Know Your Self Defense Weapon – Do the Research

There are several aspects to consider before purchasing a non-lethal self defense weapon. Let’s look at a few.

• Size Counts. Whether you want a stun gun, Taser, Mace, or pepper spray, it’s much more than just a bang-for-the-buck issue. You want the most powerful deterrent you can handle. In the case of stun guns, remember that the higher the voltage, the faster the effects will be felt when used against an attacker. It takes about four seconds of contact for many of the stun guns to be effective. Sometimes you don’t have four seconds. The most important point here is to get the highest level of voltage you can afford and handle.

• Size Counts, Part 2. There are stun guns which are identical in power and comparable in price but which are vastly different in size and weight. Some men prefer something the size and heft of your average brick. Most women can’t get a grip on anything that big. The point here is to shop around and get the highest voltage in a size that you can handle.

• Size Counts, Part 3. It’s tough to conceal a brick. It’s easy to conceal a stun gun that looks just like a cell phone or a penlight flashlight. If your weapon is unremarkable and looks like an ordinary item anyone might carry routinely, the attacker won’t be expecting to be stunned. You have the element of surprise on your side. Use it well.