A stun gun is a hand-held, battery-operated device designed to deliver an electric shock to an attacker. They are not guns in the normal sense as we know them to be. Stun guns do not shoot bullets or anything else. A stun gun has two prongs at the end of the device that emits an electrical spark once the trigger is pressed. This electrical shock will "stun" the attacker through his clothes and into his body.

The electrical current emitted by the depression of the trigger works to upset the muscle control of the attacker. The neurological balance of the muscles is upset causing a loss in the control of muscle movement. It works extremely fast, causing disorientation and loss of balance. The process takes only a few moments and is painful to the attacker. When the trigger is depressed and the stun gun is held against the attacker for several seconds, the effects can last for up to 30 minutes.

The voltage in stun guns can be as high as 900,000 volts, but the amperage is low. The shock will not cause permanent damage to the attacker.

What are the sizes and styles of stun guns?

Stun guns come in several different sizes and shapes. They are designed to be held in an average hand and some are almost small enough to be concealed by a person's hand. The development in technology does not determine the size of the stun gun, but the size and strength of the battery will determine how long the stun gun will be effective.

The new mini stun guns are very small with voltage ratings from 50,000 to 900,000 volts. The stopping power of these small stun guns is surprisingly as good as the larger models.

Most stun guns are about six inches long; some are larger and some are smaller. The larger stun guns are more effective than the smaller ones, but are more bulky to handle.

There are stun batons that work in a similar manner as stun guns, but are from 16 to 20 inches long which gives you a little more reach to the attacker. Some have a metal strip approximately 6 inches down the baton from the tip that stops the attacker from grabbing it and taking it away.

The element of surprise can be very effective when you are trying to defend yourself. Stun guns are designed as batons, guns, pens, cell phones, and some has curved handles as well as straight.

How does a stun gun work?

The stun gun works to disrupt the neurological impulses that control the muscle movement and control. The voltage is usually high and provides the "power" to push the low amperage into the attackers body. This amperage interrupts the neurological impulses that travel through the body that control and direct the voluntary muscle movement. One of the results is a loss of energy available to the muscles because of the speed in which this interruption occurs. The ending result is that the stun leaves the attacker disoriented with a loss of balance and leaves the attacker in a passive and confused condition for several minutes.

A one-second contact with the stun gun will generally repel, startle the attacker, and cause muscle contraction. A two second contact will cause a continuation of muscle spasms and put the attacker in a dazed state. Three or more seconds of contact will probable cause loss of balance, muscle control, mental confusion and disorientation. The attacker will possibly be unable to recover for several minutes and the effects may last up to 30 minutes.

Remember, stun guns or other self defense products may not stop a determined attacker.