Stun Guns by Ron Mullins

Although not covered in the general media, an important ruling came down from the United States Supreme Court this past month.  And if you are an advocate of safety, this ruling benefits you.

A lower court in the state of Massachusetts ruled that “stun guns” were considered “unusual” and could therefore be banned from individual ownership.

Why is this important?

The “stun gun” is for many, Law Enforcement Officers and regular citizens, the tool of choice for de-escalating a threatening situation.  The banning of this tool by the state of Massachusetts, limits the options available to individuals that want a non-lethal device for self-protection.

The United State Supreme Court rejected that ruling and sent the issue back to the lower court mandating that the “stun gun” be recognized in the category of firearms protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.

A Stun Gun is a device designed to immobilize an attacker with an electric shock.  For clarity, there is a difference between a “stun gun” and a “Taser”.  A stun gun is a contact device that the user must press into the attacker; whereas a Taser is a pistol styled device that projects probes that generate an electric charge when contact with the attacker is made.

In the state of Texas, there are no major restrictions to the ownership and carry of a stun gun.  However, you may not use it for purposes other than self-defense and you may not attempt to take a stun gun from a Law Enforcement Officer. But beyond that, you may own and carry a stun gun for personal protection, concealed or not.

Earlier we penned an article entitled “Could You Pull the Trigger?” where we discussed the mindset of carrying a firearm for self-defense and suggested that many people could not, or would not feel comfortable with a lethal self-defense tool.  The “stun gun” offers an alternative to carrying a lethal defensive tool.

As advocates of personal safety, we do promote the carry of a firearm or a stun gun.  We do ask that regardless of what you carry for protection; train for the use of that device in a threat situation.  Hire an instructor, practice and determine how you might react in various situations.

And remember: The most important part of action is planning.  If we are aware that bad things can happen and we take action to be aware and avoid, we can prevent becoming a victim and be able to take action should we end up in a bad situation.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.