TASER Non-Lethal/Less-Lethal Self-Defense Course

Because Not Every Threat Calls for a Gun... But Every Threat Demands a Plan. What happens when pepper spray isn't enough—but deadly force isn't justified? Would you have another option?

The TASER® is one of the most effective less-lethal self-defense tools available today, giving responsible citizens another way to stop a violent attack while potentially avoiding the need to use a firearm. The most prepared defenders don't rely on just one tool—they develop options.

That's the philosophy behind the USCCA's Complete Self-Defense® mindset. Personal protection isn't just about carrying a firearm; it's about recognizing threats, understanding the law, making sound decisions under stress, and having the right response for the situation you're facing. A TASER is an important part of that layered approach to personal safety.

Whether you carry concealed every day, rely on pepper spray, or simply want to be better prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to safely and responsibly integrate a TASER into your personal defense plan.

Why Take This Course?

Owning a TASER is more than buying another piece of equipment.

It's understanding:

When a TASER is the better option.
When it isn't.
How to deploy it effectively under stress.
What happens after you use it.
How New York law applies to its possession and use.

Many people don't realize that New York's law regarding civilian possession of TASER devices has changed significantly over the last several years. While the statute remains in the Penal Law, federal court decisions—including the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings in District of Columbia v. Heller and Caetano v. Massachusetts, followed by the Northern District of New York's decision in Avitabile v. Beach—have recognized constitutional protections for these less-lethal defensive tools. We'll explain what those decisions mean, what the current legal landscape looks like, and how to carry and use your TASER responsibly.

Until 2019, it was a misdemeanor in New York to possess an electronic stun or dart gun. Exceptions were only for law enforcement, authorized military servicemembers, and certain defense contractors. As per N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.01,265.20. 

in 2019, a U.S. District Court ruled that the state’s “sweeping,” complete ban on possession or use of these weapons by civilians, even for self-defense in their own homes, violated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The court relied on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), which found that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess firearms and use them for lawful purposes, even weapons that weren’t in existence when the Bill of Rights was added to the U.S. Constitution. (Avitabile v. Beach, 277 F.Supp.3d 326 (N.D.N.Y. 2019).) 

The court decision explicitly left open the possibility that some restrictions on the possession and/or use of stun guns and Tasers would be constitutional. 

Essentially, the law still exists. The NY State District Attorney’s offices have been informed to NOT enforce the law regarding TASERS and electronic stun guns. 

However, we DO advise you to keep a reference or copy of the court decision listed above as not all law enforcement may be aware of the case.

Knowledge is just as important as the equipment you carry.

What You'll Learn:

This comprehensive classroom and hands-on course covers
✔ Understanding the civilian TASER platform
✔ How the TASER works and what it does
✔ Safe handling and operation
✔ Proper deployment techniques
✔ New York Use of Force laws
✔ Legal considerations before, during, and after deployment
✔ When a TASER is—and isn't—the appropriate response
✔ Device maintenance and troubleshooting
✔ Practical familiarization drills to build confidence

You'll leave with more than information—you'll leave with practical skills and a better understanding of how to make sound decisions during one of the most stressful moments of your life.

Hands-On Training

This isn't just a lecture.

Students will handle and operate TASER training equipment while learning proper deployment techniques in a safe, instructor-led environment.

NO TASER EXPOSURE: In accordance with USCCA and AXON/TASER policy, students will NOT be exposed to a TASER during this course. (No matter how much you ask)

Who Should Attend? This course is ideal for:

Concealed carry permit holders
USCCA members
New firearm owners
Security professionals
Church safety team members
Real estate professionals
Anyone looking for an effective less-lethal self-defense option
Responsible citizens who want more than "just pepper spray"

Whether you carry every day or never intend to own a firearm, a TASER can provide another valuable option for protecting yourself and those around you.

Prerequisites

Students must be legally eligible to possess a TASER under applicable federal and state law. You may not attend if you are prohibited from possessing one due to felony convictions, qualifying domestic violence convictions, illegal drug use, certain court orders, or any other state or federally prohibited status.

Required Equipment

Please bring:
Eye protection
Comfortable everyday clothing suitable for movement

Safety First: No live firearms or other weapons are permitted in the training area. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS.

Course tuition includes all instruction, training equipment, and practical exercises.

Tuition does not include a personal TASER Pulse®, Pulse+, or StrikeLight®. If you'd like to purchase your own TASER after completing the course, we'll be happy to assist you with ordering the model that best fits your needs.

More Options. Better Decisions. Greater Confidence.

The best self-defense plan isn't built around a single tool.

It's built around training.

Join us for the Less-Lethal Self-Defense Course featuring TASER® Course and discover how a less-lethal option can strengthen your personal protection strategy while reinforcing the knowledge, judgment, and responsibility that every prepared citizen should possess.

Train smart. Carry confidently. Protect responsibly.