides a quick sure knock down punch on any size assailant. Higher powered devices, however, could be a double edged sword for consumers. If the device becomes too powerful, it would likely be heavily regulated and reserved for law enforcement only.

Product Review -The SM-CELL Cell Phone Stun Gun

2008-10-28T15:59:00.005-04:00

Introduction

One of the most popular stun gun models is the Stun Master SM-CELL cell phone stun gun. This 800,000 volt self defense product contains the stun effect, a bright LED flashlight and a 120db alarm. The unit resembles a cellphone, not the latest ultra slim flip phone but still a convincing simulation of a small cellphone. It measures 4 inches tall, 1 7/8 inches in width at the waist and 1 1/8 inches thick. It is, of course, a self defense product and does not operate as a cell phone.

Up Close

The case is silver and the buttons are black. The simulated display is large with a group of icons typical of a cell phone. The black panel above the display reads "Stun Master." The product comes with two CR123A lithium batteries and a nylon holster with belt loop. A black wrist strap is a safety device. Wrap it around your wrist and if your attacker grabs the SM-CELL from you, the strap will detach and the unit will be left completely inoperable. The unit has a limited lifetime warranty.

Operation

The SM-CELL sports four functional buttons above the non-functioning dial buttons. You push the "power" button to turn the unit on. Two red LED lights come on. The "electroshock" button discharges the unit with a spark arcing across the two electrodes. The "alarm" button activates a loud high pitched alarm as long as the button is pressed. The "flashlight" button activates a very bright "white light" three LED flashlight. Pressing the "power" button again turns the unit off.

The SM-CELL is certainly full featured. It is the only unit to this reviewer's knowledge that includes both an alarm and a bright LED flashlight. As a bonus, the $59.95 retail price includes two CR123A batteries free. Go to Wal-Mart and these two batteries will cost you about $10.00.

All stun guns operate in the same way. The electrical charge is high in voltage but low in amperage. The high voltage enables the charge to be effective through clothing but the low amperage keeps the unit non-lethal. The units effectiveness varies with the length of application. A 1/2 second will cause some pain and muscular contraction, one to two seconds will cause muscle spasms and a dazed mental state. Three to five seconds will cause loss of balance and a confusion. You will not suffer a charge-back to your own body, so you can feel safe even if your assailant is touching you.

The best strike areas on the body are the upper shoulders, lower rib cage and upper hip. A stun gun requires direct body contact to be effective. Pepper spray can be applied from a distance of perhaps 5-8 feet. Consumer Taser darts can be propelled from a distance of up to 15 feet. Unlike pepper spray, stun guns are unaffected by wind. Furthermore, there are reports of an approaching attacker running away when confronted with the arcing snap of a stun gun's electrodes.

Summary

Stun guns are effective self defense products and safe when used in a common sense moderate fashion. The SM-CELL is one of the best cell phone stun gun models available with a three-in-one multi-function operation: stun gun, alarm and flashlight. It is an outstanding value in a compact stun gun.

Carlisle, PA - Taser a Success

2008-09-22T12:02:00.004-04:00

Here's one that almost got by us. And this is in our own back yard! The Carlisle PA Sentinal July 22 article quotes the Carlisle Police Department who said that after several years of use, the Taser gun can be termed a success.

Staff writer Heather Stauffer quotes Lt. Mike Dzezinski who said, "By the end of 2007, Carlisle recorded more than 140 Taser deployments, ranging from times when officers obtained compliance merely by displaying the laser sight and warning people to incidents in which they actually fired the probes." He continues,

“We’ve had deployments on everything from fleeing felons to public drunk arrestees who wanted to fight,” Dzezinski said. “The biggest benefit of the Taser is it gives us a gap between us and the bad guy.”

This comes on the heels of a Pennsylvania State Police announcement that it considered troopers first six months of Taser use a success. Before equipping 3,000 troopers with Tasers at the beginning of this year, state police Commissioner Jeffrey Miller said, state police conducted a two-year study. The results they are seeing reinforce the belief that “the Taser provides an excellent option to the use of deadly force,” Miller said.

That Tasers deliver 50,000 volts has been widely reported, Dzezinski said, but many people don’t realize the amperage of the weapon is what really matters.

“The amperage is very, very low in the Taser,” Dzezinski said, placing it at 0.0036 amps, “actually lower than the socket of a Christmas tree bulb.”

The majority of Carlisle officers have taken voluntary Taser exposures to understand what people experience when they fire the probes, Dzezinski said.

Security and You

2008-09-22T10:59:00.005-04:00

It's ironic. We are the foremost web site offering security products to the public at everyday low prices. Yet what increasingly concerns us is security of another kind--your security and ours relating to credit card theft.

First of all, our site is state-of-the art safe when you order. We use every means available to us to keep your information safe and secure. When you order from us, you will see the yellow "lock" in the lower right corner of your browser. The address bar will change from "http" to "https." Whether you are ordering a C2 Taser, Mace Police Pepper Spray or a high definition television, these are your assurances that the information you are giving on-line is encrypted using the latest technology.

