A stun gun to have in the house for peace of mind. Is this crazy?

[Lex]

I *don't* want a regular gun in my house for a variety of reasons.

However, I'm considering getting a stun gun (a just-in-case thing--better than a baseball bat) or a walk in the evening in my neighborhood (mostly safe, but it is has had a mugging or two).

Anyone know the real pros or cons of this idea?

I found this website that sells them
http://www.pepper-spray.net/stunguns.html

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. The problem with them is that you have to get right up to the person

who is attacking you (unless it's a taser, which has wires). I have also heard that stun guns are not always effective on a person who is high on a drug like meth. A "real" gun, expecially a shotgun, is obviously more effective and in some ways would be safer for you because it can be used from a distance. Also, if an intruder hears the distinctive sound of a shotgun being racked, that can be enough to scare him off. I can understand why you wouldn't want one around, though, because there definitely are dangers involved. I've got one (was burglarized twice), but I don't have kids in the house.

[Lex]

3. Yes, I'm likely not to bother having anything

but a baseball bat if the alternative of any merit is a shotgun.

But I understand what you're saying.

[Florida_Geek]

2. taser yes stun no

like the other poster, you have to get up to the person to use.

[Lex]

4. Like 8 to 10 feet, or even closer than that?

Hmmmm . . .

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. You have to be close enough to touch the stun gun to their skin.

And you don't wan t to be that close. Stun guns really should be used only by trained law enforcement people. A taser has darts attached by wires, and the electric current flows through the wires to the dart, which then causes the shock to the person. Tasers may be illegal for civilians in some areas.

[CanuckAmok]

8. the whole idea of the second set or terminals...

is to create a visible arc of electricity, as a deterant to an attacker.

The problem with using one for home defense is that, if someone is already IN your house, they're not going to be that easily detered, and nobody is likely to come to your aid if the attacker somehow wrestles the stunner away from you and begins to use it on you.

For night walks, jogging, or any other semi-public activity, a stun-gun isn't a bad idea, but in privacy, I'd rather have a good entry alarm, or one of those 911-dialer neck-chains.

[eauclaireliberal]

5. Sorry...

I go for the real deal: HK USP Compact (9mm.)

[Lex]

7. No thanks.

I don't feel the need for that sort of thing. As I said in the original post.

[eauclaireliberal]

9. In that case...

I suggest a dog.

A big dog that will not only be your best friend, but will watch your ass. Actaully, little yippie dogs are effective as well...they let an intruder know that you are about to wake up.

I got two: Boy and a girl (Mike and Michelle), 80 lbs. each and they are the most friendly critters...except for some greasy asshole who was hanging around by the house a few years back. I swear, I never heard Shelly howl and growl like that...scared the piss out of me, too.

Don't go to one of those people that beat the crap out of pitbulls to train them to be tough. Treat it right, it will die for you. I happen to know for a fact that well loved and treated pit-bulls are VERY sweet and loving dogs.

[Lex]

10. Thanks . . . I've actually been considering that too.

I understand that most all terriers are very territorial and loyal, and will guard the house and their master fiercely.

He or she would be a good companion on a walk through the neighborhood too.

:thumbsup: