Tasers...Opinions?

http://www.taser.org/m18l.html


I'm looking at purchasing this for both home and vehicle defense. Anyone have one, or have experience with one? Is it worth it? It has a lifetime warranty.


A little background:

Last Tuesday, I gave some money to a guy, being nice, in light of the holidays. I handed it through my passenger window. The guy then proceeded to unlock my door and hopped in, spouting how he was a gangsta, etc etc, and wanted me to "back him up" and drive him to see his friends. In an alley.

Yeah, not likely.

In short, he got out, without any physical ramifications, but the situation could have gone so many different directions, it isn't funny. I've taken various martial arts and feel fairly proficient with defending myself, but nothing can prepare you for a struggle inside a vehicle, or against someone else with a weapon. If someone is willing to hop in your car, who knows what else they are stupid enough to do.

I'm looking at the Taser for a couple of reasons. First, I don't know if I can even legally own a a firearm, due to past, ah...yeah the past (chances are I can, but I haven't checked yet). Secondly, if I do get a firearm, if I pull it out, I'd take no chances, I would pull the trigger promptly. I don't want to kill anyone, and I certainly don't want to face the judge and jury on the matter, although its preferable to a coffin. I'm not looking to scare someone off, I'm looking to take them down, but not neccessarily out.

I was also looking at a Stun Baton, but those only throw out 300k volts, and depend on contact time with attacker as to the extent of the disabling power. Even then, there is a good chance it will totally incapacitate them. I looked into Mace as well, but heard of some stories where some people on certain drugs aren't phased by it. As well, in a car, I have to breathe that crap too.

Lastly, my wife could use it for the home. The laser sights would be a boon for her, especially at night. We have an alarm, but hey, who is gonna come to the house when the alarm goes off, other than the cops? Even then, they wont come immediatly unless you hit the silent alarm code, which wont be a possibility in most cases.

The price seems high, until you compare it with the price of a good handgun, and I'd spend nearly the same, either way.

 

$600?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? looks just like what police use. i wish i could get one of them so i dont have to carry my hand gun around when i am on my 3-wheeler or in the woods. so to make this short yes that looks like a good buy you might want to look around to find yourself a cheaper one

 

The price of a decent gun. *shrug*

 

My Aunt has/had one of those little handheld doo-dads (looks like stud finder) and she used it once and it took 300lb man to the ground!! He came up behind her in a parking lot!!

Roger

 

Thats comforting. Do you know how long the effects lasted?

 

For starters (incase you didn't know) you can only hold it on them for 3-5 seconds (maybe more maybe less, not 100% sure) without causing permanent damage, but...like I said...it took him to the ground, and he layed there for something like a minute or two, shook it off, and as she was getting her cell phone out...he SLOWLY got up and stumbled away, backwards!!!!

But....as the guy that trained her how to use it....strongly emphasized that the longer you can keep it in contact with them, is directly relavent to how long they are on the ground!! But you have to be very careful not to do it too long, because it is possible to cause irreversable damage!! However....just like anything else...if you hit a dude that is high on crack, or something to that effect...you might have to work at it a bit longer!!

Roger

 

Ok. The model I am looking at, and possibly all civillian models wont hold the charge for more than 5 seconds. If it only lasts a minute or two...well thats enough for what I need.

 

I have always thought when watching Cops on TV, if I was in law enforcement I would rather have a taser than a gun. These boogers know you can't shoot them most of the time, why not carry something you can use.

I think it's a good idea.

Steve

 

Adrynalyne, you can get a handgun that is very suitable to concealed carry for <=$600. Check out Styer firearms out of Austria -- very similar to the ever popular Glock, but with a safety separate from the trigger and external chamber notification.

But if you want a taser, I have seen a few models that fire electrodes up to ~15 yards or so and stick in your attackers clothing/skin. The current goes on for several minutes depending on the model you get. The voltage is somewhat less, but you can set the taser down while it is still disabling your attacker and get out of dodge.

Personally, I carry a handgun in the car at most times (with a concealed carry permit) and on my person if the situation dictates -- though that is very rare. So I understand your position about pulling a handgun; if anyone ever puts me in a situation where they see that I have it, it will be the last thing they see.

 

I saw something on TV about "non lethal weapons" which included something that would shoot this horrible smelling stuff allover the criminal, and this other gun that would shoot something like a hard plastic disk that would knock the guy down, but not kill him. It was very interesting, and an idea whose time has come, especially since so many are concerned with gun control, etc. Seems a very viable alternative to lethal weapons, and would still get the job done. Oh, just remembered another one that was sort of like Great Stuff that would basically swallow the criminal up with foam, and make it impossible to move, kind of like in The Incredibles.....hope it wouldn's suffocate the guy, that could be bad!
Wish I could watch the show again, but here's a few links I found....slightly off topic....
http://www.wanttoknow.info/noisegun
http://www.impactlab.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3011
http://www.corporateswine.net/jaycor.html (disclaimer: I do not support this website, I only found it by googling and wanted the non-lethal weapons info. )
http://www.harpers.org/WhenKillingJustWontDo.html

 

um shooting a firearm inside your car, probably not a good idea. A taser would be safe to use inside a car. In the case of the man jumping in your car, im sure he would get the heck outta the car if you zapped him one time real good, depending on how well he could move thereafter, you may just have to shove him out.

