An improved telescoping stun gun comprising a self-contained power source electrically connected to a voltage step-up circuit that has an output of stepped-up voltage. A first tube section is connected to a handle. One or more additional tube sections are disposed more or less concentrically within the first tube section, the smallest being the innermost tube section. The tube sections are preferably multiple sections of interlocking, concentric, thin-walled, rigid, tapered tubes. The smallest tube section includes one or more probes that are electrically connected to the output of the step-up circuit. The tube sections are configured so that if a centrifugal force, such as the flick of the wrist is applied, the inner tube sections automatically extend and lock into place forming a shaft that extends away from the handle. A probe or probes at the end of the smallest tube section are located at the distal end of the entire shaft and can be used to shock or warn a potential attacker. Conductive strips, energized by the output of the step-up circuit, may be placed along the shaft to prevent an attacker from grabbing and removing the telescoping stun gun of the present invention from the operator.