Stun Guns: Their History and Future

(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.

A Stun Baton In Action

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.

Review of the Stun Master SM-FLEX Telescopic Stun Baton

The Stun Master Telescopic Stun Baton SM-FLEX is designed to repel attackers by the touch of the device on any part of the body. It's in a class of self-defense products known as non-lethal deterrents. The manufacturer claims it will transmit it's shock effect through 1/2 inch of clothing. It is rated at 800,000 volts which puts it at the upper echelon of power. These and all other stun devices rely upon high voltage to overcome the resistance of the human body and low amperage to keep the administration safe and the effects temporary.

The Stun Master Telescopic Stun Baton is a rechargeable unit that comes with a plug-in re-charger. It also includes an integrated flashlight and alarm as well as a holster with belt loop. The manufacturer recommends letting the device run down before re-charging. The unit carries a life-time warranty.

The stun baton closed is 12 3/4 inches long. The widest part is at the integrated light which is 2 3/4 inches across. The circumference of the shaft at its base is 5 inches. Fully extended, the baton measures 21.5 inches. The unit weighs just over one pound. The baton is black with two chrome side rails along the shaft. The expanded telescopic part is in three sections, each bit smaller so they nestle inside each other when collapsed. The handle is ridged for a positive grip.

The three controls on the baton are easily accessed when holding it. There is a rocker switch which arms and disarms the unit. By your index finger is a ridged oval switch which serves double duty. You press this to first expand the baton. It expands quickly with a decided snap. Then this switch will activate the stun effect as long as you hold it down. The third switch by your thumb turns on the flashlight in the first position. Push it further and the siren goes off. The flashlight is bright and the siren gives off a very piercing wail. For safety, there is a small plastic set piece lying in this switch canal. You must remove this to operate the switch.

You collapse the unit by pushing in on the shafts till it seats. It's all very well thought out. That's a good thing because you don't want to be hampered by a poor design when you have to react in a hurry under duress. Also noteworthy is the fact that the full length of the metal rails is electrified. If the attacker tries to grab the Telescopic Stun Baton from you, he will be shocked. The shock will not transfer to you if the attacker is touching you.

The included black vinyl holster is a thoughtful addition. The collapsed shaft end goes into the holster while a Velcro loop above fastens around the base of the handle. Because the unit is so light, a night watchman or security guard could wear this around a belt with no discomfort.

This is a handsome unit with impressive features. Expandable/collapsible stun batons have an advantage over hand held rectangular stun devices. With those you must be very close to your attacker to apply the charge. (Hand-helds are typically 6-8 inches tall.) With a maximum range of 21.5 inches and with an outstretched arm, you could repel your assailant from 3 to 4 feet from your body. That's a distinct tactical advantage.