There are many options out there should you decide to protect yourself by use of a non-lethal weapon or a self-defense weapon. One of the most common weapons or items for self defense is the stun gun. True to its name, the stun gun is used to temporarily stun or paralyze the attacker in order to escape.

It must be reminded that such weapons are used only to protect oneself and not used to purposely hurt or cause undue harm. The effects of such weapons, such as the stun gun, is dependent on the health of the person receiving the stun.

The stun gun is a electro-shock weapon which utilizes electric shock to render the person incapacitated by disturbing the muscle functions. Electo-shock weapons such as stun guns use high voltage but low current so that no permanent or very serious harm is caused.

If a person comes into contact with electro-shock weapons for a half-second, it will be enough to surprise the person and give some pain and contraction of the muscle. One to two seconds will cause the person in contact with the weapon to experience muscle spasms and confuse the mental state. A shock of more than 3 seconds can lead to a loss of muscle control and balance. It also causes confusion and disorientation.

How exactly does a stun gun works? Well, the target of the stun gun is the nervous system. Its electrical discharge with low current but high voltage will cause some disturbance in the muscle-triggers and responses. The high pulse frequency will cause a surge of energy into the muscles quickly. There will be blood sugar depletion as it will be turned into lactic acid. These series of effects causes the muscle disorientation and uncontrolled movements.

There are body areas said to be more prone to such shocks such as the upper shoulder, below the rib cage, and the upper hip.

The stun gun does not cause electricity to pass through the person and transfer it to another. The electrical shock of the self-defense weapon is localized only in the area where it was applied. Standing in water or wearing wet clothes also should not have an effect on the person to which the stun gun is used and also to the person who is using the stun gun.

Before you get any kind of self-defense weapon, please make sure that carrying it is legal. You don't want to use it without realizing that using such items could cause you to serve jail time even if it's what not really your fault. The stun gun is perfect for those looking to protect themselves from thieves and assailants.

Most of the States in the United States allow the carrying of non-lethal weapons. But there is always some exception. It is best to check with the local government is there is such a hindrance to using your self defense weapon. It would be annoying if you had spent money to buy one and your state does not allow its use.