Stun Guns at Radio Shack?
Yes, you read the title right. Talk about getting non-lethal weapons into the hands of the public, Radio Shack is now considering selling stun guns in limited areas.
It’s probably not such a far-fetched idea since Wal Mart and other stores nation wide have been selling all sorts of guns and rifles for years.
The idea that Radio Shack will be selling stun guns will offer individuals a choice if they are looking for personal protection, and will offer those who spend a lot of time outdoors or in the wild, or hunting, a way to protect themselves from wild animals that they don’t want to kill, but don’t want to be attacked by.
Excerpts from an Ohio interview regarding Radio Shack’s new move were made available in the Ohio News Democrat by Brett Roller, staff writer. In part, his interview included the following:
Area residents could soon have a new option in self defense. Radio Shack stores in Mt. Orab, Georgetown, and Bethel could soon carry stun guns and pepper spray.
“People come in and shop and sometimes they want something different,” store manager James Colwell said. “It’s something we looked into and we thought there might be a market for it.”
Colwell said that while Radio Shack itself does not normally carry stun guns he felt there was a need in the area and so he started looking into the possibility of selling the self defense tools locally. Colwell said parents sending their children off to college might feel safer if they send them with protection. Colwell did stress they are for personal protection and should not be used lightly.
“If someone has road rage and comes up to you at a stop sign or a stoplight, you have an alternative to get away. You can run the light if you have to or drive away, you don’t need a stun gun,” Colwell said. “If you’re in your home or you can’t get away, or you are in a situation where you are being mugged, that’s when you could use a stun gun or pepper spray.”
Colewell said he did a lot of research on local and state regulations before deciding to carry the tools. He also visited with local law enforcement “to get their blessing.”
“Everyone said everyone has a right to defend themselves,” Colwell said. “(Law enforcement) prefers a non-lethal way. A stun gun or pepper spray as opposed to a gun or knife.”
So, next time you are thinking of an alternative and non-lethal way to protect yourself, think Radio Shack. It looks like Radio Shack is not your parent’s Radio Shack of the past, and it goes to show that there are good ways to protect yourself and they are becoming more available. However, when you plan to purchase a stun gun or other weapon, do your research and go to experts who are experienced in the sale of and laws about stun guns. It is important that you understand how to operate them safely and understand the laws in the state you live in.