Here in Michigan, there's a bill going before the House which would allow CPL holders the option of carrying a taser. Just wondering how many of you have this option. I know tasers can be legally owned in many states but I wasnt aware that they could be carried by anyone other than LEO's. I'll be sticking with the gun but I know more than one person that would be more comfortable carrying a taser.

I wonder if the taser option would have an impact in the courtroom after a self defense shooting. As in, "Shame on you for using a gun when you have a perfectly good, non-lethal option available". Anyone have any experience with this?

I'm from Michigan originally. Left in 2006. Since then I've lived a number of places where it is perfectly legal to own and carry a Taser. Well sort of. The ones that are sold on the commercial market are essentially a "gimp" version of the LE ones, less range, less power, taggants to identify you, and the Taser people do their own online background check on you before you can activate it....

Anyway... I still have yet to bother owning a Taser. Seems a waste of money given the above issues. Then there is also the dual problem that Tasers are not "non lethal", they are "less lethal". People still die from being hit by one. Part two of the problem is that they don't always stop someone - I've seen footage of people getting right up and continuing an assault, even while being juiced. (Some varieties of modern body armor also protect against the effect of Tasers, or you can try to rig a Taser proof vest out of some strips of truck tire.)

The 30 dollar Chinese made stun guns can be a lot of fun though, especially if you are troubled by Palmetto bugs ie giant mutant roaches.... but that is more of a down south thing.