Can you legally buy a stun gun?
Yes, you can in all other states except Hawai and Rhode Island where it’s illegal for civilian use,
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and Wisconsin where a permit is required and
Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota where a background check is required.
The legality of buying and carrying a stun gun varies from one state to the other. Each state has its codes that regulate the possession of different firearms, including stun guns. However, in most states, it is legal to buy a stun gun and carry it either concealed or openly without the need to have a permit.
Read more on the Taser/stun gun laws by state.
In this day and age, stun guns have become a popular item for self-defense. Previously, stun guns were mainly used by the police. But in the wake of rising criminal activities, their popularity has grown among civilians.
In this post, we will briefly explain the general outlines, what you need to buy a stun gun, and more information on how you can legally buy a stun gun. Let’s get started.
Best Place to buy stun guns
The Home Security Superstore
What are Stun Guns?
Basically, a stun gun is a handheld device that administers an electrical shock on direct contact. It is mainly used as a self-defense tool. When somebody attacks you, you can use the stun gun to incapacitate them briefly with the electrical charge.
In different states, the state and local laws might use different terms but they all refer to stun guns. In some states, stun guns are referred to as electronic incapacitation devices, electric guns, or electronic control devices.
How do Stun Guns Work?
Stun guns work by delivering an electric shot on direct contact. When you are in a self-defense situation, you need to activate the stun gun by pulling a trigger.
Electricity will pass through the metal prongs at the end of the weapon and deliver a painful but brief shock when it comes into contact with the target.
The shock can either stun or incapacitate the target for a short period of time by interrupting their neuromuscular system. Once the stun gun is in place, you can deliver several cycles of electric shock on the target until you are out of danger.
Stun guns are quite different from electric cattle prods. Both deliver electric shock on direct contact but they are meant to be used in different situations. Stun guns are mainly used as self-defense tools.
On the other hand, electric cattle prods are used as torture devices. They are mainly used to cause severe pain which impairs the target’s movement.
Related: What States are Batons Illegal?
Are Stun Guns Regulated as Heavy Firearms?
Many years after stun guns became a consumer product, they failed to get the much-needed attention from firearm-rights advocates and powerful lobbying groups such as the National Rifle Association. As a result, it was easier for a person to carry a rear firearm than a stun gun in some states.
But after the constitutionality of the ban on stun guns was put into doubt by the highest court, the situation has now changed rapidly. Civilians are now allowed to own and carry these self-defense weapons and also have them in their homes.
Laws on Owning, Carrying, and Using a Stun Gun
Most states regulate the use of stun guns directly. In such states, stun guns are defined as dangerous weapons. The state specifically allows adults to carry stun guns either concealed or openly without a permit as long as you don’t have a felony record, you are above 18 years of age and you only use the stun gun for self-defense purposes.
In other states, the laws are different. Stun guns are covered under general laws which regulate the ownership, carrying, and use of firearms. Depending on the state, the stun guns are either defined as dangerous weapons that cause extreme pain and serious injuries or as less-lethal weapons than guns that are likely to cause serious injuries or death but in rare cases.
If you are flying, you can not have a stun gun on your carry-on. TSA only approves keeping stun guns in your checked baggage. If you are flying from one state to the other, you need a permit to carry the stun gun if you are flying into a state where people are required to have stun gun permits.
How to Know if you need a Permit for Stun Guns
Your local regulations and state laws will determine whether or not you need a permit to buy and use a stun gun. Also, the interpretation of the laws concerning the legality of stun guns by the courts will play a huge part in determining whether you require a permit to purchase a stun gun.
While the laws of the legality of buying a stun gun are changing rapidly, in most states, you don’t need a permit to buy a stun gun. If you are looking to get a stun gun for regular all-day use or for home use, it’s best that you contact and consult your local law enforcement officials. There are unique laws and regulations that are outlined in each individual state. This will help clear any doubt present.
Moreover, if you ever get into trouble with the law concerning the use and possession of a stun gun, make sure that you consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer promptly. The attorney should be able to help you understand how local laws and restrictions apply to your situation.
What are the laws for police and law enforcement officers?
Most states allow the police, law enforcement officers, and other professionals to carry stuns guns while on duty. However, for them to be allowed to use stun guns, they must go through some stringent training and be certified. This is to ensure that they know how to handle and use the stun gun. During the training, the officers are also taught on which circumstances they should use the stun gun and which not to.
Final Thoughts
Overall, most states permit the use and carrying of stun guns as self-defense weapons. Before you get a stun gun, make sure that you check with your state and local laws first. After that, make sure that you follow all the stun gun laws put into place to be on the safe side of the law.
Can You Legally Buy a Stun Gun? we hope comprehensively answered this question.