An electroshock weapon is a non-lethal device used for incapacitating a person by administering electric shock aimed at disrupting superficial muscle functions. A taser device is one of the most popular kinds of electroshock weapons. A taser fires projectiles that administer shock through a thin, flexible wire. stun guns and tasers

Electroshock weapon technology uses a temporary high-voltage, low-current electrical discharge to override the body's muscle-triggering mechanisms. Immobilization occurs through two metal probes connected via metal wires to the electroshock device. The recipient feels pain and can be momentarily paralyzed while an electric current is being applied. The maximum effective areas for stun gun usage are upper shoulder, below the rib cage and the upper hip. High voltages are used, but because most devices use a high frequency alternating current, the skin effect prevents a lethal amount of current from traveling into the body. The resulting shock is caused by muscles twitching uncontrollably, appearing as muscle spasms.

The internal circuits of most electroshock weapons are fairly simple, based either on an oscillator, resonant circuit and step-up transformer, or a diode-capacitor voltage multiplier. The end result is to achieve an alternating high-voltage discharge or a continuous direct-current discharge. It may be powered by one or more batteries depending on manufacturer and model. The output current upon contact with the target will depend on various factors, such as target's resistance, skin type, moisture, bodily salinity, clothing, the electroshock weapon's internal circuitry, discharge waveform and battery conditions.

Manufacturers' instructions and manuals shipped with the products state that half-a-second shock duration will cause intense pain and muscle contractions, startling most people greatly. Two to three seconds will often cause the subject to become dazed and drop to the ground, and over three seconds will usually completely disorient and drop an attacker for at least several seconds.

Stun guns are a convenient and reliable means of self-defense. Nowadays, stun guns for women come in a variety of forms. A pen stun gun, for example, is light, portable, and easy to retrieve in case of danger. Of particular value to women is a lipstick stun gun, which is designed to look like a tube of lipstick but, in actuality, is a 950,000 volt self-protection device. Another kind of stun gun that women may find useful is the cell phone stun gun. This device masquerades as a cell phone while harnessing a 4.5 million volt stun gun that can be used against a would-be attacker. These devices tend to have safety features to prevent accidental discharge and other hazards.

Women tend to be the most vulnerable in acts of crime. Many women who live or frequent areas in which crime is a serious problem carry stun guns and tasers for self defense; such non-lethal protection gives them a feeling of security, and it also gives them the protection they need for their safety. Taser devices and other non-lethal stun guns are not considered firearms by the United States government. They can be legally carried (concealed or open) without a permit in 43 states. However, persons should learn the strictures and regulations of their local government before purchasing a stun gun.



For more information on stun guns please see stun guns and tasersstun guns for women.