I respectfully disagree.A Taser fires two barbs (projectiles) using compressed air. This would put it under the definition of a "firearm".
Quote:
Minn. Stat. 97A.015 Subd. 19.Firearm.
"Firearm" means a gun that discharges shot or a projectile by means of an explosive, a gas, or compressed air.
Caselaw:
State v. Seifert: the supreme court, as one of three bases for upholding an aggravated robbery conviction, held that a CO2 BB pistol qualified as a “firearm.” 256 N.W.2d 87, 88 (Minn. 1977). State v. Seifert held that the legislature intended a broad definition of "firearm," one not restricted to weapons using gunpowder.
State v. Newman: this court used the definition from Seifert to conclude that a high-velocity air gun, which fired BBs, qualified as a “firearm” under the drive-by shooting statute. 538 N.W.2d 476, 477-78 (Minn. App. 1995)
My advice to a person who wishes to carry a Taser would be to acquire a Permit-to-Carry.
I would also advise them to carry a handgun in addition to the Taser.