For one, stun guns do not shoot anything work only on direct contact. The probes located on the stun gun must be in contact with the assailant's body; while the Taser can be used against an attacker from up to 15 feet away from the victim. This is done by shooting two electrical darts up to a range of 15 feet. The darts are still connected to the unit by wires that conduct the electrical current into the assailant's body when the trigger is depressed.

There are other significant differences between the two such as; you only have one shot per cartridge with the Taser. After using your one shot, the unit can then only be used as a contact device or the cartridge has to be changed. On the other hand, a stun gun can be used as many times as you need it to and with today's technology, they only require one to two seconds or less of contact.

Another difference of note would be that Taser is a brand name. They are a publicly traded company (TASR: Nasdaq) that was founded in September 1993 and is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. On the other hand, stun guns are manufactured mostly in Asia with the majority imported from South Korea and China.

Each work similarly by taking a small amount of input voltage from the battery and increasing the voltage by use of capacitors to construct a large quantity of output voltage. Although, the output voltage is very powerful, it is not lethal as it is very low in amperage (less than 4 milliamps in most cases).

Each incapacitate the assailant in a similar way, which is by causing the muscles affected to contract painfully ,as well as, disrupting the nervous system. During the event, the body is also releasing a large amount of lactic acid into the system. The overall experience can be compared somewhat to getting a cramp, however this would be like no cramp you have ever experienced before and it would occur over a larger portion of the body. The effects last from a couple of minutes up to 15 minutes and no permanent damage is done, though there may be small burn marks or puncture wounds where the unit contacts the skin.

Though there are many differences between a stun gun and a Taser, there are similarities as well. The way they incapacitate the assailant is similar and the size and convenience of each is comparable. Both are legal in most all of the United States and do not require a license or permit to own or carry.

Both have many obvious benefits and are highly effective. On comparison a simple differentia of the two boils down to one shoots and the other one does not. While this is significant, the most noticeable difference may be the cost. A Taser C2 costs up to $350.00 and come with 2 non-reusable cartridges (replacement cartridges cost around $40.00). Most stun guns are around $50.00 and do not require any kind of cartridges. The only thing that has to replaced is the battery which is a standard alkaline battery.

Considering the very significant difference in price, a stun gun may be the more reasonable solution for most individuals and will provide them with a highly effective and powerful self defense too that they can afford. However upon a side by side review of each, the Taser would be the better option due to the fact that it offers two self defense solutions. A proven and powerful defense that can be applied from a distance of up to 15 feet ,as well as, a contact device that can be applied in close quarters or after the cartridge is used. With the added element of a built in laser sight to ensure a good aim, the Taser is the better option for most people, if cost was not an issue.

Choosing between the two would certainly be a personal preference and a financial consideration but either one is a highly effective tool used for self defense and may very well save your life.