| Today in the news there is a lot of | | | | Police Department |
| controversy about the use of Stun Guns and | | | | |
| Advanced Tasers. How much do you know about | | | | Here are some frequently asked questions |
| Tasers? Have you considered whether this | | | | about the Taser M18 and M18L: |
| versatile option is the right self defense | | | | |
| tool for you? Do you think that Tasers are | | | | How can the TASER system be so effective yet |
| more ideal for police verses the Glock 9mm? | | | | be generally safe? TASER technology does not |
| This article will help educate you on the | | | | depend upon impact or body penetration to |
| important facts of Taser use and help you to | | | | achieve its effect. Its pulsating electrical |
| decide if a Taser can help keep you safe, | | | | output interferes with communication between |
| brought to you by | | | | the brain and the muscular system, resulting |
| | | | in loss of muscular control. The electrical |
| The new Advanced Taser M-18 series has almost | | | | pulse from TASER devices It over stimulates |
| 100% effectiveness rating. It combines the | | | | the nerves that control muscle movement it |
| injury reducing benefits of traditional stun | | | | affects them in their natural mode. The TASER |
| technology with a quantum leap in stopping | | | | is like a remote control that takes away the |
| power via new Electro-Muscular Disruption | | | | ability of the target to control his own body |
| (EMD) technology. In police studies, the new | | | | - but it does so with minimum violence or |
| Advanced Taser has a higher instant | | | | injury because it uses a communication |
| incapacitation rate than a 9mm hand gun. The | | | | mechanism rather than relying on physical |
| Advanced Taser shoots out 2 darts attached to | | | | injury. |
| 15 feet of wire. 50,000 volts travel over the | | | | |
| wires and over-rides the central nervous | | | | Does the TASER device affect the heart or a |
| system providing incredible take down power. | | | | cardiac pacemaker? The electrical output |
| | | | from TASER devices is well below the levels |
| NEW Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD) | | | | required to cause cardiac arrest, or to |
| Technology There are two categories of | | | | physically damage an implantable cardiac |
| energy weapons: Stun weapons and EMD weapons. | | | | device. |
| STUN WEAPONS: Traditional stun | | | | |
| technology weapons operate in a 7-14 Watt | | | | Isn't high voltage lethal? High voltage, in |
| range and interfere with the communication | | | | itself, is not dangerous. One can receive a |
| signals within the nervous system of the | | | | 25,000-volt shock of static electricity from |
| target. These stun systems primarily effect | | | | a doorknob on a dry day without harm. The |
| the sensory nervous system. Like static on | | | | physiological effect of electrical shock is |
| the communication lines between the brain and | | | | determined by: the current, its duration, and |
| the body, stun systems interfere with the | | | | the power source that produces the shock. The |
| human command and control systems. However, a | | | | typical household current of 110 volts is |
| small percentage of people with a very high | | | | dangerous because it can pump many amperes of |
| tolerance for electrical stimulation can | | | | current throughout the body indefinitely. |
| fight through the effect of these 7-14 Watt | | | | Remember that the household wall outlet is |
| systems. EMD WEAPONS: EMD weapons use a | | | | connected to massive power plants with |
| more powerful 18 to 26 Watt electrical signal | | | | virtually unlimited power output capability. |
| to completely override the central nervous | | | | By contrast, the ADVANCED TASER power supply |
| system and directly control the skeletal | | | | consists of 8 AA alkaline batteries capable |
| muscles. This EMD effect causes an | | | | of supplying 26 watts of electrical power for |
| uncontrollable contraction of the muscle | | | | a few seconds. |
| tissue, allowing the M-Series to physically | | | | |
| debilitate a target regardless of pain | | | | What are the aftereffects? A person hit with |
| tolerance or mental focus. The ADVANCED TASER | | | | a TASER device will usually fall to the |
| M-Series are EMD weapons -- specifically | | | | ground and may feel dazed for several |
| designed to stop even the most elite, | | | | seconds. Generally, recovery is fast and the |
| aggressive, focused combatants. Rather than | | | | effects stop the very instant that the M18 |
| simply interfering with communication between | | | | TASER device shuts off. Some will experience |
| the brain and muscles, the ADVANCED TASER EMD | | | | critical response amnesia and others will |
| systems directly tell the muscles what to do: | | | | experience tingling sensations afterwards. |
| contract until the target is in the fetal | | | | The pulsating electrical output causes |
| position on the ground. | | | | involuntary muscle contractions and a |
| | | | resulting sense of vertigo. It can |
| How the TASERÂ(R) M18L works: | | | | momentarily stun or render immobilized. Some |
