As a society, we seem to be fascinated with violence. Movies like ‘The Hangover’ and the ‘Saw’ franchise seem to pop up every other week, and TV shows like ‘The Walking Dead’ thrive on death and destruction. But why is there so much interest in violence these days? One theory could be that in society today, there is simply more peace. People seem to have more time to themselves, and perhaps, this is leading to an interest in what most people would consider quiet entertainment — and who isn’t interested in quiet entertainment these days?
One area that has seen a rise in popularity is recreation ball sports, especially basketball, soccer, and volleyball. More people are participating in these sports than ever before, and for whatever reason, they seem to be attracting a certain crowd — namely, older men. Maybe it’s the equipment. Maybe it’s the physical challenge. Who knows.
One of the most iconic photos from the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is that of the American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller hitting a guard with a volleyball. The image is iconic not only because it features two of the most recognizable athletes of that time, but also because it seems to epitomize the violence that was a part of that era. After all, the ball was actually still attached to the net when Weissmuller hit the guard. It’s an aggressive act that seems to speak to a need for that era — that is, until you realize that the guard was probably protecting himself, not wanting to hurt Weissmuller.
What Is a Taser, Anyway?
A Taser is a safe and effective tool used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to stop violent people—and it’s one of the most popular self-defense weapons among police officers. Developed in the 1960s, the Taser’s most recognizable feature is its range of electric shocks. But beyond the range of electric shocks, the Taser is filled with quite a few technologies that allow it to be more effective than you’d think. Here are some of the key things you need to know about the device.
How Is It Different From A Gun?
First off, let’s establish that the Taser is not a firearm. The two are completely different weapons, and while they can be used for the same purpose (namely, self-defense), they serve different purposes. You may be wondering how a gun could be considered a self-defense weapon when some people say it’s not. Well, a Taser isn’t just any gun; it’s a select-fire weapon. This means it can use more than one type of ammunition (e.g.,.40 caliber pistol rounds or 12.7 mm rounds).
While this may not sound like a major difference, remember that a gun is only loaded with one type of ammunition. Sure, you can swap out the magazine, but once you run out of ammunition, your gun is effectively useless (there’s also the safety aspects to consider—see below). A Taser, on the other hand, is much more versatile.
How Is It More Effective Than A Knife?
Just like the name suggests, a Taser can be used to deliver a series of electric shocks to a person. While it’s not a perfect tool for self-defense—after all, it can’t damage a skull like a knife can—it is more effective than you’d think. In fact, some people prefer using a knife in close-quarters combat, as it can be more agile for certain tasks. Still, a gun is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of situations. In the right hands, a Taser can be just as effective as a knife in terms of inflicting pain and stopping a fight.
What About If The Person You’re Fighting Has A Pulse?
That’s what makes a Taser so special. It’s not just that the electric shocks from a Taser are unpleasant, it’s also that they can stop a person’s heart. This makes it much harder for them to be violent. In other words, the shock waves from a Taser can prevent a person from harming you. Now, it’s not a perfect solution by any means, as there are ways a person with a pulse can still cause you harm. For instance, they could stab you in the eye or shoot you in the back. But at least in theory, a Taser is better than a firearm if you’re in a situation like this because it prevents more severe injuries (e.g., gunshot wounds).
The only real downside to a Taser is that it’s not nearly as accurate as a firearm. And for some people, the idea of carrying around a weapon doesn’t feel comfortable. However, many law enforcement agencies—especially those in the United States—make a habit of carrying Tasers, and these individuals seem to prefer them over firearms. Why? Well, simply put, it’s because Tasers are considerably easier to use in certain situations. For instance, if you’re in a life-threatening situation (e.g., a holdup), you don’t have the time to load and unload a gun. Plus, a Taser takes only a couple of seconds to deploy — meaning that during the incident, you’re delivering electric shocks to the person you’re fighting, rather than wasting time aiming and firing a gun.
How Do I Use A Taser For Self-Defense?
If you’re in a situation where a person is attacking you, it’s generally considered best practice to use whatever means available to deter the attack. This could include asking the person for help or physically defending yourself (e.g., punching, kicking, or hitting them with a club or baseball bat). But regardless of whether you use your hands or a wooden object, it’s important to make sure that you’re using a safe technique for self-defense.
If you’re deciding to use a Taser for self-defense, you need to make sure that it’s been properly ‘armed’ before you use it. To arm a Taser, you simply need to hold down the trigger until a red LED light turns on. At this point, you have successfully armed the Taser. Once armed, you then need to press down the trigger a second time and the electric shocks should begin.
While it’s not necessary to hold down the trigger each time you press it (i.e., single-pulse arming), doing it this way makes it easier to ensure that you’re always going to get the shock you want whenever you want it. Plus, you can be sure that each time you press the trigger, a charge will go into the Taser. So, if a situation arises where they are trying to take you down, it will be much harder for them to do so. The shock delivered from a Taser will be very quick and unexpected, which could give you the advantage you need.
If you’re in a situation where a person is actively trying to harm you, it’s never a good idea to just pull the trigger on a Taser. This could potentially cause you to accidentally shoot yourself or someone else. Instead, you need to learn how to properly discharge the weapon and aim it at the threat. Some agencies teach their officers to always fire one shot, then unload the Taser after they’ve got their target. This is a more accurate way of using the weapon and ensures that you receive the maximum shock benefit from each discharge.
Where Can I Buy A Taser?
If you’re interested in buying a Taser, you can find them in most major retail stores. It’s also available online from most manufacturers’ websites. Just make sure that you’re ordering from a legitimate source and that you’re getting what you paid for. Some online dealers may offer cheaper prices but may also skimp out on the quality control, leading to a potentially dangerous purchase.
It’s important to keep in mind when purchasing a Taser that they are not toys and must be treated with the respect that they deserve. While they may be effective in some situations, they are still weapons and must be handled with the proper precautions. Treat them with care and make sure you know how to use them safely.