The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Would you shoot an attacker with a tazer?

WC145 · December 7, 2008, 11:12 AM

I'm a LEO, I've had the opportunity to "ride the lightening" and I know how incapacitating it is. Yes, the shock only lasts 5 seconds but LE tasers can shock again and again just by pulling the trigger, I don't know about the civilian models. And, even though the shock is brief, it is very intense and it takes a moment to recover enough to act afterwards. So, for me, if someone was threatening me with a taser I would not hesitate to shoot them first because I would be unable to defend myself or protect my weapon if they did.

One thing you have to keep in mind the range of a taser is only about 15 feet. If you're being threatened from across the parking lot and shoot the bad guy you're going to have some explaining to do. Of course if you are within range that's a completely different ball game.

December 7, 2008, 11:12 AM	#17
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	I'm a LEO, I've had the opportunity to "ride the lightening" and I know how incapacitating it is. Yes, the shock only lasts 5 seconds but LE tasers can shock again and again just by pulling the trigger, I don't know about the civilian models. And, even though the shock is brief, it is very intense and it takes a moment to recover enough to act afterwards. So, for me, if someone was threatening me with a taser I would not hesitate to shoot them first because I would be unable to defend myself or protect my weapon if they did. One thing you have to keep in mind the range of a taser is only about 15 feet. If you're being threatened from across the parking lot and shoot the bad guy you're going to have some explaining to do. Of course if you are within range that's a completely different ball game.