So I’ve talked on here before talking about non lethal self defense options ranging from batons to flashlights. But recently my brother showed me that civilians can buy tasers. What do you guys think about carrying a taser or stun gun (made by the same company) as a quick response/ non lethal defense options?
https://buy.taser.com/products/taser-strikelight?utm_campaign=taser-home&utm_source=axon
https://buy.taser.com/collections/taser-pulse/products/taser-pulse-plus
Also I did post a link to a short article by Axon about thr difference between tasers and stun guns, if you’re interested in learning those differences.
1 Like
I think it’s a good option for someone who is still on the fence about carrying or doesn’t want to carry a firearm. I’ve been hit with a few different ones voluntarily as part of training. They work!!!
2 Likes
What’s your opinion of the Strikelight out of curiosity? I figured it’d be better than a $20 one off of Amazon. And since I can’t carry a gun at work I figure a taser or Strikelight would be the best I could do. 🤷
2 Likes
I think that is a great combo to be honest. I like the fact that you could just hit it for the noise to scare away animals or whatnot. I haven’t used a $20 one, but probably 15yrs ago or so I bought a cheap one for like $40 and it would grab someone 7ft way-no probes. In todays world, I would go for the Strikelight and I’m glad you posted that because I can’t carry at work either and will get this on my list!
2 Likes
Better than nothing, in those places that a gun is a no no.
3 Likes
Glad I could help!
I’m starting to think of getting an actual taser to add to my EDC with my gun so in a situation where it’s avoidable to shoot someone I can. 🤷 Just an idea. Idk how practical that is though… 
2 Likes
I think that’s a great idea and I’ve been thinking about that myself since your post. I think it’s very practical- especially when it comes to avoiding the aftermath of what could happen if our firearm has to be used. It’s just one more tool in the toolbox to use- why use a high powered drill when a screw driver will do just fine?
1 Like
Right. And I think it’s an option that many people dismiss or overlook. A taser keeps you out of arms reach and in theory ought to stop the attacker. If it doesn’t then you have a backup: your CCW. And you tried to avoid shooting the person.
Now you’ve voluntarily been a test subject for tasers… How long does it take before you regain muscle control again, @Tennessee?
2 Likes
LOL, well for me it was about 5 seconds if that. I withstood it for 12 sec before giving in. I think I still have scars from the burn marks of the pins. Some of the guys I trained with immediately gave in and then took them a few minutes to get their control. Even had a few people pee themselves during it. I think it’ll depend on the person and how pumped they are on how it will affect them. But none the less, it would be a great option to use to stun the attacker and hopefully get away without using the firearm. Also, a bright as hell flashlight would be a great option to blind someone momentarily.
2 Likes
Wow. So at worst it gives you the time to put more distance between you and the assailant and find a more defensible position for a second attack. At best it discourages the attacker at the mere sight of it and they go home. That sounds right doesn’t it?
Also… What do you do for a job? My boss doesn’t think it’s “necessary” for me to carry and says it’d make customers uncomfortable. 
I work for an electrical and plumbing company that does service work btw. So when I get my strike light, it’s not being revealed to anyone. I just need to make sure it won’t stun me in my pocket if I have to crawl somewhere…
2 Likes
Oh yeah, it’ll give you enough time to get away or get into a more desirable position if you’re trapped and get your firearm pulled. A few seconds is better than no seconds and a lot can happen in those few seconds. As you know, that doesn’t mean stun them then go shoot them-that would be very bad.
And I work for a company that builds military vehicles. We aren’t allowed to carry or “allowed” to have anything on the property. But, I do carry a couple flashlights because I need them to work on the trucks with. I think if you carry concealed, then why would it be a problem? I mean you especially, are going into people’s homes and have no clue what could happen. Should be able to defend yourself, although some of those pipe wrenches would do the trick lol! As far as the Strikelight, I think I’d get a belt clip or holder for it or make damn sure there was no way it could go off in your pocket- that’d be a shocking surprise 
2 Likes
That’s my thinking I don’t want to get shocked in an attic running wire or something
A regular flashlight belt clip thing should work right? If it’s the right size?
Oh I remember you now! You were on the company policy about carrying thread.
🤷 My boss says it’s unnecessary and basically decided to push his view of the need for a firearm for defense on me. Which made me mad when he threatened to fire me over it. Honestly I don’t like the company I work for. But for now I have to put up with it until I can go off on my own. We do a lot of digging so it’d be seen at some point but I don’t think he’s right to tell me I can’t carry. It’s my right to defense. His logic is “am I going to put you in danger?” 🤦 (And I got a little off topic )
2 Likes
I went on their FB page and found this book. I think it’s interesting despite being misguided ideology when it comes to guns.
2 Likes
Well, they might as well vaporize the planet. The oldest killing was committed with a rock.
2 Likes
it’s just misguided ideology. I’d still get the book to at least see what he’s saying and the ways TASERs and other non lethal electric weapons are actually making a difference in today’s world.
2 Likes
My 2¢ worth, from the cheap seats in the 
gallery. When you are talking stun gun/ Tasers, you are basically talking hand to hand range. God help you if they have thick clothing on or a prong doesn’t make contact.
Luke you live in Al. May I recommend you go to wwwknifeupcom (insert . where * are).
Al. has very knife friendly laws EXCEPT for Bowie knives (if it’s a single edged blade they will call it a Bowie knife). But if it’s a double edged blade you can carry whatever floats your boat and if it’s a folder as long as it fits in your pocket it’s good.
The reason I am mentioning this, I know alot of LEO’s through my volunteerism and training with 1st responders over my medical issue. Almost all of them tell me they will only go for a stun gun take down, if they have backup. Because if they have to many layers on or clothing that’s to thick, you will get a failure to perform and now you have a pissed off bad guy right on top of you.
Knives have a deterrent value all of their own, and as the Tueller drill has shown over the years within certain ranges knives are very effective. Plus, who can argue the utility of a knife to an electrician?
These are just my opinions take them with a grain of salt. YMMV. I do not want a big pissing match, just assume you pee higher on the tree and I slunk away with head hung in shame due to your superior locution skills.
3 Likes
@luke_ouellette LOL, that most definitely would suck if something happened and yes, a regular flashlight belt clip should work. Really depends on how big it is and the shape. If not, you might be able to find a holder for pepper spray that could work as well.
And yep, that’s me! Since we work with gov’t contracts and “have security guards that are never there”, we aren’t supposed to even have a knife… And I don’t/can’t understand him threatening you. That’s not right. But I won’t go off on a tangent about that…I hope you can go off on your own soon, be better for ya.
I appreciate your input man. And I understand that every thing has pros and cons and risks. I’m just thinking of ways to defend myself without the legal aftermath of a gun or other lethal weapon.
Also I carry a folder and a Mornakiv Companion fixed blade. And I believe you’re mistaken when it comes to what knives are legal. But I could be wrong.
1 Like
It’ll be a while unfortunately before I can go off on my own. Maybe once I get my plumbing licenses I can swap to a different electrical company and then just don’t tell them I conceal carry as long as I don’t have to sign any paperwork that says I won’t carry a firearm.
Ok I figured. I want to say I have some flashlight belt cases around my house that should work. But I’ll definitely check out that pepper spray holster suggestion
2 Likes
There ya go! Once I get my shoulder healed and can change companies or move back to TN, I’m gone. Once you get it ordered and see the size and shape of it, you should be able fine a holder no problem:-)
1 Like