First announced at CES in January, the Taser C2 is the ideal device for those who want a fashionable look (color choices include black, blue, pink or silver) and the ability to immobilize scary people with the pull of a trigger.

Taser is billing the C2 as the next wave in citizen defense, and judging by the specs, I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of this bad boy. In addition to the ability to take down threats from a distance of 15 feet, the C2 can also be used as a stun gun to repel someone at a closer range. When you hit the trigger, the taser sends volts through the attacker's body for 30 seconds, and can be used again right away. But Taser has promised only 50 firings per lithium power magazine, so use your shots wisely. Additional magazines can be purchased at Taser's site.

For an extra 50 bucks, your C2 comes with a laser sight, so you can see exactly where you're aiming. Even better for those of us who are more enthusiastic than accurate, the trigger is safely covered, so you don't misfire and send electricity through your own body. The device's ergonomic design allows for comfortable handling while you drop your target.

Before you start planning your one-person vigilante patrol, be aware that Taser performs an extensive background search to make sure you haven't been convicted of a violent crime or are more likely to use it than the average person. And if you decide to fire and forget, each shot you take ejects Anti-Felon identifying tags, so the police can track the unique serial number on the tags and find you.

The Taser C2 is available for pre-order now at $349.99 ($299.99 without the aiming laser) and will ship in April. But f you live in MA, RI, NY, NJ, WI, MI, HI, or IL, you can't own the C2; I guess they want you to carry a big stick in those states.

Post by Don Reisinger