subject: Aiming Your Self Defense Device [print this page] Author: Richard Armen Author: Richard Armen
Today's self defense devices come in a wide range of type and shapes. One important question many have is how easy these devices are to aim. These devices have very large target areas, and are surprisingly easy to use effectively. Here are the effective target zones of three types of popular self defense products:
Pepper Spray
The pepper spray canister should be aimed directly at the attacker's eyes and face. The formulation of pepper spray you have chosen will affect the required accuracy of your aim. Some sprays come out in a thick stream, while others distribute the spray in a fine mist or fog across a wider area. Try to stand upwind of your attacker, and take the wind into account when aiming. A one-second burst of pepper spray is enough to disable nearly any attacker.
Stun Gun
A stun gun must be applied directly to your attacker's body. The electrical charge of a stun gun will pass through about two inches of clothing, such as a heavy sweatshirt or jacket. You need not worry about coming into direct contact with skin.
The stun gun should be held against your attacker for as long as possible- three to five seconds should be enough to disable any assailant. It may take slightly longer if your attacker is very large or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Most experts advise to keep the stun gun pressed against the target for as long as possible, or until your attacker falls to the ground.
For the best result, aim at the torso. Not only is it the largest target area, but it will also cause a more immediate reaction than contact with the extremities, such as a hand or leg. Soft muscle groups such as the groin, neck, or kidney area can also be particularly effective. If you must contact an extremity, aim for the elbow, face, or femur, as these areas tend to have more nerve endings.
TASER Device
A TASER device is most often used at a distance, in contrast with stun guns, which are designed to be used when very close to the assailant. TASER devices use nitrogen cartridges to fire electrical probes at an attacker. Both probes must come into contact with clothing or skin. Like a stun gun, the electrical current of a TASER device can also pass through thick clothing. The best target for a TASER device is the torso, which provides you with the largest surface area.
The probes must hit the body at least four to six inches apart. This requires standing a few feet from your attacker. The two probes separate from each other more the further back you stand. The ideal range of most TASER devices is between seven and ten feet, at which point the probes should hit the body about sixteen inches apart.
If only one of the probes manages to hit your attacker, some electrical current will still flow into his body, though it probably won't be as fast-acting as if both probes had hit their target. If you miss with both probes, the TASER can also be used up close, as a stun gun, even if you've already used up the nitrogen cartridge.About the Author:
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