Should I buy a taser or a stun gun for personal protection?

Question

There has been a spike in sexual assaults near my college campus, so I have decided that I want to buy either a taser or a stun gun to carry with me to/from class, dinner with friends, etc. I understand the difference between the two, but I'm not sure which I should buy. Suggestions?

Answer 1

I rather like the pepper spray idea, although it will take some time to stop an attack.

The K I S S principle applies - Keep It Simple,Stupid.

Any way to add a decent knife to your gear?

Answer 2

This also would depend on how much money would would like to spend.  A taser gun will cost about $300 plus depending on which model you get.  A sun gun will cost about $15 plus depending on which one you get.  Taser's do not come in that many sizes, stun guns come in all different sizes.  You can get one small enough to carry in a purse or pocket.  They also have some that look like cell phones and this makes them very easy to carry around.  Pepper spray is also very inexpensive and easy to carry around without to much attention.  You can find all these items at http://www.safetyprotectiontechnology.co...

Answer 3

Stun gun, Be sure to use  it for other purposes such as letting it go through a metal piece of furniture your friend is leaning on.

Answer 4

First off, the two are completely different in what they accomplish.  They are also both different in use and costs.  A Stun gun is cheaper and can be used mulitple times.  But it only inflicts pain in the area that you stun the person.  A TASER is way more effective in what it accomplishes.  It will completely incapacitate the person, no matter if they are under the influence of drug.  The problem is, the civilian version only allows one shot.  If you miss, that's it! If they are wearing baggy clothes, the probes may not penatrate.  That is a big risk.  Plus the TASER is very, very expensive.  I would always recommend that you carry some type of Pepper Spray.  But remember, the pepper spray can take up to 30 seconds before the person feels any pain.  And if they are under the influence of a drug or alcohol, they might not be affected by the pepper spray.  Also, there is always a chance of cross-contamination on yourself.  So, plenty of things to think about.  If you want to spend the money, I would vote for the Stun Gun....... multiple use and pain.  Just make sure you can get away!

Answer 5

TASER. A TASER gives you the option of stand off distance or direct contact. Be aware though that a TASER is not effective if there are multiple assailants, nor is it a replacement for a firearm. If you can however, get a firearm (make sure you learn how to use it & practice reguraly).

- David.

Answer 6

I'd say a hand gun .

Answer 7

I carry a stun gun.  

The one I carry is small and will fit into your pocket.  This is a link to a web site you can order it from: http://www.betterhomesecurity.com/_Small...

It's small, but it's got some bite.  Just make sure you change the batteries every so often. Even if you don't use it....the batteries will get weak with time and that will decrease the strength of it.

Answer 8

A taser requires you to be able to aim under stress.  A stun gun requres that you know some about hand to hand combat becasue there are effective poitn to strike that you will need the ability to fight.

so, it is up to your ability.  personally, I'd go for some police quality pepper spray (it'll cost you about 15 bucks), a few inert ones so you get used to the way it sprays, and a pair of gym shoes.  If you have the ability to hit someone effectively with a stun gun, I'd say add that to your arsenal as well.

Any way you choose, self defense classes would be a plus.

I would also suggest a hand gun, but I doubt that your state allows you to carry on campus.

Answer 9

Not much to add to the excellent answers.

Tasers have a near 100% take down rate but prices start at $300 on up.

For $100 or less you can get a powerful hand size stun gun, a great pepper spray and I would also recommend a personal alarm that makes lots of noise (more than 110 db).

Assailants don't count on any resistance so at first sign of trouble use the personal alarm to draw lots of attention, then the pepper spray and lastly the stun gun.

Sometimes the sight and sound of a charging stun gun is enough to scare the bad guys away.

It is true that if the assailant is drunk or on drugs the pepper spray and stun gun may not work.

Good luck.

Answer 10

Pepper spray is going to be your most effective option and most inexpensive. Stun gun I would not bother with the voltage doesn't matter and don't let anyone fool you. I watched an instructor at our academy hold a stun gun to his throat and still be able to teach class its a joke and easily fought through if someones determined. The taser is a much better choice because its the amps that matter and its not a pain compliance tool to be fought through it screws up the bodies communication with the muscles but its only going to give them a five second tase and can only be used on one target, the pepper spray will burn for a quite a while and it can be used on multiple people just try not to tangle with them physically after you spray them otherwise you will get cross contaminated which sucks as well. If you get Freeze +P CS/OC spray it has a UV dye in it that last for 24 hours and they'll never know its on their face which means it can help the police find the person later if he takes off.