Facts About Stun Guns

Facts About Stun Guns

The stun gun, with some brands also known as Taser guns, administers a 50,000-volt electrical shock that disrupts muscle control to disable a person. The safety of the weapon depends on the health of the individual who is shot. The gun is used by law enforcement, private security and military personnel. Civilian use in some U.S. states is permitted with restrictions.

50,000-Volt Jolt

A battery-powered air stun gun uses compressed air to discharge two electrical darts attached to a wire that emits a five-second, 50,000-volt charge and can strike at a distance up to 21 feet.

British Police Use

From 2003 to 2007, British police officers who are authorized to use firearms used the stun gun in 800 incidents throughout the United Kingdom.

Substitute for Firearm

Since September 2007, British non-weapons expert police officers, who do not carry firearms, have been permitted to equip themselves with stun guns.

Recognized Weapon

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms listed the Taser stun gun as a firearm in 1976, and soon private companies began marketing it as a self-defense weapon.

Legality

Stun guns are illegal in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Illinois, but legal with restrictions in such states as Indiana, Ohio, Washington, North Carolina, Florida and Connecticut.

Deaths

Amnesty International reported that from 2001 to 2006, an estimated 160 people have died after been struck with an electrical charge from a stun gun.

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