Can I buy a TASER electronic control device for personal use?
Absolutely. It is legal own a TASER ECD in the United States except in specific locations. Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia. Additional cities, counties, and countries might have other restrictions on the use or possession of the C2 ECD, so check all applicable laws and regulations carefully. Federal law prohibits carrying or shipping TASER ECDs out of the U.S. without proper export license.
Is it legal to carry a C2 ECD?
Yes. It is legal in the United States except in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia. Additional cities, counties, and countries might have other restrictions on the use or possession of the C2 ECD so check all applicable laws and regulations carefully. Federal law prohibits carrying or shipping TASER devices out of the U.S. without the proper export license.
Are TASER electronic control devices considered firearms?
No. TASER ECDs are not classified as firearms by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATF) because TASER cartridges use compressed, inert nitrogen gas to launch the probes instead of gun powder.
What does it feel like to be shot with a TASER ECD?
Different people have different reactions, but it’s definitely uncomfortable. Some people compare it to touching a live electrical outlet except that it’s not localized to the point of contact; it has more of a full body effect where muscular control is limited for the duration of the charge cycle. We describe it as muscle “lock up” because you are generally unable to move. The NMI effect is not about pain compliance but incapacitation in order to keep someone down and away from you. That said, it is generally mildly to moderately painful.
Does it cause permanent damage or injury?
Think of the NMI effect as a light switch – it’s either completely on or completely off. During the 30-second cycle, the sensory and motor function signals are confused, which inhibits muscular control and causes incapacitation. Once the charge cycle ends, sensory and motor functions resume normally and allow signals to be transmitted to the muscles - the NMI effect is “off.”
TASER ECDs are not risk-free, however, as injuries can result from falls, drug/alcohol-related complications, or other external circumstances. More detailed safety and health information concerning the use of ECDs can be found here.
Will it fire accidentally?
The C2 ECD was designed to balance accessibility with safety. You need to be able to reach and fire it quickly if necessary but also feel confident that it won’t be accidentally discharged. For this reason, the push button trigger is located beneath a safety cover that must be slid all the way open before the C2 ECD can be fired.
Is it safe to have around children?
The C2 is a self-defense electronic control device, and like other options, should be kept out of reach of children at all times. It is equipped with a safety cover that hides the push-button trigger, and the device cannot be fired until the safety is slid all the way back. Lastly TASER ECDs use medically tested, field-proven technology that when adopted by law enforcement agencies, has significantly reduced injury and fatality rates of suspects, police officers, and innocent citizens. TASER ECDs are designed to save lives by resolving dangerous situations without escalating to lethal means.
Is the C2 ECD the same model used by law enforcement?
The TASER C2 electronic control device uses the same exact technology and offers the same stopping power as the police version. There are only two notable differences:
- The cycle time - the C2 ECD relays the charge for 30 seconds compared to a 5 seconds with the police version. This is so you can keep your attacker down and get yourself to safety!
- The range of the TASER C2 electronic control device is up to 15 feet.
The C2 ECD is also designed to fit your lifestyle - lightweight, compact, and easy to carry.
Do I need special training to use it?
As with any self-defense option, it’s a good idea to understand how it work and how to operate it safely and effectively. Training materials are included with your ECD and cover everything you need to know about it. Other training resources might be available in your local area if you need them. It’s also beneficial to practice shooting your ECD in order to get comfortable with how it feels, sounds, and aims. Extra cartridges and practice targets are available for purchase.
How old do I have to be to buy a TASER C2 electronic control device?
You must be 18 years old or over in order to buy a C2 ECD.
How much does it weigh? How big is it?
A C2 ECD only weighs about seven ounces and measures about 6 inches long.
What if I miss my target?
In the event that you shoot and miss, you can use your C2 ECD as a direct contact stun device.
How many times can I use a TASER cartridge?
Each cartridge fires once so it’s a good idea to keep extra cartridges on hand.
How long does the battery last?
The Lithium Power Magazine (LPMTM) battery pack can supply over fifty 30-second applications. As with all power sources, environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can impact battery life differently.
Is the battery rechargeable? Can I replace it with regular batteries?
No. The Lithium Power Magazine LPMTM) battery pack is designed specifically for the C2 ECD and is not rechargeable. Replacement LPM battery packs are available for purchase. The C2 ECD will not accept or operate on other battery types.
Do I have to carry it in a holster or special case?
No. How you carry your C2 ECD is entirely up to you. It can be carried safely and discreetly in a handbag, brief case, holster, or just about anywhere. What’s important is that you’re comfortable carrying it and that it’s readily accessible should you need it.
Can I take my TASER device on an airplane?
No. According to the 2012 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for commercial airplanes TASER electronic control devices, battery packs, and cartridges ARE NOT ALLOWED on your person, in your carry-on baggage, or even in your checked baggage aboard commercial aircraft.
Why do I have to pass a felony background check in order to activate my C2 ECD?
We at TASER International live and work to “Protect Life.” One of the ways we do live is by doing all we can to keep our life-saving devices out of the hands of criminals. We will not activate any TASER ECD without a clear felony background check. It’s the right thing to do because it protects all of us.
What happens if I have to use my C2 ECD to defend myself and it’s lost as a result?
Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
When an X26C, M26C, or C2 ECD is used in self-defense, the ECDs may be deployed and left behind providing the Purchaser a window of opportunity to get to safety and call law enforcement. TASER International will replace the TASER X26C, M26C, or C2 ECD free of charge, with the same product or a like product, at TASER International's option, if the Purchaser provides, within one year following the event, the following information to TASER International, 17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 Attn: Customer Service:
- A copy of the official police report documenting the incident and the loss of the product;
- Proof of purchase of the product (receipt, purchase order, or invoice);
- Check or a credit authorization for the shipping and handling fees; and
- Purchaser's name, physical address (no PO Boxes allowed), and phone number of where to send the replaced item.
Purchaser is responsible for any expedited shipping or handling costs for the replacement ECD. A replacement product assumes the remaining warranty of the original product or 90 days from the date of replacement, whichever provides longer coverage to the Purchaser.
TASER International's Lifetime Replacement Guarantee is not available or applicable: (a) on any international (Non-United States) sales or uses of TASER Citizen Products; or (b) to any Purchaser who uses the ECD for a commercial purpose.