Stun Gun. Should ya? Would ya? Could ya?

The following is information that I posted on one of my other blogs called "SFI". I am re-posting it here because it is applicable to the theme of this blog and quite frankly it is pretty useful information for somebody thinking about getting a Stun Gun.

"A stun gun is a hand-held electronic device that produces a high-voltage pulse that can immobilize a person for several minutes with no permanent damage in most cases. It is powered by ordinary batteries, which supply power to a circuit containing transformers, oscillators, capacitors, and electrodes. The transformers increase the voltage in the circuit to between 20,000 and 150,000 V and reduce the current proportionally. The oscillators fluctuate the current to produce a specific pulse frequency, and the current charges the capacitors. Pressing the electrodes to a person's body releases high-voltage electrical energy at a frequency pattern designed to interfere with the neurological impulses that travel through the human body to control voluntary muscle movement. The use of stun guns has been associated with death in some cases, typically when the person gun was used on has taken drugs or has a pre-existing heart condition. The degree to which the stun gun may have contributed to the deaths is unclear."

The description that you read above was posted in a site called the Columbia Encyclopedia. Is it accurate? As accurate as we need for this topic.

The perfect world application of the Pepper Spray also applies to this gadget. The big difference is that you have to actually be close enough to your attacker to touch the device to the attackers body. Ideally the exposed skin.

The stun gun has actually gained notoriety as the weapon of choice for muggers and rapists. There was even an expert that believed that Jonbenet Ramsey was first stunned by one of these devices before being raped then murdered.

In the real world what could possibly go wrong?

1. Did you even bring it?
2. Can you find it in the bottom of your bag?
3. Do you know how to work it?
4. When was the last time you changed the batteries?
5. What is the weather where you are at? If it is winter, the attacker may have several layers of clothing on in addition to a thick winter coat. Thus requiring that you touch skin.
6. If the current is not applied correctly, the attacker may become enraged thus magnifying the threat.
7. etc. etc. etc.

Like anything else the outcome is what you will it to be. You must first have the will to make the outcome what you want.
Is this gadget effective? Let's first ask, "Are you? "