Tasers’ Role in Self Defense

Tasers’ Role in Self Defense
By Paige Mc Quay
Modern day technology has improved self defense weaponry almost to the level of a science fiction movie. In fact, from what I saw recently on the Discovery Channel, anything you’ve seen in Star Wars isn’t too far behind, if it isn’t here already. Long gone are the days when, as you are snuggling up in bed, you suddenly hear a strange noise downstairs. Reluctantly, you grab your nine-iron from your golf bag, and slowly creep around, hoping to find that it was the cat, or at least that whoever it was is already gone.

These days, keep your clubs in the bag. There is a much better, and safer, solution. Tonight you can reach for your Taser, securely sneak downstairs in hopes of surprising Mr. Badguy, zap him, and call 9-1-1. From about 15 feet away, no less. This is a very real, much safer, possibility, thanks to the Taser.

I am often asked which my weapon of choice for self defense is. Frankly, I prefer a shotgun in my home, and a handgun away. That has much to do with my training and experience, however. I’ve been a police officer for thirteen years, and I have been a member of our department SWAT team for eight. For the average citizen, there is no doubt in my mind that there is no more effective, more reliable, and safe tool to defend oneself than the Taser.

Many people in society have a negative view of the Taser. Their opinions are often based upon biased video footage from the internet, or stories they have heard through the media. I have personally used the Taser several times, and have been present several dozens of times, during the deployment of a Taser. Not once did any type of permanent injury or death occur as a result. In fact, had the Taser not been applied, injury was much more likely to happen. During a physical struggle, both the officer and suspect may sustain injury. Or, worse yet, lethal force may be necessary. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, the Taser both prevents injuries, and saves lives.

And then there are the anti-gun folks. If you are anti-gun, fine. The Taser is not a firearm. The Taser uses compressed nitrogen to project two small probes up to 15 feet away or up to 35 feet for law enforcement. An electrical impulse is sent through the wires to the probes. When the probes make contact with the body, or clothing, there is an immediate loss of neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse. There is no bullet. No recoil. No loud bang. No permanent injury or death. No bleeding, other than when the two probes are removed. By the way, the probes are similar to long, straight, fish hooks, so a band aid will do fine. That’s it.

In fact, you might say that a Taser may be more effective than a handgun, in one way. If you are well trained in firearms, hunt, or go to a range often, you might shoot well enough to hit your target. But, are you confident that you will be as accurate under the stress of coming face to face with an intruder in your home? Or at the ATM? Do you even have a permit to carry a concealed gun?? For a bullet to stop a threat, you need that accuracy. With a Taser, when both of those two probes hit a bad guy anywhere on his body or clothing, you have nailed your target. The training required to understand and operate a Taser is minimal. Extensive firearms training is an absolute must to understand and use a gun.

Given the ever increasing threat of being assaulted or worse, I highly recommend taking steps to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones. The first step you might consider is picking up what I consider perhaps the most effective, and non-lethal tool on the market, a Taser. Think about it, if the police use them everyday, why wouldn’t you? Tasers and taser replacement cartridges can be a part of a non lethal, very effective self defense plan.

Find personal protection and self defense information at Self Defense HQ. Paige McQuay is a police officer well trained in weaponry and over a decade of experience in local enforcement in the State of California. Paige is happy to answer your questions on weapons and self protection on his blog.