Is a stun gun legal?
Stun guns are very effective tools for, among other things, self-defence. Owners of stun guns can be not only uniformed officers or employees of security companies, but also civilians who want to protect themselves against a possible attack by an assailant. Before buying one, however, doubts often arise - is a stun gun legal? Is it possible to carry a stun gun?
In this article, we outline the legal issues involved in owning a stun gun, as well as explaining what a stun gun is and how it works.
What is a stun gun and how does it work?
A stun gun is a defensive device that, with the help of a built-in battery and special transformers, generates a high voltage but low intensity current that does not pose a threat to the life of a healthy person. The pulses generated by the stun gun cause the attacker to be temporarily immobilised, giving the potential victim time to move away from the scene and call for help.
How many volts does a stun gun have?
Depending on the model, a stun gun can be as powerful as 5 million volts. The higher the voltage, the better the chances of stopping an opponent. A more powerful stun gun will also work well on a person wearing thicker clothing (for example, a winter jacket).
How does a distance stun gun work?
The action of the distance stun gun, so-called. taser, is very similar to traditional stun gun. What makes them different is that the taser allows you to keep your distance from a potential attacker. A distance stun gun resembles a pistol in appearance and operation. It allows electrodes to be fired towards an opponent. Depending on the model, they can be fired at a distance of up to 4-5 metres.
Tasers in pistol form are handy and allow rapid targeting. Models equipped with a laser sight make this even easier. Some stun guns have a built-in torch to illuminate and potentially blind an attacker.
The electrodes that the taser fires are disposable, so once one is used up, we need to get another one - so it is worth having a few in reserve. Selected taser models can also be successfully used after the electrodes have been fired - the device will then act as a contact stun gun.
Do you need a permit for a stun gun?
The applicable piece of legislation that determines the legality of weapons and for which types of weapons a permit is issued is the Arms and Ammunition Act of 21 May 1999 and all subsequent amendments. According to Article 5(1)(4)(c) of the above-mentioned Act, weapons are objects designed to incapacitate persons by means of electrical energy. In the further part of the Act, the issue of a permit for a stun gun is specified:
Art. 11 Exclusion of the obligation to hold a weapons licence
A weapons permit is not required for:
7) possession of objects designed to incapacitate persons by means of electrical energy with an average current in the circuit not exceeding 10 mA.
So do you need a permit for a stun gun? From the above excerpts from the regulations, it appears that a stun gun with an average circuit current of no more than 10 mA may be purchased without a permit. All the stun guns available at Militaria.co.uk have an amperage of less than 10 mA, so you can buy them legally from our shop and no licence is required.
The most powerful stun gun on the market without a permit
As we have already mentioned, in order to purchase a stun gun without a permit, the product must have an amperage of less than 10 mA. Regardless of whether it is a contact stun gun, torch with stun gun, telescopic baton with a stun gun or distance stun gun - also known as a taser. The most powerful stun gun without a permit is one with a maximum current of 10 mA.
Which stun gun for self-defence should I choose?
If you are looking for a small, handy and effective self-defence tool, the stun gun is the right choice. The dimensions of the device mean that you can carry it with you or store it in the glove box of your car. Many models come with a holster. This is important because using a stun gun requires you to draw it at the right moment and shock an opponent who is not expecting our reaction.
How to use a stun gun also depends on the specific model. Many are equipped with a safety switch, this prevents the stun gun from being activated accidentally, for example in a pocket. It must be released before use. The button can then be pressed, which triggers the flow of electricity. Therefore, the stun gun is safe for the user.
Some stun guns are also equipped with a safety pin. This is a wristband to ensure that an opponent will not use a received stun gun against you. The pin, when removed from the device, renders it useless.
How to defend yourself with a stun gun?
Do not disclose to your attacker that you intend to use a stun gun against him. This way he will not expect it and you will gain the element of surprise. Ensure you have easy access to your stun gun. So, for example, when walking through poorly lit areas at night, make sure you have your stun gun handy (in your jacket pocket or blouse) and not loose in your rucksack or handbag.
If you have a stun gun in your hand in a threatening situation, do not hesitate to use it, but apply it to the attacker's body in a vigorous and confident motion. The high voltage at relatively low amperage will not leave a healthy person with any long-term injuries or sequelae, but you should not strike with a stun gun for more than 5 seconds at a time.
Once the attacker is incapacitated, move away from the scene. Successful paralysis will give you adequate time to evacuate. You should also inform the relevant services of the situation.
Stun gun offer at Militaria.pl
Militaria.pl offers contact and taser-type stun guns. Devices combining a stun gun and additional elements, such as a torch or telescopic baton, are also available for purchase. The tasers on offer make it possible to incapacitate an attacker at a distance. Some models are additionally equipped with a bow tie and a jaw, as well as a laser pointer to make it easier to track down the aggressor.
The stun guns on offer are either battery-powered or have built-in rechargeable batteries that can be charged via USB ports. The vast majority of stun guns are additionally equipped with LED torches to blind an attacker. What's more, some are equipped with built-in audible alarms to alert those in the vicinity of the danger.
