Oi! Rob! Read the threads I linked!
I speciffically emphasized that I did NOT mean Tasers. Once I got directed to the right info, I pointed that out. Calling me on it here is not a bad thing, however, as I didn't mean to imply disagreement with the information you presented. Let me explain.
I don't qualify Tasers as "Pain-compliance devices". I read their site from front to back, their history, and the research that went into them. Additionally, finding out the wattage range they operate in here leads me to respect them further still. They are capable of paralyzing an individual, the stungun I tested definitely was not.
For that reason I also think that wattage range takes them out of the "less than lethal" category. I think that means their use on the wrong unlucky scumwad with a drug-abused heart might make his ticker conk out. Actually overriding muscle control is not to be done lightly. Cops have legal coverage for their unfortunate incidents, Joe Average, or Miss Civilian Rape Victim, generally doesn't. That means the Hoosegow for them if something unlucky goes down.
If that's the level of risk one faces, I personally want something more decisive. Citizens aren't obligated to charge into things like cops are, so I see no point in exposing them to risks associated with "half-measures", since they also lack back-up or any kind of forewarning. However, that is an entirely personal choice, and I really wouldn't offer advice on Tasers, merely my somewhat-disclaimered opinion. Additionally, I don't even see stunguns as a "half-measure". To me, they mostly qualify as a parlor trick. An intimidating noisemaker.
Let me say it again:
Stunguns are "Pain-Compliance Devices".
TASERS ARE NOT. They are an order of magnitude more powerful!
DON'T buy a stungun!
'Zat better, Rob? I don't really WANT to sign up for Taser course.
...But where would I go about doing so? You in Kaliforny someplace? Might make for some good footage, and I must maintain my lunatic image, after all...and I did give permission to call me an idiot.
:banghead: