Tasers and stun guns, they’re the same thing right?
 
While you may hear the names taser and stun gun used interchangeably, they are actually different weapons.   
 
A taser deploys prongs from a distance and sends the current through the prongs and into the target, which completes the circuit.
 
A stun gun must be used in closed contact to your assailant. . 
 
Police tasers and civilian tasers operate differently.  The police version has an effective range of roughly 30 feet, while the civilian variant has about half the range.  The civilian taser current is effective for up to 30 secs.; this can give you enough time to get away.  The police taser is good for about 5 seconds, enough time for a trained officer or professional, to approach and control the suspect. 
 
The first step in deciding between a stun gun and a taser should be to learn your local laws. Some states bar civilians from owning tasers and some bar civilians from owning stun guns.  Some areas may ban both. Check your local laws prior to deciding on either.

Let’s assume your area allows you to consider both; then the question is do you opt for a taser that offers distance, or the surety offered by the stun gun?  For the taser to be fully effective, both prongs must make contact and be embedded in the target. . If a prong misses or gets caught in clothing, the taser won’t administer the current, and your target is still standing. 
 
If you’re not willing to accept this risk, a stun gun offers a more sure method of incapacitation.  In some situations the mere threat of being tased or stunned is enough to deter a would be assailant. 
 
My personal recommendation,  should your area allow you to own one, is a taser. While the price tag is more hefty, the advantage of maintaining some distance from the target will allow you avenues of escape. Being within grasping range of an assailant is more dangerous, especially if the stun gun does not have the desired effect.
 
This ends our series of non-lethal self-defense weapons.  In conclusion I hope you can see that all of these weapons have viability, depending on the laws in your area.
 
Your knowledge on the use of multiple methods of self-defense is your best defense!  A firearm, pepper spray a taser or even a key chain knuckle on your person allows tiered responses to various threats as well as options for various locations. 
 
If someone is menacing you but hasn’t yet done something to be a threat to your life or the lives of your loved ones, pepper spray is viable.  If you’re somewhere where you’re not sure of your backdrop, which eliminates the safe use of a firearm, a taser might be the appropriate measure.  Check all local and state laws prior to buying a non lethal, and if you’re going on vacation, check the state and local laws of your destination.
 
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As we continue in our series of non-lethal self defense, let’s explore the use of Batons.  Batons are a fairly obvious and straightforward non-lethal option, and yet as with all, weapons there are some pros and cons to consider.

This weapon is more likely to be carried off-the-body, in something like a backpack or purse.
 
The sizes of the batons and the materials in which they are made have a great deal to do with their effectiveness. So while a baton can be intuitive and can massively compound the striking force of the user on their target, much of a successful outcome depends on the size of the baton and what it is made of.

Many of the concealable batons are retractable and constructed of lightweight materials. While this may be a plus for carrying the baton around, it can become a minus if you find yourself in a situation, because a light-weight baton may not provide enough striking power to stop an assailant or it may bend/warp/break or simply not hold up for enough strikes to allow you to get out of harm’s way.  
 
Do your research. Multiple companies make expandable batons, and their weights and construction vary.  When selecting a baton as a nonlethal weapon, you need to determine the value in the tradeoff between weight and strength. Your decision could be the different between successfully defending yourself or not. 
 
Just keep in mind, while heavier batons may not be as easy to carry, they are usually stronger and are more likely to retain their shape for more powerful and effective strikes.
 
Speaking of strikes, even though the baton may appear to be a simple weapon, it can be callous in the injury it can produce.  In trying to free yourself from a situation, aim your strikes for joints and for the torso.

And remember, SDTG is available for advice, training and consultation.  #AreYouDefenseReady? is a question we always want you to be confident in answering. 

Follow this link to Connect with us today and start building your defense strategy with firearms training or with more advice on non-lethal defense solutions

Keychain knuckles are the contemporary variant of a blast from the past, the brass knuckles. 
 
As with its older counterpart, "keychain knuckles" use your own body’s mechanics to inflict damage on an attacker. 
 
These knuckles are manufactured using either metal, stiff polymers or a dense plastic.  They fit in your hand and have holes for your fingers to slip through like in the example shown, and some have grooves on the sides for your fingers to fit in for a better purchase (more secure)

Keychain Knuckle devices are fairly innocuous. Some may even make it past TSA (The Transportation Security Administration)….which I am not recommending!  They are good during the summer when the attire may not allow the carrying of anything on the body.  Most are fairly light, weighing around 5 ounces or so.  Some are heavier, especially if they are made of metal.

So what are the negatives? To be effective, you’d need to be in close proximity, and having to be in a head-on confrontation may not be the best, depending on your circumstances.  Still, if you can throw a punch, you’ll be able to use these effectively. 
 
Some Keychain Knuckles, (structured like the example shown), have “ears” or prongs that allow for slashing and puncturing.  In preparation for using Keychain Knuckles, I recommend heading to a local flea market, or better yet, your local gun show to gain some experience on the look and feel . Slip one on and test the way it feels in your hands.
 
You want to ensure the Keychain Knuckles you select fit comfortably, and not too bulky or too heavy.  I recommend taking a striking class if you intend on purchasing these. The better and more effective your standard punch is.  The more damage you can do to your opponent without suffering as much yourself.

In closing, as with all weapons, look up the legalities in your area.  Some jurisdictions may declare Keychain Knuckles’  illegal, while others may allow use.  Be sure to check the laws of places you’re traveling to as well, as they may have more restrictive laws than your state.
 
As always, SDTG is here to offer you advice and guidance.  We’ll help you create a unique plan to work with your lifestyle.  Just connect with us.