How are stun guns constructed?

Stun guns are self defense devices that deliver an electrical current to immobilize and temporarily incapacitate a person. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as more states have legalized using them for self protection in public. They are also used in military settings, such as by law enforcement officers, to stop violent assailants from further attacking their charges.

These guns are an excellent form of self protection. They are effective self defense weapons. Because they are not lethal weapons, the attacker will not have time to call for help. This means that there is no risk to innocent bystanders or others in the surrounding area being injured or killed by the attacker. 

Most of these guns can be used on multiple people if they are grabbed in a group as they're disarmed and incapacitated by their own device. The other advantage of these guns is that they just work. Contrary to popular belief, many people do use them as a means of protection when questioned by police officers or similar authority figures.

Who Invented Stun Guns?

Some people say it all started with Dr. Albert Thomas, who was able to persuade a local patent lawyer to apply for a patent for what would become the famous Taser in 1969. However, others say it all began in 1937 when a scientist named Joseph Needham developed an electroshock gun that could "punish" misbehaving children and animals.

The invention of stun guns can be attributed to many different people over the last seventy-five years or so. Regardless of who invented the first electroshock weapon, they have become an important tool in law enforcement around the world today.

In 1884, Sir James Dalgety Fawcett, a Scot, experimented with a device to subdue aggressive prisoners. He attached some electrical parts to an existing manually operated device called a "cat o'nine tails". In 1927, the first patent for an electroshock  gun was issued to Jack Cover by the United States Patent Office. 

The patent states that the purpose of the invention was to prevent riots and disturbances in prison. Cover's invention was not able to be mass-produced because it was too expensive. In 1969, Dr. Thomas petitioned Tony Swartz, owner of Taser International Inc., to develop the first electric shock weapons that can be fired from a distance.

Stun guns

Construction of Stun Guns


  • Electrodes Building

The first step in manufacturing stun guns is to build the electrodes. The electrodes are built and soldered into a piece of metal. The wires are then wound around the metal coil and an electric resistance wire is then connected with solder paste on both ends. Next, the coil is inserted into one end of the handle of the device which also has slots for three capacitors. 

  • Assembly the Circuit

Once inserted, they are secured with screws and nuts until they can be soldered together to complete it as well as attach it to a power source. The last step is the assembly of the circuit board, the switch, the metal pieces and a few other parts. If you want to make your own gun, never try to make your own circuit. 

If you do not know what you are doing, it could end up killing you. Most of these electroshock weapons such as a lipstick stun gun use DC voltage from 3 volts to 6 volts. By using a lower voltage, it increases the overall efficiency of its power consumption as well as it has a longer run time in between each recharge.

  • Finishing the Exterior

The next step is finishing the exterior pieces that are sharp edges, cleaning them up and then covering them with black tape or electrical tape so no one can cut themselves on any sharp edges that they may have missed while cleaning them up. Also, make sure that the sharp edges are clean of any oils or dust so no one will get shocked from them accidentally.

  • Voltage Usage

The next step is to figure out how much voltage to use and how long the charge will last. It should be strong enough to stop an attacker, but not too strong that you will end up killing them. The optimal voltage is around 4,000 volts if you want it to be a one-hit kill or 2,000 volts if you want it to be able to stun them for a few seconds. 

It all depends on where you hit them and how long the charge lasts after hitting them with the current of amps (how many charges per second). While building a gun, be sure to know what kind of battery to use. Some work better than others and some even have shorter run times. It all depends on the amps you are producing at what voltage you are using the battery. 

  • Batteries

The most common batteries used are rechargeable lithium ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries and alkaline batteries. The lithium ion batteries can be charged around 500 times before needing to be replaced and they have a longer run time per charge than the other two types of batteries as well as they have a higher voltage output as well.

Stun guns

Benefits of Stun Guns

Non-lethal weapons such as cell phone stun gun has become more popular over the years because of its benefits, which include:

  • Effective at a Distance – Unlike firearms, you do not need to be close to your attacker when using a stun weapon. This gives you an advantage in situations where you would not normally be able to get into contact with your assailant.
  • Can Be Used for Self Defense – Many women are uncomfortable with a firearm, which is understandable. This leads many to avoid carrying one because they are afraid it will draw unwanted attention or be used against them by the police. However, if you carry flashlight stun guns, this is less likely to happen because you can use the weapon without being in proximity to the attacker.
  • Simple to Use – The fact that a stun weapon requires no ammo and has no moving parts makes it very easy to use and very safe. Typically, a gun will simply deliver an electric charge that will temporarily incapacitate your assailant for as long as you hold down the button on the handle.
  • Less Lethal – Stun guns have a number of benefits when compared to similar weapons, such as Tasers. Tasers can fire multiple darts that extend from the weapon’s tip, but they require contact with the assailant. Also, the darts can be dangerous if they miss their target or bounce off of a surface and strike you instead.

On the other hand, these guns remain effective at a distance (which means you do not have to touch your attacker) and only work when you press on the device’s trigger. You may not even need to use it if your attacker is aware he has been shocked by your stun weapon.

Perfection for Self Defense!

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions “stun guns” is probably a large, gun-like device used for self defense. Most people associate the words with electricity, but some devices are designed for a non-lethal electric shock. The purpose of these weapons is to disable an assailant momentarily and gives you time to get away from or fight back against the offender.

These guns can be very useful in situations where they might lead to injury or death (such as if you were attacked), and law enforcement officers often use these guns as non-lethal weapons on suspects who have been apprehended. These gun usage by police has been controversial because of the deaths that have resulted from their use.

The controversy surrounding stun guns is due in part to how they are often promoted as a self defense device for women. They are advertised as being “safe” and easy to use, but critics argue that the weapons can be ineffective and potentially dangerous. Most guns marketed today are small and concealable. 

Also Read: Stun gun vs Pepper Spray