Stun Gun Need and Availability Spread

Stun guns, once thought of as exotic weaponry of the future, are now enjoying widespread acceptance as the non lethal weapons of choice for average Americans.

Whereas handguns were once the order of the day, especially when settlers were busy “taming” the Wild West, today’s requirements are different. In the past, besides just repelling borders, settlers had to shoot their own food and deal humanely with injured livestock and domestic animals. Firearms, both short- and long-barreled, handled the needs of our forebears.

The needs of today’s citizens are much more along the lines of personal protection and home security. Therefore, the need for ready accessibility is skyrocketing. To improve their availability to ordinary Americans, especially women, Taser International is now marketing some of their products through home parties reminiscent of the Tupperware parties of the last century.

Radio Shack, one of the long-standing staples in electronic retailing, is now looking into offering stun guns (not the projectile-shooting Tasers) through its storefronts. Mt. Orab, Georgetown, and Bethel Radio Shack locations have looked into carrying stun guns and now believe there is a ready market. Store manager James Colwell said he believes parents who are preparing to send their kids off to college might feel better if they sent along some non lethal protection.

Colwell also said he believes everyone has the right to personal self defense. He said there are no local laws preventing the sale or use of stun guns but that it is up to the customer to do the research if he or she takes the device “outside of the area.” Colwell also said there will be a minimum age requirement which much be met before a purchase can be completed.