Stunguns are popular self–defense means. Despite their prevalence and presence on the market over the past decades, a large number of myths and misconceptions related to their principles of operation and effectiveness remain in the public consciousness. In this article we will collect and refute the most common myths about stunguns.

Myths and truths about stunguns

Can a stungun have 1 million volt current, can you knock someone out with a stungun, can you use it for self-defense in winter?

MYTH #1 — Higher voltage means greater power

This claim is probably one of the most widespread myths about stun guns. It should be noted that this industry is largely unregulated, allowing manufacturers to exaggerate voltage figures for marketing purposes.

This raises the question: what effect does a million volts have on a person? Manufacturers and sellers claiming to offer stun guns rated at 3, 6, or even 10 million volts are misleading consumers. Achieving such values in compact and inexpensive devices (often costing less than 1,000 rubles) is impossible. Chinese-made stun guns typically use the cheapest batteries and simplest electronics. These devices are not tested or certified, and the values stated in manuals and on packaging are unsupported. In other words, the high voltage printed on the box is consumer deception.

When choosing a stun gun, it is important to prioritize products from reliable and reputable Russian manufacturers that pay close attention to quality of their products.

Currently, the maximum permitted voltage for civilian stun guns in Russia is 90,000 volts (90 kV). This is a real number that ensures strong effect on an attacker and effective self-defense.

For more information about Chinese stun guns, see the PSEUDO STUNGUNS blog articles.

MYTH #2 — A brief shock instantly makes one lose consciousness and completely incapacitates a person

Movies and TV shows often depict people losing consciousness immediately after brief contact with a stun gun. It seems as if simply touching an attacker with a device will instantly neutralize them. In reality, this is not true—the effectiveness of a stun gun depends directly on the duration of exposure.

Stun guns primarily work through pain compliance and temporary disorientation.

They are not designed to cause loss of consciousness. This is the first part of the myth that must be dispelled. Their principle of operation involves disrupting electrical signals in the central nervous system, causing temporary muscle incapacitation (neuromuscular incapacitation, NMI).

Loss of consciousness carries significant health risks, and since stun guns are considered non-lethal weapons, they must not pose a threat to life or health.

Depending on duration of the discharge:

• Fraction of a second: causes fear, pain, and reflex withdrawal (muscle contraction). This will not stop a determined attacker but may scare off an aggressive dog.
• 1-2 seconds: causes muscle spasms and disorientation.
• 3 seconds: leads to loss of balance (depending on contact point), impaired coordination, severe pain, and cognitive disorientation. The attacker is unable to continue, giving the defender time to call the police.

3-second discharge (and repeated application if needed) is highly effective. To prevent interruption, it is recommended to restrain the attacker with your free hand. Any duration does not cause unconsciousness - it helps stop the attack and ensure your safety.

MYTH #3 — Electric current can transfer from the target back to the user

There is a common fear that when using a stun gun, the electric current may pass back to the operator through physical contact.

This is incorrect. The electrical discharge travels only between the two electrodes of the stun gun and does not spread beyond this zone, eliminating the possibility of shocking the stungun operator. For the same reason, the current does not pass through internal organs and does not pose a threat to the target’s life or health.

For example, if you hold an attacker by the shoulder and apply the stungun to their torso, the current cannot transfer to you. The only situation where this could occur is if your hand comes into direct contact with the electrodes - such as applying the device to the same spot you are holding.

MYTH #4 — Stun guns are equally effective against every person

There is a widespread belief that stun guns affect all people equally. However, this ignores individual physiological differences and the effects of adrenaline, alcohol, or drugs on the nervous system.

Effectiveness varies depending on factors such as body mass, physical fitness, pain tolerance, and nervous system condition. Psychoactive substances (e.g., alcohol or stimulants) can reduce pain sensitivity and alter reactions to electric shock.

A stun gun can still be effective against such individuals, but achieving the desired rstungunlt may require longer or repeated application. It is also important to carefully choose the point of contact—targeting the torso or neck increases effectiveness regardless of the person’s condition.

MYTH #5 — Stun guns are ineffective through clothing

Ordinary clothing such as jeans or a shirt does not significantly affect the effectiveness of a stun gun. Thick or layered winter clothing may reduce effectiveness somewhat, but the electrical impulse can still pass through fabric and reach the body.

In such cases, the user should press the device firmly against the attacker and apply it to a single point. Effectiveness depends on how tightly the device is pressed, whether the pointed electrodes penetrate the clothing, and whether the device remains steady without slipping.

If the attacker is wearing very thick outerwear, it is recommended to target less protected areas such as the thighs or neck.

Each situation is unique, and actions may need to be adjusted accordingly.

As for remote use: cartridges fire barbed probes with needles about 12 mm long, which is sufficient to penetrate outerwear and reach the target.

MYTH #6 — Stun guns can be used without any knowledge or preparation

In general, stun guns do not require special training, but they are still powerful civilian weapons that must be handled responsibly. Ignoring safety measures, failing to follow usage guidelines, or lacking understanding of how the device works can lead to negative consequences for the user.

To achieve the desired effect in self-defense, several factors must be considered, including correct target area and duration of exposure. Improper use may reduce effectiveness or create additional risks, including danger to the user.

Therefore, even with non-lethal devices, it is recommended to review the instructions and basic usage principles in advance. Specialists from OBERON-ALPHA are available to answer questions about operation, usage, and maintenance, and can consult by phone, email, or in person.

Conclusions

These common beliefs demonstrate a significant gap between public perception of stun guns, their portrayal in movies and TV shows, and reality.

In this article, we examined six myths about stun devices and debunked them.