| | | | individuals have experienced athletic type |
| Arming and firing the TASERÂ(R) M18L is | | | | injuries and injuries from falls. Although |
| an almost instinctive motion which can be | | | | designed to maximize safety, the TASER is not |
| easily accomplished without even looking | | | | risk free and should not be used lightly. |
| down. You can practice by doing it without a | | | | |
| cartridge in the weapon. Firing the weapon | | | | Must the probes penetrate the body to be |
| without a cartridge will light the laser | | | | effective? No. The electrical current will |
| sight and arc high voltage sparks across the | | | | "jump" up to 2 inches as long as both probes |
| front of the barrel like an ordinary stun | | | | are attached to clothing or skin. At most, |
| gun. You can also test fire the TASERÂ(R) | | | | only the 3/8-inch needlepoint will penetrate |
| with a cartridge in the barrel by aiming at a | | | | the skin. Both probes need to be within a |
| piece of aluminum foil attached to a wall | | | | cumulative 2 inches of the body to stop an |
| from a distance of up to 15 feet. The | | | | attacker (e.g. if one probe is touching, the |
| TASERÂ(R) M18L comes with 4 cartridges | | | | other can be up to 2 inches away, or each |
| for that purpose. Each cartridge fires only | | | | probe can be one inch away - the total spark |
| once. Never practice on another person. The | | | | distance is a maximum of 2 inches for both |
| TASERÂ(R) is a very serious weapon. | | | | probes together). Basically, no matter |
| There is a safety lever on both sides of the | | | | where you strike the attacker, both probes |
| weapon for easy thumb release by both right | | | | have to be within 2" of the body cumulative |
| and left-handed persons. The safety will not | | | | (think of the probes being away from the |
| accidentally disengage in a pocket or purse | | | | body), not 2" away from each other. This was |
| under normal circumstances. The safety action | | | | the reason the TASER is 50,000 volts; if |
| and trigger action is simple and instinctive. | | | | someone is wearing a thick jacket the current |
| Releasing the safety also simultaneously | | | | and the T wave will still "jump" to the |
| activates the laser sight. The laser sight | | | | subject. What if the probes miss? The |
| increases the deterrence value of the weapon | | | | TASER system can work if one probe hits a |
| since an attacker's reaction might be to turn | | | | human and the second falls on grass or dirt |
| and run when they see the laser sight pointed | | | | as the power may connect through the ground. |
| at them. Most important is that the laser | | | | However, the results depreciate substantially |
| sight virtually insures you won't miss. | | | | if the second probe lands on concrete, |
| The cartridge fires once and both projectiles | | | | asphalt or not all on wood floors. If the |
| must hit the subject's body or clothing. The | | | | probes miss, the M18 TASER device can be used |
| projectiles have barbed hooks that embed | | | | in a touch-stun mode by aggressively touching |
| themselves in clothing or under the skin | | | | the front of the device to the target. The |
| about 1/2 inch. These projectiles must | | | | user is thus provided with two backups. A |
| sometimes be surgically removed. As a | | | | secondary Cartridge holder is available that |
| short-range weapon, the maximum range is 15 | | | | holds a backup cartridge below the TASER's |
| feet. Both projectiles must hit, and the | | | | handgrip. A final backup if the probes miss |
| projectiles spread out somewhat as the | | | | the target is the touch stun feature. Should |
| distance to the subject increases. Therefore | | | | the user miss or engage a second attacker, |
| accuracy is greater at a distance of 5 to 10 | | | | the ADVANCED TASER device can applied |
| feet. Fire from a safe distance, but remember | | | | directly to the target and it will work like |
| that the closer you are, the less likely you | | | | a powerful touch-stun device. What is |
| are to miss. The TASERÂ(R) is a | | | | the best-shot at maximum range? As long as |
| single-shot weapon. The cartridge must be | | | | the spread of the probes is at least four |
| replaced after firing in order to fire again | | | | inches, the TASER device should be extremely |
| at a distance. However if you do miss, or if | | | | effective. To ensure that the spread is |
| there is a second attacker, the TASERÂ(R) | | | | greater than four inches, the ADVANCED TASER |
| will continue to function on contact like an | | | | should be fired at a target several feet |
| ordinary stun gun, even if you do not have | | | | away. The optimum shot is from seven to ten |
| time to replace or remove the spent | | | | feet away form the target to achieve maximum |
| cartridge. The TASERÂ(R) M18 and | | | | effect using a 15-foot cartridge. Although |
| M18L (L is the laser sight model) will bring | | | | the TASER has been found to have a high |
| down an attacker 99 times out of a hundred. | | | | degree of effectiveness, it is not a "magic |
