Taser opinions

[Bitter Clinger]

Does anyone here (especially LEO's or anyone with first hand exp.), recommend them? Im asking for my grandmother. She WILL not and probably physically can't use a gun. VERY anti gun. I had to leave work early last night at about 2am after a frantic phone call from her, some drunk illegal tried getting into her house. My entire family has been trying to get her to move for years, not gonna happen. I will be staying there for the next week or two, but I work at night. Im wondering if a taser or OC spray would be best? For the record, SHE WILL NOT USE A GUN,and probably cannot pull a trigger at least not accurate.

[hurley842002]

They both have positives and negatives, OC is going to cause more collateral damage I.e. has potential to contaminate the user, if she has respiratory issues probably not a good idea. Also not everyone responds to OC the same, I've seen several folks not even flynch (I hate the stuff but can still put up a fight while contaminated). Tazers are quite effective on a wide array of folks (from my experience), one downside you have to actually aim (laser). Just a few thoughts for grandmother.

[Ronin13]

I would say, if she can't pull the trigger and be accurate with a gun, the taser is probably not a good alternative. I've also read (never experienced) that some civilian bought OC spray is not 100% effective, but bear mace is! Get her a can of bear mace and it will keep her safe, if it can take down a 400lb bear, it'll have no problem giving a 250lb criminal a very bad day.

[strm_trpr]

Taser's are not that accurate, if she cannot shoot a gun then a taser is not much better. I saw a taser fail to obtain compliance from an hostile intoxicated pregnant female so sometimes they don't work. . OC is meh, it is better than nothing but needs to be swaped out and tested on a regular basis. As an LEO I would never use OC indoors or in any situation where I could use my ASP or Taser.

[kidicarus13]

There is a difference between LE vs civilian model Tasers (read below). As far as effectiveness... VERY EFFECTIVE as long as the probes both puncture skin a decent distance apart to allow the the charge to effect the nervous system.

The TASER X26C was modeled after the law enforcement TASER X26, and utilizes the same proven technology. One trigger pull of the X26C initiates a 10-second cycle, while the LE model runs for 5 seconds. Moreover, the trigger on the X26C can be pulled several times to create a 30-second cycle. The user can then deploy the X26C, quickly squeeze the trigger 2 additional times to create a 30-second cycle (3 pulls x 10 seconds = 30 seconds), place the X26C on the ground, and depart the scene - while the X26C safely disables the assailant.

The law enforcement version cannot be triggered multiple times to create back-to-back cycles. Cycle times on both models may be interrupted by placing the safey lever in the "safe" position. Per second, the LE X26 delivers 19 pulses of electricity into the target. Since the X26C is capable of delivering a much longer cycle, these pulses range from 19 per second for the first 5 seconds, then drop down to 10 for any remaining time. In addition, civilians may only purchase air cartridges with a 15-foot range, while law enforcement officers have access to cartridges with ranges up to 35'. Finally, the X26 LE model records time and date for each deployment. This feature helps protect law enforcement agencies from claims of excessive use-of-force, and also provides management a powerful tool to track usage patterns and prevent misuse. The firing data on the X26C is not recorded, and cannot be downloaded.

[DingleBerns]

The law enforcement version cannot be triggered multiple times to create back-to-back cycles.

Don't know where you got that but I could go all day, until the battery runs out.

I've experienced both, however both can be ineffective. OC lasts longer and can contaminate others and yourself however you can fight through the OC. We had to fight after getting sprayed and it is possible. Taser is also affective but it does not affect everyone.

[Bitter Clinger]

Maybe I just need to get her a big dog lol.

[3beansalad]

The Taser C2 is the most affordable version available. Easy push button operation and without the $1K price tag of the X26C. Slide the cover, aim the red dot and press down. All Taser products are very effective. There are of course some things to be aware of. If deployed against someone medical personnel should remove the probes. If used, police should always be contacted and charges filed.

[kidicarus13]

If deployed against someone medical personnel should remove the probes.

Word of advise to any non-LE... DON'T ASSIST SOMEONE AFTER THEY'VE ATTACKED YOU.

[AirbornePathogen]

Word of advise to any non-LE... DON'T ASSIST SOMEONE AFTER THEY'VE ATTACKED YOU.

On that note, Taser has a program where if you use one of their products in self-defense and then have to drop it to get to safety or whatever, they'll replace it free. Copied from the FAQ at www.taser.com:

What happens if I have to use my C2 CEW to defend myself and it’s lost as a result?

Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
When an X26C, M26C, or C2 CEW is used in self-defense, the CEWs may be deployed and left behind providing the Purchaser a window of opportunity to get to safety and call law enforcement. TASER International will replace the TASER X26C, M26C, or C2 CEW free of charge, with the same product or a like product, at TASER International's option, if the Purchaser provides, within one year following the event, the following information to TASER International, 17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 Attn: Customer Service:

• A copy of the official police report documenting the incident and the loss of the product;
• Proof of purchase of the product (receipt, purchase order, or invoice);
• Check or a credit authorization for the shipping and handling fees; and
• Purchaser's name, physical address (no PO Boxes allowed), and phone number of where to send the replaced item.

Purchaser is responsible for any expedited shipping or handling costs for the replacement CEW. A replacement product assumes the remaining warranty of the original product or 90 days from the date of replacement, whichever provides longer coverage to the Purchaser.
TASER International's Lifetime Replacement Guarantee is not available or applicable: (a) on any international (Non-United States) sales or uses of TASER Citizen Products; or (b) to any Purchaser who uses the CEW for a commercial purpose.