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| Tasers? yep.. (Photo credit: number657) |
DISCLAIMER - This is a non-political site that is geared to help writers write it right. I am presenting information to help develop fictional characters and fictional scenes. In no way am I advocating any position or personal decision.
In the beginning there was a Taser and a stun gun. And while they come from the same family of electric self defense weapons they are not at all alike.
Many writers will use the terms interchangeably.
Who would carry and electric self defense weapon?
This weapon can fit with any character over the age of 18.
Is it even legal to carry this type of weapon?
For the most part the answer is yes. Though check your characters' state codes. This link takes you to a state by state review of applicable laws.
So what is the difference between the two weapons?
The Stun Gun
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| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
*A stun gun is a brute force weapon. You must make personal contact with
your assailant.
* Though the prongs DO NOT need to make direct skin contact.
* The contact that is required is LONG 2-3 secondsto be precise. While this doesn't sound too bad.
Think about the last time you were waiting for your
microwave to ding. I know!
Now imagine those 2-3 seconds while someone is
stabbing you or even punching you.
* 2 seconds can cause muscle spasms and a state
of shock lasting up to fifteen minutes - enough to
get away. 5 seconds is best.
stabbing you or even punching you.
* 2 seconds can cause muscle spasms and a state
of shock lasting up to fifteen minutes - enough to
get away. 5 seconds is best.
* The current will not transfer to you even if you are
grabbing at each other
grabbing at each other
* Water is not a problem even if you are standing in water.
How does it work?
On the packaging, the manufacturer will indicate the voltage. It is not the voltage though that makes the difference it is the pulse rate frequency.
Yes, the more volts the better, but the pulse rate determines the gun's power to put an attacker down. You see, it's the frequency rate that disrupts the neural pathways in the body - and believe it or not it's a sugar thing. As the electricity pulses the muscles, they produce lactic acid and consume the glucose causing the loss of muscle control (like a Type1Diabetic seizure). Your character should look for at least 100k volts to ensure enough pulse power to be effective.
The Taser
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| English: Police issue X26 TASER (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
*A Taser is a distance weapon.
*You can use this weapon from fifteen feet (5 meters)
* The Taser works by shooting out tiny metal probes that embed
in the flesh. These probes are attached to wires that connect to the Taser unit.
* A Taser is HIGHLY RELIABLE and HIGHLY EFFICIENT
* It works by interrupting the communication between the muscles
and the brain, effectively attacking the central nervous system. This interruption continues as long as the electricity is administered.
Unlike Stephanie Plum in the Janet Evanovich novels, electrical weaponry no longer depends on batteries but is plugged into the wall to charge overnight like a phone.
Also, if you are looking for plot twists - some of the stun guns have a probe in the bottom that attaches to the lanyard around the wrist. If the attacker tries to take the weapon, as it is pulled away from the victim, the pin releases and the weapon is no longer operational. But some do not have this safety.
Electric weapons are effective on sub-creatures including Vampire, Werewolves, and Zombies - but do not have an effect on phantoms or ghosts.
Perhaps your heroine wants to be clever and arm herself with a camouflaged electric weapon - try these on and see if they serve:
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Cell Phone Stun Gun (1:48)
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| . (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Lipstick Stun Gun (1:49)
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| Electric weapon (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| Advanced M26 TASER Stun Pistol - The United States military version of commercial TASERs for non-lethal detainment. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
VIDEO QUICK STUDY
Video - Taser v. Knife (1:05)
The Taser Explained (7:05) Shows an experiment where a man was able to overcome the Taser showing
that it is not fail safe.
Female review and demonstration of flashlight/stun gun (3:42)
Why a stun gun isn't fabo. (8:19) Excellent descriptions and explanations.
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