You may seek to use weapons at times for the purpose of self-defense. It is recommended that you use non-lethal self defense weapons like the stun guns that can effectively prevent an intruder and at the same time does not cause permanent harm to such person. It uses high voltage as an impediment to the prospective attacker.  

Unlike the wildfire 18% spray or such other pepper spray devices, the stun guns are basically touch impact weapons. A contact with the two metal prongs that is built on the stun gun causes balance loss and mental confusion for the attacker. If the contact is longer the impact will be greater. Contact for only a couple of seconds can cause spasms in the muscle and the attacker will be in a dazed state. If the contact is more than five seconds, there could be loss of muscle control and even disorientation.  In any case your basic purpose of repelling the assailant is achieved. 

Advantage of stung guns over the self defense weapons like the mace paper foam is that it does not cause any pain or irritation and yet is more effective for thwarting the moves of the potential attacker. It sends energy at a reasonably high pulse frequency into the muscles and they start working very rapidly but lose efficiency in the process.

While the traditional self defense weapons like the throwing star have now gone outdated, stun guns work as a safe alternative to the lethal weapons. Stun guns are legal in all states of the United States.