DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
BURE AU OF ALCOHOL, T O BA C C O AND FIREARMS
WASHINGTON , DC

2022 6

OCT I 3 1998

F:FPD:FTB :EMO
33 11

Mr. Stephen D. Tu t tl e
Taser International
7339 East Evans Road
Scottsdale , Ari zona 85260
Dear Mr . Tuttle :
This is in reply t o your l ~ t t e r dated September 26,
1998, in which you ask about the classifi c ation of the
Air Taser electronic stun device.
The Air Taser u t i l i zi ng compressed nit rogen to expel
two barbed da r t s at ta c h e d to i n s u l a t e d wi res was
classified as n o t b e ing a firearm on November 30 , 1993.
The original device wa s s ubmitted by Ai r Ta ser , Inc. ,
4601 East I ndi an Bend Ro a d, Scottsdale , Arizona 85253 .
The classificat ion o f the d e vi c e i s st i l l e f fect ive .
The fact t h a t t he company h a s changed its n a me to Taser
International h a s n o b e ar ing on t h e origi na l
classification provided that the current Air Taser has
the same design , cons truc t ion and method o f operation
as the Air Taser t hat was eva luated in 19 93 a nd 1994.
We trust that t he foregoing has been responsive to your
inquiry.
If we can be of any further assistance ,
please contact us.

"noo,oly you,o ,

~

~~i!(tl " 1

Chief , Firearms Technology Branc

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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL . TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
WASHINGTON. D .C . 20226

LE:F:TE:EMO
3311.4

JUN - 81994

Mr. John H. Cover
Air Taser, Inc.
7307 East Evans Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Dear Mr. Cover:
This refers to your letter of June 2, 1994, with which
you provided additional information concerning the
dimensions of the production version of Air Taser Model
34000 electronic stun gun. Also provided was
information concerning changes to the cassette.
You indicated that the production version is
approximately 1 inch longer than the prototype
submitted but is slimmer in both width and thickness.
You also indicated that the cassette, now called an air
cartridge will utilize compressed carbon dioxide gas
instead of nitrogen.
The above changes would have no bearing on the previous
classification of the Air Taser as not being a firearm.
This determination is based on the fact that the device
does not utilize the frame or receiver of a firearm,
does not expel a projectile by the action of an
explosive, and the diameter of the borers) is less than
one-half inch.
We trust that the foregoing has been responsive t o your
inquiry.
If we may be of any furthe~ assistance,
please contact us.
Sincerely yours,

f'h;o -f'

~*?aiJ:.A--Jh'~

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