How Much Are Tasers?

Jack Cover, who developed the taser in the 1970s, was interested in creating a non-lethal weapon that could be used to incapacitate a criminal without running the risks of causing serious injury or even death—e.g. preventing the hijacking of an airplane, where a firearm would be dangerous for all of the passengers aboard. 

It’s interesting to note that Cover was motivated by the science fiction book Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle, which he adored as a child.  In the novel, Tom Swift invents an electric rifle for personal protection and elephant hunting. This was one of the things that inspired cover to come up with his invention. T.A.S.E.R. stands for Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle, and he adopted the brand name as well. 

Nowadays, tasers are a popular option for self-defense tools. In this article, you’ll find out the average costs of a taser unit. Read on to learn more. 

What’s The Difference Between A Taser And A Stun Gun?

Most people consider tasers and stun guns as being one and the same. However, there is a key difference between these two electroshock weapons. 

A stun gun is a hand-held device that delivers a high-voltage debilitating shock to the body when it comes into direct physical contact with the target, completely immobilizing that person. A taser, on the other hand, is an electroshock weapon that shoots probes into the skin of a target to deliver a high-voltage shock that incapacitates the target. 

Additionally, a taser weapon may be shot precisely at a target from a great distance of 15 to 30 feet away, whereas a traditional stun gun must be used face-to-face with an attacker.

Civilian Tasers vs. Law Enforcement Tasers

Tasers are used differently by law enforcement and civilians due to their different demands and capabilities. If you’re considering purchasing your own taser, it’s critical you know how to use an electroshock weapon designed to keep civilians safe. 

A standard taser made for civilian use typically delivers a 30-second electric shock, which allows the user to paralyze a target, and have enough time to put the taser down and flee to safety. Keep in mind that in most situations, you have to put your taser down as the probes will remain attached to your attacker after you discharge your taser weapon. 

Fortunately, according to most taser manufacturing companies, if you were attacked and had to put your taser unit down to flee, you can get in touch with your neighborhood police department to make a police report, and they will subsequently replace your device at no cost. Tasers used by civilians have a range of about 15 feet (4.5 meters). 

On the other hand, tasers built for law enforcement officers have an effective range of about 20 to 21 feet (6.4 meters). They also emit a debilitating shock for lesser time, about 5 seconds, which is more than enough for a police officer to restrain an assailant and handcuff him or her. 

How Do Tasers Work

Unlike those of stun guns, the electrodes in taser devices are fired into the skin of the target. These electrodes remain attached to your taser via  insulated wires. When a person pulls the trigger, a blast of pressurized gas, frequently nitrogen, causes the electrodes in the gun to shoot out (between 15 to 20 feet away). 

The electrodes will make contact with the skin using the probes attached at the end, discharging electric pulses of up to 50,000 volts for 5 to 30 seconds. With this high-voltage, low-amperage shock, an attacker is rendered helpless and temporarily paralyzed.

How Much Does A Taser Cost?

A taser is the only electroshock weapon that delivers its electric payload from a distance, while other weapons, such as stun guns, only shock a target when they are at arm’s length. An individual unit of taser costs between $450 to $1,000 on average and tops out at around $2,000. 

Prices may vary depending on multiple factors such as the taser model, additional security features (e.g. flashlight, baton, etc.), voltage capacity, effective range, and whether you prefer a single or dual cartridges. 

However, you may find yourself spending more due to the replacement cartridges a taser weapon usually require. Since taser cartridges are one-time use only, you’ll need to replace it after every use. On average, replacement cartridges may cost between $100 to $200, depending on your taser model. 

Also, if you want to conceal your taser gun and carry it with you with ease, you’ll need to purchase a holster that fits the device model you have. Prices for holsters range from just $29 to $50, which is considerably cheaper than replacement cartridges.

If your state does not allow the possession and use of taser weapons, you may opt for a stun gun instead. Check out this list of the best stun guns by Security Forward today.