Stun Guns for Self-Defense: Understanding the Pros, Cons, and Legal Considerations

No place is safe except your house. In an unfortunate situation, criminals can attack, and you need something to defend yourself. Many people prefer to keep a stun gun with them and use it against the person who harms them. But is it legal to use this self-defense tool in every country?

Before investing in such a weapon, you must know whether you can keep it for self-defense. It is also mandatory to know its pros and cons along with legal considerations. If you know the proper functioning of this weapon, you must know that it is not too dangerous for anyone. When you attack someone, you will get enough time to escape without too much harm.

To buy a stun gun, you must know everything about the weapon. This write-up includes information regarding its legal status in different countries and its pros and cons. Before investing in any product, you must know whether it is safe, legal, and beneficial.

About Stun Guns

Source: cbc.ca

Unlike other dangerous guns, it is an electrical device that helps in personal protection against the attacker by giving high-voltage current. You can call this weapon non-lethal as the victim gets enough time to escape the situation. There is no need to kill someone to escape. 

It is okay to cause pain or put the attacker in a confused state for a few minutes to avoid the unfortunate situation. It is legal for law officials to carry such a thing for safety. But what about local people? 

Is it legal for other people for personal protection? Some stun guns can cause massive damage to the person whom you give the shock. It is the reason why this weapon is not legal everywhere. You must know about the legal status of this weapon in your country and proceed further with the purchase. 

Legal Status of Stun Guns

In most states, owning and using stun guns for personal protection is legal. But there is always an exception, and you must know whether you live in those states. In many places, stun guns are considered dangerous like other firearms as it works on the conducted energy. Generally, two states, i.e., Rhode Island and Hawaii, consider this weapon illegal, and you cannot own it anyway. 

It is mandatory to research the state laws before purchasing it for your safety. Even if it is legal in your state, your age should be over 18 years, and you must know the terms of carrying the gun. It is necessary to check the terms and follow them as well. 

Mostly, you do not need to get a permit for this gun, but you need to check your state laws. You cannot get approval if you consider taking such a weapon flight. Before you take a big step, make sure that you check the terms of the airline.  

Pros

Works Perfectly in All Types of Weather

Source: reuters.com

Using a stun gun in all types of weather is easy and convenient. If you prefer pepper spray, it can spray back to your mouth and eyes on windy or rainy days. You will not get any opportunity to escape. 

The attacker will continue attacking you. But if you have a stun gun, you can use it anywhere in any weather. It will directly attack the attacker, giving you enough time to escape that situation. 

Used for Self Defense

It is possible to prevent the situation by frightening your attackers. You can shoot the gun in the air to alert nearby dogs and the neighborhood. 

There is no need to attack the attacker when you can scare him and prepare a situation to move away from him. Preventing an attack is better than defending yourself. This gun is perfect for self-protection, and you can use it whenever you are in trouble.

Included Additional Features

Before buying a stun gun, you must look for additional features. Generally, you can expect a flashlight, alert mode, etc., along with the electric shock. You can check all the features and purchase useful products. Other included features can also be used in a difficult situation. 

No Direct Contact is Needed

If you use pepper spray to protect yourself, you must spray it directly on the attacker’s eyes, mouth, or nose. But if the attacker covers his face with clothes, nothing will happen to him. But you can use the stun gun on clothes as it works better in every situation.

Compact and Portable

You can buy a compact and portable stun gun. It is easy to store in your bag or pocket and comfortable while traveling. Whenever you experience any trouble, you can use it safely. You can eliminate the dangerous situation and escape the attacker by clicking a single button. 

Cons

Source: britannica.com

Charging is Required

You can use the stun gun when it is charged. Before you move out, make sure that the device is completely charged. During the purchase, you will also get the adapter or USB cable to charge the device before use. Even if you do not use the device, it needs to be charged once a month.  

Not Legal Everywhere

This self-protection device is not legal in every state. Before you purchase the device, it is mandatory to check whether it is legal in your country or not. But if it is legal, you must follow all the laws. You cannot own or carry these weapons in illegal states at home or while traveling.

The Bottom Line

Using a stun gun is common for self-defense, but not everyone can own it. Every country has different laws regarding the use of this weapon. It is mandatory to check whether owning or using this weapon in your state is legal. 

Before investing money in such a self-protection gadget, you should also know all the pros and cons. After getting all the information, you can purchase a stun gun to protect yourself from the attacker in difficult situations.