Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Get Zapped with Info on the Popular Self Defense Toy – The Taser

What is the Taser, and what can it do to keep you safe? The Taser is an electroshock weapon designed and created in recent years that has been growing in popularity since it was first introduced. This weapon was designed with the idea that it can stun and subdue a target from a distance. There are two primary models of Tasers that are currently in operation. The two models are the M26 and the X26 tasers. Each of these models comes accompanied with various accessories. The Taser accessories most commonly bundled with the weapon include a mounted digital video camera and a laser sight.


New developments in Taser use and technology - Womens Self Defense Guide


This electroshock weapon is currently experiencing a growth in popularity and development. Currently, the company that designs and produces these weapons, Taser International, is marketing a civilian model that is called the C2 Taser. The company is currently also in collaboration with the US Marine Corps to produce the X REP. This is planned as the extended range electronic projectile. It is designed as a wireless taser round that can be fired from other sources, including a 12 gauge shotgun.


The philosophy behind Taser technology


The popularity of Taser technology is in no small way attributed to its intended goal of being a less than lethal, yet still effective weapon. This is how the weapon was initially introduced: as an effective way for policemen and others in the field of public service to subdue a fleeing or potentially belligerent subject. The goal of designers is for policemen and others in public service to use the Taser to subdue subjects that might otherwise be subject to potentially lethal gunfire. However, the use of Taser technology is not without its detractors. The original philosophy behind Taser technology was to create a weapon with the stopping force of the gun, but without causing fatal results.


The history behind Taser Technology


Who invented the Taser, and when? The Taser was first developed in the late 1960s (specifically, 1969), by NASA researcher Jack Cover. Cover had finished his model of the device by 1974. He named the device after his childhood idol, Tom Swift. The original Taser model used gunpowder as its main propellant. This original component is what led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to classify the Taser as a firearm.


The function of the Taser


How does the Taser firearm work? In general, the Taser fires two dart-like electrodes. These are connected to the main Taser unit by a conductive wire. The darts are propelled by compressed nitrogen charges. This is similar to how an air gun or paint ball gun might send off propellants. The air cartridge inside a Taser includes a pair of electrodes and a propellant for a single shot. These have to be replaced after each use of the Taser weapon. The range of a Taser depends on its use. For non-law enforcement consumers, the Taser is only available with cartridges with a maximum of 15 feet. The maximum range currently available is 35 feet.


Who uses Tasers? Are they safe? - Womens Self Defense Guide


Currently, many police forces across the country are experimenting with the use of Taser technology in order to restrain people and animals. These can be used in order to inflict pain and subdue without causing serious injury or death. The Phoenix Police Department uses the Taser technology, and has experienced a statistical drop in the number of officer shootings. However, the Houston Police Department did not experience a significant drop in police shootings. There has been considerable controversy regarding the use of Taser technology. Some critics have pointed out that Taser technology has been involved in incident that can be classified as deadly force.

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