| Self defense weapons fall into two broad categories: | | | | tearing with the eyes actually shutting down, |
| lethal and non lethal. Many people have a hard time | | | | coughing and choking. It is nasty stuff indeed. |
| justifying using lethal force even in the face of mortal | | | | Pepper Spray has been found to be especially |
| danger. It just seems to go against their belief | | | | effective against animals like bears, mountain lions, |
| system. | | | | and dogs. The U.S. Postal Service has all of its carriers |
| Enter the non lethal alternative which at its' roots has | | | | carry pepper spray-pretty good endorsement! |
| been around forever. Spices and pepper in bags were | | | | Stun self defense weapons consist of stun guns and |
| used by the Chinese literally thousands of years ago | | | | TASERs. |
| as the first kind of chemical weapons then thrown at | | | | A stun gun has a trigger (button) and two or more |
| their enemies. In 1864 Germans used tear gas for | | | | metal prongs at the end of the unit that when |
| the first time. | | | | activated sends up to 1.2 million volts to the assailant |
| Today we have advanced from bags of pepper and | | | | causing a disruption in the body's neurological impulses. |
| spices, sticks, stone catapults and spears to much | | | | This makes the assailant lose balance and become |
| more sophisticated methods of self defense. | | | | confused. The assailant will be unable to move for |
| Nowadays self defense weapons fall into two | | | | about 3-10 minutes because his blood sugar is |
| categories-stun and non stun weapons. | | | | depleted. Stun guns are 86 % effective. |
| Non Stun Self Defense Weapons. | | | | TASERS use EMD (electro-muscular disruption) |
| These would include batons/telescoping batons and | | | | technology which sends an 18-26 watt electrical signal |
| pepper sprays. Batons are most often used by police | | | | that completely overrides the central nervous system |
| or military for crowd control. Bouncers use them too. | | | | which controls muscle function. |
| Pepper sprays are perhaps the most common self | | | | A TASER can stop the most highly trained and |
| defense weapons on the market today. They are | | | | aggressive of combatants. In police studies it has a |
| popular because of their price and effectiveness. | | | | higher instant incapacitation rate than a 9mm hand |
| They are easy to carry and conceal (many can be | | | | gun. They are 100% effective. |
| disguised) making them very popular with women. | | | | Remember a self defense weapon is meant to give |
| Pepper sprays are still used by law enforcement and | | | | you time to get away from a dangerous situation. |
| military. | | | | They are not meant to injure or maim-they just |
| Anyone who tells you pepper spray doesn't work is | | | | won't/can't do that. |
| not being honest. Unless the assailant is on drugs or | | | | If you are in the market for a self defense product |
| drunk, pepper spray has a 75% effectiveness rating. | | | | look for quality, effectiveness, and a |
| The biggest problem with pepper spray is outdoor | | | | biggie-LEGALITY. Stun guns and tasers are not legal |
| wind which can take it off target. | | | | in some states. Check with your local police |
| Pepper spray causes the attacker to have shortness | | | | department first before you get one. |
| of breathe, temporary blindness due to excessive | | | | |