Electroshock gun
An electroshock gun, also sometimes called a stun gun, is a generally non-lethal weapon used for subduing a person. It is similar in basic design to a cattle prod. It sends and electric current through a person at level less than fatal but enough to incapacitate them.
One tenth of an Ampere of current is generally enough to kill a person, so the devices are low current, but they use a very a high voltage to make it possible for electricity to overcome some resistance from skin and flow through the person. Most stun guns must be used at point blank range and have two small electrodes separated by a couple of inches at the end of small handle with a button on it.
In the 1990s a device that can fire the electrodes out with wires attached was developed. With this device range is extend out to several feet. The electrodes are small and spear shaped with thin wires that lead back to the device. Upon firing they shoot out and imbed in the skin and then deliver a jolt of elctricty, althogh the they are not able to penetrate much material.
While generally non-lethal the charge of stun-guns can kill in some circumstances, especially by disruption of the heart muscle's rhythm. Also, some localized nerve damage is possible as well as some small electrical burn at the point of elctrode contact. Spear electrodes leave small wounds where they penetrate. If improperly used, such as on someone eye, obviously other damage ensues.
The devices are generally used for self defense, or sometimes by law enforcement to subue an out of control prisoner. Reports of the devices being used for torture or as interrogation tool has led to restrictions on export of the devices. The devices are not to be confused with Directed Energy Weapons which differ in basic design.
