What Does A Stun Gun Do To The Human Body?

Stun gun technology is pretty intriguing. A small device capable of knocking a large human off their feet must pack serious power. Are you interested in how stun guns work? Are you thinking of carrying a stun gun yourself? Maybe you’d like to be able to answer the question, “What does a stun gun do to the human body?”.

In this article, we’ll talk about the science behind a stun gun and what effect it has on the person receiving its painful charge. You’ll find out whether they are a lethal self-defense weapon and be more informed about these devices.

When you use a stun gun against someone, you must touch them with the two metal prongs at the end of the device, where the electrical current is discharged. This will result in an electrical shock to your assailant that will cause painful disorientation and possible loss of muscle control. Other impacts of being shocked by a stun gun are confusion, loss of balance, and loss of energy.

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what does a stun gun do to the human body

What Is A Stun Gun?

A stun gun is a non-lethal self defense weapon that utilizes electric shock to startle, briefly immobilize, and disorient a dangerous person. These devices feature relatively high volts to deliver a low amp current to your target quickly and effectively. Because the amps are so low (under .5 milliamps for most models) these weapons cause instant pain that is short-lived with no lasting side effects.

Stun guns are available in many shapes and sizes for convenience and easy carry. Disguised as flashlights, batons, and even lipstick cases, your enemy will be sorry they did not listen to your warning to use your weapon against them.

A stun gun does require physical contact to engage. You must be close enough to your attacker to press both of the metal prongs firmly in to your target area so the electrical charge can transfer between the two prongs. You should try and hit a large area of the body that does not move much during a struggle. Aiming for the thigh, chest, or shoulder will give you a large target area that is easier to stay attached to.

What Are The Immediate Effects?

Immediately following impact, your stun gun will blast your attacker with a painful electric shock. As little as one second of contact will be enough to startle the biggest opponent. The surprise of being shocked may be enough to disengage the person and give you the chance to run for safety.

If you hold your stun gun in place for up to two seconds, you will cause some loss of muscle control and leave your target disoriented. They may be confused enough to back away from you and have a hard time gaining traction to come back for a fight.

Any shock greater than 3 seconds will cause loss of balance and decrease your attacker’s ability to control their muscles. The electrical current hones in on the bodies’ musculoskeletal system, so the longer the charge, the more vulnerable the muscles become. Interrupting the conversation between the brain and muscles leaves an attacker unable to get themselves off the ground, let alone pursue you as you flee.

Keep in mind, 3 seconds engaged with an opponent could feel like an eternity. With a strong stun gun, you may not need that much time to break away and get to safety.

Are There Lasting Physical Effects?

Considering you are effectively electrocuting someone with a stun gun, it’s easy to understand the discomfort around possible lasting effects of a stun gun. These weapons have undergone countless tests over many years. All results have shown no known lasting negative physical or psychological damage to subjects who have been shocked by a stun gun.

The electrical current is stopped as soon as you pull your stun gun away from your attacker. While it may take them up to several minutes to fully regain their senses and muscle control, all systems do return to normal once you’ve eliminated the charge. Muscles will be tired and sore but not damaged in any way.

Do I Need A License To Carry A Stun Gun?

Most states have little to no laws regulating the carry or use of stun guns for self defense. You should check both your state and local enforcement laws before purchasing a stun gun or carrying one out of your home state. There are a few states, New York, Rhode Island, and Hawaii where stun guns are expressly prohibited by anyone other than law enforcement personnel, peace officers, or other such named individuals.

A handful of states do allow stun guns within certain guidelines. You may need to register your stun gun with your local authorities, possess a CPL permit, or be at or above a certain age to own one.

Violations of stun gun laws can be quite serious and expensive. Make a point to study regulations before committing to a stun gun for self defense.

How Do I Choose A Stun Gun?

Your size, confidence level, and how you’d like to carry your stun gun should all be assessed when you are shopping for the right model. They come as small as keychains and as large as batons. Smaller units are easier to conceal and carry in your jacket or pants pocket. Larger models are more intimidating at first blush and could deter an attacker without having to use it on them.

Read product and company reviews and look for comments from people who are your age or gender, or using their stun gun in the same way you will. This will ensure you can confidently use it when you are in a dangerous situation.

Stun guns are unique, powerful self defense weapons that can be used by anyone. Used properly they can have powerful yet non-lethal effects on someone several times your size. Being able to confidently answer, “What does a stun gun do to the human body?” is one step toward being a competent stun gun owner.

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