The active ingredient (oleoresin capsicum) immediately dilates the attackers optical capillaries, causing the eyes to slam shut; the OC also inflames the lining in the bronchial tubes, creating it hard for the attacker to breathe. The effect can last several minutes -- plenty of instant for the would-be victim to get away and call the police.

A stun gun does not shoot anything. It is about the size of a cell phone and has two metal prongs on one finish . Much like a cattle prod, the two prongs are thrust into the attackers body or clothes. A trigger is pulled. Immediately an electric shock courses through the attackers body. The charge released might be anything from 50,000 to 625,000 volts at a rate of three milliamps. Thats enough to cause the muscles to spasm involuntarily, and violently, so that the attacker loses all control of his body.

The longer the stun gun is pressed into the attacker, the more convincing the results will be. For full effect, you have to hold the stun gun to him for a sizeably good five seconds. During this time, the assailant will not be able to wrest the weapon away from you, because he is being electrocuted. And if your body touches his, the charge will not transfer to you. Ultimately, the shock will not kill him (it can not even affect a pacemaker) but it will allow you to incapacitate him and get away with your life.

The only problem with this is that it only works at very close range. If you understand that someone is trying to hurt you, but they are still a few feet away, why wait? Thats why its the more popular self-defense weapon today.