It has been in the news recently that the use of Tasers is being criticized because of safety issues. Since 2001, 50 people have died in police incidents where tasers were involved. While the number of people killed by guns is far higher, stun guns are being considered unsafe for the recipient. A taser (or conducted energy weapon) is not classified as firearm by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives since it uses compressed nitrogen gas as the propellant. Therefore, firearms-related regulations do not apply to the sale and distribution of the tasers within the United States.

I think I'd prefer it if tasers were legal to carry and all handguns were outlawed for civilians. Currently in New York State, tasers are banned except in the hands of police. Yet hand guns are lethal in 89% of cases. Tasers are lethal in 3% of cases. Both have near-perfect effectiveness ratings. The only difference is that handguns are designed to kill, taserws are designed to subdue. In fact, the courts have routinely held that the use of a taser is not a violation of clearly established Constitutional law governing excessive force. The only people in danger of dying from a taser attack are those whose hearts have been weakened by disease or narcotic use. People with pacemakers rarely need to be subdued. Drug users are often immune to pain or chemical sprays because of their 'highs.'