Product Review - The Streetwise SW1000 1 Million Volt Stun Gun

The Streetwise 1000K stun gun model is one of the strongest stun guns on the market. According to the manufacturer it is capable of administering a 1,000,000 volt charge. To keep the unit non-lethal, the amperage is quite low by design. It is a rather tall unit as it holds three 9 volt batteries. (Less powerful stun guns typically take one battery.) It is 8 1/4 inches tall, 2 1/4 inches wide and 1 1/8 inches thick. The unit's case is a matte black plastic as are all sun gun of this nature. It features a master on-off switch and a firing rocker switch. This switch must be held to fire the gun. Once you lift your finger off the switch, the firing stops. Also included is a 130db alarm.

The Streetwise SW1000 stun gun features a disable pin with loop that you attach to the underside of the unit. You put the loop around your wrist. If an attacker snatches the gun away from you, the pin will pull out of the unit and the stun gun will be completely disabled. That way the attacker cannot use the gun on you.

Perhaps "gun" is a misnomer because this tall rectangular device looks nothing like a gun. Would stun guns be less controversial if they weren't called guns at all? Perhaps. It should be noted that stun guns like this one fire nothing through the air (except a spark between its two electrodes). It is not a TASER. The unit must be held to the aggressor's skin or clothing to be effective. The effects are temporary and non-lethal unlike a firearm.

As befitting a high voltage unit, this device sports two 3/17 inch diameter electrodes quite a bit wider than lesser units. The snapping sound when activated is louder with a stronger visible spark. The intimidation factor is high. It is known that some aggressors will immediately flee when confronted with the menacing sound and visible spark of an activated stun gun.

This device includes a 130 db alarm which is unusual in a traditionally shaped stun gun. The alarm button is right underneath the toggle on/fire switch for easy accessibility. It is suggested to try the alarm first in an actual encounter as this may be enough to scare off your enemy.

In summary the Streetwise SW1000 stun gun is an impressive high voltage unit. The case is sturdy and comes with a nylon holster with belt loop. Installing three 9 volt batteries take a bit of finagling to fit inside the unit but once in, they stay put. The manufacturer recommends using name brand alkaline batteries for reliable performance.