Does anyone on here own a Taser and is it legal? (house, event)

[aj661]

No I don't own one. I carried one for years before I retired. They are not intended to be used as a substitute for deadly force. I wrote about this over a year ago when someone else claimed tasers were deadly. Here's an excerpt from that post:

Originally Posted by aj661

...Amnesty International may be 'independent' but they certainly are not unbiased. For example, AI claims that Tasers are inhumane. I disagree. Have you ever been 'tased'? Well, I have. So have tens of thousands of police and correctional officers. Not one of them has died. If used properly (excessive, repeated application is not proper), they are safe. So the X26 model delivers 50,000 volts - at only 0.0021 amps! That's not deadly - ask an electrician. Yes it hurts, but it certainly wasn't the worst pain I've ever experienced. AI's clueless assertion that "they should only be used strictly as a substitute for lethal force" is ridiculous. The author of that comment is not in touch with reality. I wouldn't bring a knife to gun fight, and I damn sure wouldn't bring a taser...

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by aj661

No I don't own one. I carried one for years before I retired. They are not intended to be used as a substitute for deadly force. I wrote about this over a year ago when someone else claimed tasers were deadly. Here's an excerpt from that post:

So what is the point of owning a taser, when if I'm really serious about protecting myself, all I have to do is go to the gun club/shooting range and learn how to use a gun?

[aj661]

Originally Posted by movin'on

So what is the point of owning a taser, when if I'm really serious about protecting myself, all I have to do is go to the gun club/shooting range and learn how to use a gun?

I think you basically answered your own question. With the proper training and practice, practice, practice, you're better off owning and carrying a handgun. It doesn't mean you would have to use it. Sometimes just the threat of deadly physical force is enough to stop an assailant. Personally I prefer my wife carry a small handgun and pepper spray rather than a taser. If she wanted a taser I'd get her one but I'd still insist on the handgun.

If something goes wrong with the taser deployment such as a misfire or only one probe hits the target, you are in trouble because after you fire the cartridge you won't have time to reload. Your only option with it then is to 'drive stun' (apply direct contact). If your attacker is bigger and stronger than you, well, good luck with that! For the record, Tasers are absolutely the best non-lethal weapon I've ever used. When everything goes right-both probes hit the target with good separation, it will drop anyone or anything that breathes. (There's a video out there of a bull dropped by a taser.) The bottom line is if you're confronted with a situation that isn't immediately life threatening, pepper spray can be effective in temporarily disabling not all, but most people, allowing you time to escape. Besides, you can purchase a quality handgun and a canister of pepper spray much cheaper than a taser.

[markas214]

Originally Posted by movin'on

I agree with this. What is the point of owning a taser?

Agreed. A shotgun is cheaper and much more effective.

[ibarrio]

I agree with this. What is the point of owning a taser?
Agreed. A shotgun is cheaper and much more effective.

Very true...a shotgun is way cheaper and more effective. But not everyone is hell bent on killing someone. It is easy to say that you would shot first ask questions later but until you are faced with that situation then you really do not know...

Had this conversation with my brother...he has had to do it more then once in Iraq. Not a good feeling knowing that you ended someones life.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by ibarrio

Very true...a shotgun is way cheaper and more effective. But not everyone is hell bent on killing someone. It is easy to say that you would shot first ask questions later but until you are faced with that situation then you really do not know...

Had this conversation with my brother...he has had to do it more then once in Iraq. Not a good feeling knowing that you ended someones life.

Being a person who has "been there" (shot and killed an intruder), it is not the best feeling that is true. But, do I have any regrets? No. Given the same set of circumstances that led up to the event (3 decades ago btw), would I do it again? Yes - without hesitation.

[AZ Tracy]

Originally Posted by joninaz

Not only legal here, but the new "thing" is to host a Taser Party, which is the modern version of a tupperware party. Invite a bunch of pals over and a Taser host, enjoy some snacks and zap someone.

They even come in pretty pink! I think I'll stick with a hand gun and pepper spray.

[joninaz]

Originally Posted by markas214

Agreed. A shotgun is cheaper and much more effective.

But they can wreak havoc on interior decorating! You'll need new paint, plaster, carpets and you should avoid firing around the new flat planel TV.

[Rick Lee]

If you're in fear of your life, you should use deadly force. What are you gonna do even if you do hit an intruder with a Taser? Hold the juice on him for the 15 min. it might take for the police to arrive? Cuff him yourself? Do you even own cuffs? What if he has an accomplice? Me thinks you'd end up holding a Taser on someone and then thinking, "Now what do I do?" If someone breaks into your house, you are justfied in killing them. Anything less and you will probably be sued by the intruder. And I also wouldn't want a living witness to testify against me in court. Intruders in my home will be shot. Survivors will be shot again. Guns are like fire extinguishers. They're both life-saving tools for which there is no substitute when needed. Sure, firemen and cops are great too. When are they there to prevent something from happening and how long are you willing to wait on them?

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Originally Posted by azkylady2

Tasers are dangerous and can stop a persons heart, there have been deaths from tasers electrical shock. that is sad that threse things are legal.

Not sure if I understand your post, could you please explain this? If someone were to be entering my home illegally or prepairing to attack me with a weapon, trying to rape my wife or kids, why would I be worried about their heart stopping? I don't own a taser, but whouldn't they have a problem when I placed a hole in their head with my gun? Maybe the heart would still be in working order though. Now I understand. You are concerned about protecting the heart so that it can be harvested for someone in need. I will make it a point to miss the heart when I fire at the bad guys.