The evolution from primitive weapons to modern self-defense tools has been nothing short of remarkable. Long gone are the days of relying on stones or pointy sticks — since the invention of firearms, humans have always sought better and more effective ways to protect themselves.
Enter the TASER Pulse, a less-than-lethal tool that promises safety without lethal consequences.
The TASER Pulse is designed with the civilian in mind. It offers a blend of usability and straightforward effectiveness by mimicking the dimensions of a subcompact handgun; a nod to familiar self-defense tools but with a twist. Instead of bullets, it fires two dart electrodes that deliver a jolt of electricity, causing “neuromuscular incapacitation” (say that five times fast.)
What sets the TASER Pulse apart is how light and user-friendly it is. Anyone who has shopped for a concealed carry pistol is familiar with the features that add value (compactness, a light rail, easy-to-manipulate controls, etc.), and the TASER’s integrated flashlight and laser, (which performed well in our nighttime environment tests) demonstrated the device’s adaptability to various scenarios.
Historically, the concept of a TASER isn’t new. Jack Cover, a NASA researcher, invented the first version in 1969, naming it after a book he loved as a child, “Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle” (but adding an “A” because they got tired of answering the phone ‘T.S.E.R.’). The TASER Pulse builds on the concept, refining the technology into a more approachable civilian-friendly package.
As we delve deeper into this review, we’ll explore the TASER Pulse’s features, its real-world applications, and its place in the broader context of personal defense tools.
Whether you’re a seasoned self-defense enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable safety tool, this review promises a comprehensive look at a device that might just be a game-changer.
By Michael Crites
Michael Crites has served as executive editor of AmericanFirearms.org since 2016 and previously held positions as associate editor and range correspondent dating back to 2000. He discovered his passion for precision shooting at age 12 during his first visit to his grandfather's shooting range, eventually earning an Expert classification in three different shooting disciplines before age 18.
During his studies at University of Wyoming, he earned four varsity letters on the collegiate rifle and pistol teams, serving as team captain for three consecutive years. He became the first UW student to complete the NRA Range Safety Officer certification while maintaining full-time student status. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Sports Communications.
His diverse career has included roles as Range Safety Coordinator for the National Rifle Championships in Camp Perry 2001; editor-in-chief, Precision Shooter Quarterly; series editor, Modern Firearms Handbook collection; managing editor, National Shooting Sports Foundation Newsletter; editor, Competitive Shooter Magazine; operations director for Western Arms & Ammunition Co.; senior editor for the Shooter's Reference Annual (Cheyenne); content director for The Firearms Report, published by the American Shooting Coalition in Billings, MT; firearms correspondent for Hunting & Shooting, produced by Outdoor Sports Media Group in Jackson, WY; and publisher for Wyoming Shooting Sports Journal in Casper. He has contributed as a regular columnist for American Rifleman (NRA Publications), technical editor for Precision, a publication of the National Bench Rest Shooters Association (Phoenix, AZ); and as firearms specialist for the Gun Owner's Annual.
As a digital content creator, he has written more than 400 articles on AmericanFirearms.org, developed shooting technique coverage for the Brownells Shooting Blog (Montezuma, IA) and Federal Premium "Range Notes" platform (Anoka, MN), and served as lead content strategist for International Defensive Pistol Association (Berryville, AR). Beyond Tactical Firearms, his current endeavors include content development for the Wyoming State Rifle Association (Cheyenne, WY) and technical manual production for High Plains Publishing of Laramie, WY.
He has contributed to the 12th, 13th, and 14th editions of Modern Sporting Rifles Guide and edited The Complete Guide to Tactical Shooting and Competitive Shooter's Reference Manual (Gun Digest Books).
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