 

Would like to add my own thoughts to this thread. For home defense, I would use a 38 caiber revolver with hollow point bullets, regular load, or the shortest barreled 12 guage shotgun that I could find.

Inside a vehicle, I would favor the Taser for many reasons. It doesn't mess up your interior when used and doesn't kill the unwanted person in your vehicle, which could bring up legal questions and lawsuits by relatives, if the deceased doesn't have a weapon on his/her person.

But with both there are problems due to the constrained space in todays vehicles. Any attacker could prevent you from using any device and possibly turn it against you. The best defense is to keep your windows rolled up and your doors locked at all times.

As for home defense, any unwanted intruder is fair game.

 

Thank God, I live in Cairns.

38's with hollowpoints, short barrelled shotguns, what next? Bazza

 

All excellent points, thanks

 

Sounds like a frightening experience. I'd go with the tazer. I, personaly, don't like guns.

 

Like you said before...with a tazer gun, you are less likely to do something that you will regret or have nightmares about later!!!!

Roger

 

Hey Guys,

Well here is an area I have expierence in(20yrs in a dojo) and all I can say is this
depending the person you are up against a taser is a great close in wepon. I guess the key word is CLOSE IN. If you are already close enough for a taser to be used chances are the situation is bad and all one can do is hope it dose not get worse. The problem with tasers is on of two things commonly go wrong.
Alot of people under-estimate their attackers, most people engaged in this kind of behavior are either under the influence of some sort of mind altering chemicals or are professionals. If they are pros chances are the taser is going to be taken away and 9 out of 10 times used against you(so please dont be foolish and give it to your wife!) Even if you get the one that fires two charged darts certain clothing can prevent them from ever penetrating to the skin(these are the model most law enforcement officers use) My wife carries a .22 and takes classes(this takes a certain type of person and should not be taken lightly) In the case of someone being under the influence the majority are armed in some way and you know what that can lead to! If ego isn't a factor then running is the best option. most of the time you can tell if someone is armed by just taking a quick look at them. Tasers are only useful if you are expierenced in self defense! I might also add that tasers only put down about half the people their used against(for one reason or another)If the tables were turned and a taser were used against me I would welcome it rather than a knife or a gun they just are not a reliable deterrent
As for a gun just do what you said and don't hesitate, oh and be prepared to have some bail money!

 

To sum it up. Taser will stop the bad guy, but not always. Pistol will stop the bad guy period. Will also do the same to YOU if he manages to take it away from you. If pulled and pointed BEFORE the bad guy gets within arm's reach, gun will be recognized every time and bad guy will depart post hast. He may not recognize a taser and you may have to shoot him. NEITHER ONE will do you a bit of good unless it's in your hand when the confrontation occurs, and storage will be an issue. Safety also for the innocents that might nose around and find it; less of an issue with a taser, but a kid could easily put out an eye or knock out a tooth, along with knocking somebody out unintentionally.

BUT. The bottom line in safety is not to let the bad guy even attempt to get into the car. Don't stop for random down & outers. Many of them aren't down & out; they're professional pan-handlers, some of the more successful ones make more money than you do. Some are crooks that you don't EVEN want to meet personally. Don't stop. Donate to local charities and shelters, but DON'T give money to the panhandlers.

When you have to stop for a stop-light or other traffic, always leave enough room between your car and the one in front to turn and leave. Try to have an escape route, either through the grass/over the curb/whatever, or into the oncoming traffic lane. Even if you can't LEAVE, having some moving room can keep them from attempting your door. And be alert and aware of what's around you; particularly what's behind you. You can have a full-auto Uzi tucked down beside you and it won't do any good if the bad guy surprises you with HIS gun.

 

You must live in a small town

 

50 years in Chicago metro and 5 years in/around Memphis (~ million in the Memphis metro area).

It's not always possible to have an escape route, but it IS always possible to leave a half car lenght ahead of you. Nothing is perfect, but improving your odds whenever possible is better than living with your head up your butt until bad things happen.

Carjacking in Memphis is more popular than football, and the zip code where I work has the highest rate of carjackings in Memphis. I take driving very seriously.

 

As someone who carrys a Taser on a daily basis, all I can tell you is that they work quite well most of the time. Occasionally they fail for various reasons mostly because of being too close, too far, or hitting an area of the body without enough nerve / muscle mass. I personally still would rather go "hands on" before using any other weapon. I have had good success with them though.

 

Guns can also miss, and hit innocent bystanders.

I think the taser is a smart option. But why not have two? Get a pepper spray as well. That way, even if you miss, or get disarmed, you'll be like "Adreno-man part II, bitch!"

 

ROFL, thought about that, then realized, in a car, I'd have to breathe that crap too.

 

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/beanier/blow.jpg

 

Lol...

 

On a technical note, guns don't miss. People who can't aim straight miss Just thought I'd clear that up!

 

Good grief.

If you want to get technical, guns don't hit innocent bystanders either.

Bullets do.

 

OR....you could even debate neither of the above apply....innocent bystanders get in the way of a well directed gun/bullet

 

OR...

You could say people don't miss either. The target just wasn't where they were aiming at the time.

 

Yup...buy the taser...it's much safer