Alison, i believe the actual taser is only the little yellow gun, and the rest is a shotgun mount for it. the X36 IS well known, and rain really doesn't make too much effect on its useage. The taser does indeed cause a muscule spasm, but unlikely to give a grip reaction, even though you may think it will, it tends to make you release more than grip, and gives a feeling of "no control over any limb or function" feeling, and you can drop to the ground quickly because your legs will not hold you up. Although this will be debated strongly by a lot of people who have no real knowledge on the subject, it is an excellant way of incapacitating a subject and stopping a situation happening. The effects of this are relatively short, and not permanently damaging, giving a feeling of severe pins and needles for about an hour, and a headache with sore limbs.