All on-line merchants are vulnerable to credit card fraud. Unfortunately, the dishonest buyer drives up prices for everyone. We use all means available to try and weed out dishonest buyers. We require an exact verified billing address that matches the card or E-bay. We require the correct credit card security code. Occasionally we may contact a buyer whose transaction shows any "red flag" that we need to investigate. Please do not be disturbed if we contact you. We simply wish to verify information so we may fill the order with confidence.

Regards,
Administrator

A Stun Baton In Action

2008-09-13T13:31:00.017-04:00

Mary S. regularly walked in the evening alone in her Billings, Montana neighborhood. She had realized gradually that she was becoming uneasy with approaching strangers, especially if they were in groups of two or more. Nothing had yet happened but she couldn't shake the feeling.

So Mary bought a Stun Master SM-300SB stun baton. She carried this 300,000 volt stun gun in the included belt holster. Nothing untoward happened until six weeks later. Two male teenagers passed by. Soon she realized that they had turned around and were following her. She then heard taunts, "Hey baby, what-cha doin?" and so forth. Mary felt her heart pound against her chest. What to do? As the taunts escalated she made a decision. She turned around, quickly saw no draw weapons, put her hand on the holster and said, "Stop right there. I have a weapon. Scram!" And, lo and behold, they did. They thought for moment, turned around and quickly walked away. Mary repelled her attackers without even removing the stun baton from its holster.

This scene is repeated time and again across America. Women are taking control of their lives and taking a stand against personal crime. Yes there is risk in any altercation. But passively hoping everything will turn out OK is self delusion. It's a mind set. You can picture yourself a victim and act accordingly. Or you can imagine a confident you who is actively in control of the situation.

You can choose from stun batons, stun guns, Tasers, Mace pepper spray, and loud portable alarms. All these items are relatively inexpensive and are proven effective if used properly. So if you purchase a self defense weapon, PRACTICE! Don't leave your "get acquainted" time until an actual attack. You will be too unnerved. So pump a couple pepper sprays, press the trigger of that stun gun or activate the flying Taser darts. Make sure you aim at an object and not a person. Practice in your head the actual procedure you will use against your attacker, where you will apply the weapon and how long before you flee. This will help you act appropriately and without undue fear in an actual attack.

Tasers Rate High In Safety

2008-08-14T14:47:00.004-04:00

A study sited in a recent newspaper examines the use of Taser stun guns in Calgary, Canada.

Sherri Zickefoose of the Calgary Herald writes that the new study finds batons are batons are causing the greatest rate of injury when used by police during arrests.

The two-year Calgary study, the first use-of-force examination of its kind in Canada, also found pepper spray was the safest tool employed by police to subdue suspects who were resisting arrest.

The Canadian Police Research Centre report examines 562 cases in which Calgary police used Tasers, pepper spray, batons, unarmed techniques and choke holds -- against people resisting arrest.

The 14-page study found Tasers "scored high" in safety for both suspects and officers in Calgary. Though they were used in nearly half of all cases involving suspects resisting arrest, one per cent ended up hospitalized and 87 per cent sustained either minor injuries or no injuries, according to the report.

Batons, on the other hand, used in roughly five per cent of arrests that required force, caused the greatest rate of higher-level injury. More than 39 per cent of subjects were injured. More than three per cent were hospitalized and nearly 26 per cent required outpatient treatment.

"The commonly held belief" that Tasers carry "a significant risk of injury or death . . . is not supported by the data," according to the report, researched by Dr. Christine Hall and Calgary use-of-force expert Staff Sgt. Chris Butler. The stun guns are "less injurious than either the baton or empty-hand physical control."

U.S. agencies are also participating in the larger study, Butler said, because American and Canadian police encounters are surprisingly similar. More Canadian fatality inquiries are highlighting the need for consistent use of force tracking, he said.

Varieties of Stun Guns: Choose Your Weapon

2008-07-16T14:21:00.005-04:00

Stun Guns come in many sizes, shapes and voltages. Categorizing these attributes will help you choose an appropriate self defense product.

Shapes

The prototypical stun gun is rectangular in shape and perhaps 3/4 to one inch thick. Sizes generally increase with voltage power. This is as much as to hold more batteries than anything else.

The second common shape is one of a cell phone or blackberry. This is the so-called "covert" self defense item where the intent of the device is hidden behind an innocuous shape. These are small enough to fit in a purse or glove compartment.

A third shape has recently arrived where the handle is molded into the device. Think of brass knuckles where the administration is straight on. This shape offers a more secure grip which could be crucial in a high stress situation. The Knuckle Blaster is a 950,000 volt stun gun that actually resembles brass knuckles (although this one is molded plastic with an outer soft rubber skin.)

Stun batons are also members of the stun gun family. Consider these high-tech versions of the night stick. They are a natural for a walking patrolman and the night watchman.

Sizes

One of the tallest of the rectangle style stun guns is the Streetwise SW1000. This 1000K volt stunner measures 8.25 inches x 2 inches x 1 inch. It also features a built-in alarm. It requires three 9 volt batteries to power.

