You do believe in the right to defend yourself but not lethal self defense. That is just a little too much for you. So what do you do? How about the non lethal alternative self defense products like stun guns and pepper sprays?

They offer an acceptable alternative whose sole purpose is to allow you time to get away from a dangerous situation. So you decided to get a stun gun-good for you! Now what do you do? Here are some tips to get the most out of your stun gun.

1. First of all learn how they work. Knowing how something works gives you confidence in the product. Stun devices all work the same way. The hand held device has two prongs at the end that when charged send sparks of electricity between the prongs. When applied to an assailant it basically short circuits his nervous system which controls muscle movement. The pulsed current causes muscles to work super fast, quickly depleting them of needed blood sugars.

2. Learn who uses them. Knowing who uses a product also gives you confidence in knowing you have made a good decision in the product you have. Law enforcement agencies all over the world use them. Next to pepper sprays they are the most popular self defense product there is.

3. Learn how to use them. The best points on the body to apply the stun gun are "the upper shoulder, lower rib cage, and upper hip on either right or left side-SIX TARGETS in all."

4. Practice. Yes practice. Knowing how something works is one thing and knowing how to use it is another. In an emergency situation you can't be wondering how to actually do it. It has to be second nature. That, my friends, only comes with practice. Get a friend and run thru different scenarios so when the time comes to use it in an emergency you will be prepared.

If you feel threatened by an assailant point a charging stun tool at him and hold it up for the bad guys to see the flying current and hear the sounds. From a distance the crackling noise alone and blue sparks that they give off when activated may be enough to keep attackers at bay.