| It is an extremely rugged and dependable | | | | bullet." You should always have a backup plan |
| weapon. It is identical in design principle | | | | and be prepared to use the touch-stun |
| to what law enforcement uses. It is designed | | | | capability in case you miss the target or do |
| to work only on humans, not on animals. An | | | | not get both probes within the required |
| ordinary stun gun works on the principle of | | | | 2-inch cumulative arc limitation. |
| inflicting pain on the attacker. Some | | | | |
| attackers are able to overcome high voltage | | | | To purchase the TASER, please visit |
| pain, so ordinary stun guns are ineffective | | | | |
| on subjects high on PCP, Meth or other drugs. | | | | You can get more for your money! All TASER |
| The TASERÂ(R) works on an entirely | | | | M-18 models come with the following items: |
| different high-tech principle. It does not | | | | •1 - M-18 ADVANCED TASER or 1 - |
| rely on pain as a deterrent. It uses a | | | | M-18L ADVANCED TASER w/ integrated laser |
| scientifically advanced principle of "Electro | | | | sight •1 - Hard Carry Case (not |
| Muscular Disruption" (EMD) that interrupts | | | | a holster) •1 - Practice Target |
| the body's ability to control it's muscles. | | | | •2 - Air Cartridges (value $60) |
| Therefore the TASERÂ(R) will bring down | | | | for TASER M-18 •4 - Air |
| an attacker 99 times out of a hundred and | | | | Cartridges (value $120) for TASER M-18L |
| keep them down for at least 2 or 3 minutes | | | | TASER M-18 and TASER M-18L Specifications |
| and usually 5 minutes or more. | | | | •Power output: 50,000V 18 Watts, |
| Dimensions are 8" long with the cartridge in | | | | 1.76 Joules per pulse energy (5-second |
| place and 5 1/2" high. Weight is 1 lb with | | | | automatic timing cycle per discharge) |
| batteries in place. The TASERÂ(R) M18 and | | | | •Power input: 12 VDC: 4-6 A |
| M18L come only in black and look like the | | | | •Power supply: 8 AA Duracell |
| serious weapons they are. You can purchase | | | | Ultra Alkaline batteries or Energizer Nickel |
| these at | | | | Metal Hydride rechargeable AA batteries, self |
| | | | contained inside polyethylene battery tray, |
| You don't need any permits to carry it! | | | | with reverse insertion prevention feature. |
| | | | •Aiming mechanisms: Fixed front |
| TASER is not considered a firearm - they're | | | | and rear "fin and blade" sights, 650 |
| legal to carry in most states without permits | | | | Nanometer wavelength, daytime laser sight |
| (including California). The TASER is | | | | (optimized at 13 foot range). |
| prohibited from citizen use in IL, MA, RI, | | | | •Weight: 18oz |
| NY, NJ, WI, MI, HI and certain cities and | | | | •Housing: 7.5"L x 5.5H" x 1.3W" |
| counties. Legal, but with restrictions in CT, | | | | (inches). •Safety levers: |
| FL, IN, NC, ND, OH and WA. | | | | Ambidextrous •Battery |
| | | | indicator: High visibility red LED calibrated |
| For stun gun laws in your state, please visit | | | | for alkaline batteries. •Laser |
| | | | lens Material: Optically clear polycarbonate |
| | | | (for M-18L only) •Yellow |
| Here is what people have to say: | | | | coloration kit: Left and right side yellow |
| | | | polycarbonate decals with P.S.A. that adheres |
| "Finally, the most Effective, Easy to Use, | | | | to sides of the weapon, in order to mark it |
| Less-Lethal Self Defense Product for | | | | as less- lethal. For TASER M-18 For TASER |
| Civilians. You can take down someone bigger | | | | M-18L Regular Price (MSRP): $399.95 Regular |
| and stronger than you instantly!" This | | | | Price (MSRP): $599.95 Plus Free Shipping |
| product can save your life! "I've been a | | | | Now! Plus Free Shipping Now! |
| police officer for 24 years and I have never | | | | |
| seen anything better that gets people to | | | | ADVANCED TASER M-18 and M-18L |
| comply quicker." - Sgt. David Fulenwider | | | | ADVANCED TASER M18 with 2 Air Cartridges |
| Fulenwider coordinates the TASER program for | | | | $399.95 ADVANCED TASER M18-L with |
| deputies in the Jefferson County Jail. | | | | Integrated Laser Sight, and 4 Air Cartridges |
| Less-lethal self-defense has recently been | | | | $599.95 ADVANCED TASER HOLSTER--available |
| taken to a whole new level - the TASER energy | | | | right or left handed $99.00 2 pack of |
| weapon. Police departments throughout the | | | | Air Cartridges. Reload your ADVANCED TASER in |
| United States are starting to deploy TASER | | | | less then a second with replacement Air |
| energy weapons for their duty officers. It | | | | Cartridges. Price shown is for two |
| has been proven that TASER weapons are far | | | | cartridges. $59.95 2 pack of Air |
| more effective than any other self-defense | | | | Cartridges. Reload your ADVANCED TASER in |
| weapon on the market today. "We've found | | | | less then a second with replacement Air |
| it's been much more effective than the other | | | | Cartridges. Price shown is for two |
| less-lethal options we have available to us." | | | | cartridges. $29. |
| - Sgt Mike Ryan Tactical Team Staff Ottawa | | | | |