At the other spectrum, the Small Fry stun gun may be the smallest battery powered zapper with the biggest wallop. This million volt model measures an amazing 3 1/4 inches x 2 inches x 3/4 inch. This is made possible by the development of lithium batteries. This model Small Fry stun gun takes three button size lithium-ion batteries.

Stun batons come in either fixed or expandable models. You can keep your attacker at bay with the expandable type which can extend to 21". With your arm out-stretched you can keep an assailant a safer distance away than with a traditional hand held. Common fixed stun baton sizes are 16, 18 and 20 inches. Some models feature an alarm to hopefully scare a would-be intruder.

Voltages

Stun gun voltages run the gamut from 80,000 volts to 1.2 million volts. Many fall in the 300K to 500K range. At 80K, the Talon MINI stun gun is one of the smallest and most affordable models. It measures just 4" tall and has enough power to keep a would-be attacker dazed and confused for several minutes. At the other extreme, the Double Trouble stun gun delivers an ultra powerful 1.2 million volts. It's one of the new grip style devices with contacts on either end. This design is responsible for the unit's high power.

It must be mentioned that although these defensive products deliver high voltages, the amperage is very low, perhaps only 2-4 milliamps. They're considered reasonable force in resisting attack and are non-lethal. In fact, if you stand around too long watching your handy-work, you could regret it. Recovery time depends upon voltage and the length or series of administrations. But most people will recover in only 4-8 minutes. So run to safety first, not last.

Greers Ferry AK to Purchase Tasers for Police

2008-07-16T09:51:00.006-04:00

The Heber Springs Sun Times in Arkansas reported that the police chief asked city council to provide Taser for its three full-time police officers and one reserve officer. Police Chief Ray Dearmon said it's a small price to pay for an officer's safety.

"The Taser is used as a last-ditch effort," Dearmon said. "I'd rather shoot you with a Taser than I would a gun."

Dearmon told the council that all officers would require certification to carry and use the Tasers. He also said that he would require each officer to be Tased before they can carry the weapon.

"If an officer is unsure of what exactly that piece of equipment will do, he won't use it properly," Dearmon said.

The chief told the council that there have been at least three times in recent memory when a Taser could have kept local officers from drawing their guns and shooting. He also said a Taser would have been handy during a recent situation in which a strung-out driver refused to exit his car.

"The guy was sprayed twice with pepper spray, and it had no effect on him," Dearmon said. "It took four officers to pull him out of the vehicle."

This is the latest in a nationwide move to equip police officers with the non-lethal device.

Up Close Review: M18L Advanced Taser

2008-07-08T11:32:00.001-04:00

The Taser M18L Advanced Taser is a popular consumer model produced by Taser International. This model sports a laser sight to help with aim. (You can buy this model without the laser sight in the Advanced Taser M18.) The M18L package includes four cartridges, a battery pack (4 x 1.5 volt AA), an operating manual, a practice target poster and Citizen Training CD. It comes housed in a hard black poly case with integrated handle. It is made in the US. There is a 30 day money back guarantee, 90 day product warranty, and a lifetime replacement warranty if it is left activated next to an assailant.

First, let’s clear some misconceptions. A stun gun is a “contact” device meaning the contacts must be applied directly to the perpetrator to be effective. This model can function as a contact stun gun with or without a cartridge. But that is only a backup feature. A Taser is a device that when activated propels two small probes attached to insulated electrical wires. These attach to an attacker’s clothing or skin. The device sends electrical pulses through the wires that disrupt the motor and sensory systems. This incapacitates the subject allowing time to flee.

The Taser has gained wide law enforcement acceptance throughout the world. Injuries are much less than with firearms. Effects are temporary. The device is not without its detractors but is relatively safe when used in a responsible manner. It is virtually impossible for even an out-of-control perpetrator to over-ride the effects.

The Taser M18, unlike most stun guns, actually looks like gun. The high impact black polycarbonate gun is set off with a mid gun yellow accent. The safety switch has a lock and armed position. The dimensions with cartridge are 8.30” long, 6” high and 1.75” wide. It weighs 19.2 ounces without the cartridge. It has a battery LED indicator. There is a molded mechanical sight it addition to the laser sight. The M18L has a range of fifteen feet.

Depressing and releasing the trigger will result in a five-second discharge unless the safety switch is moved to the down (SAFE) position. Holding the trigger switch for more than 5 seconds will result in a continuous discharge until the trigger switch is released, or until the batteries are depleted. Normally, aim the laser of the device at one of the large muscle groups (center of mass) such as the torso or thigh areas.

The Taser M18L Advanced Taser retails for $599.00 (Stun Gun Supply may be offering a discount). A model with two cartridges and without the laser site sells for $399.00. The latest model is the Taser C2 which comes in eight colors as well as black. This sleek model has a smaller profile than the M18 and appeals to women with smaller hands. Pricing starts at $299.00 (Stun Guns Supply may be offering a discount). The Taser X-26C is also available direct to consumers but the high price limits acceptability. Tasers are not legal in all states and municipalities so check this before ordering one.