Have you ever noticed how some toy guns look like the real thing? Some were manufactured with that purpose in mind, while others were altered to serve a different purpose. There are dozens of new weapons that are disguised to look like household items. Below are galleries of weapons from five different categories:
[tab:WEAPONS THAT FIRE]
WEAPONS THAT FIRE
-
- This gun is homemade and fires a single shot .22 caliber Stinger. This weapon is 5/8 inches in diameter and four inches long. The only way to tell if the bolt is actually a weapon is if there is a small hole in the threaded portion.
-
- Ares Defense Systems Company sells the Mag-light shotgun. This Mag-light is a working flashlight in addition to being a shotgun. The shotgun is available in two different sizes, .410 and .380.
-
- This is a knife that is also a single shot .22-caliber pistol. Powell and Brown, of Tucson, AZ, manufacture this item. Source: Crook County Sheriff’s Department
-
- This gun fires .32 caliber automatic rounds. The keychain gun is typically light in weight and is easily kept in pockets or around the neck. This item typically will not activate most airport metal detectors.
-
- These adapters are created by an offshore delivery captain and described as a discreet no hassle solution to carrying a weapon on board. Because the Pirate’s Plague adaptors are not weapons, it is not illegal to possess them. However, according to California Penal Code 12021, this is a firearm.
-
- The Radio Gun is a fully functional FM radio that clips to the waistband and conceals a small handgun.
-
- This item has been modified from a car steering wheel locking device into a shotgun. The handle of the club has been hollowed out to act as a shotgun barrel and, when the lock end of the club is pulled back, the modified tip of the metal shaft acts as a firing pin.
-
- Beneath the cell phone face is a .22 caliber handgun capable of firing 4 rounds rapidly by using the standard telephone keypad. We ask that you be patient if a security person asks to check your cell phone or turns it on to prove it works. As you can see, they have good reason to request this.
[tab:WEAPONS THAT CUT]
WEAPONS THAT CUT OR STAB
-
- The dagger necklace can be worn with or with out the knife. A guide that is springpressured holds the knife in place, so when the knife is removed, the spring closes and balances out the look of the necklace. Source: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
-
- The buckle knife shown here is a small lockback with a stainless blade and body. It also has a clip on the back of the handle that can be used either as a money clip or to slide onto the buckle finding. The knife can be removed from the belt buckle and opened.
-
- Columbia River Knife and Tool company manufactures the Plier Knife. The advertisement for this knife states, “The width of the plier-style handles, with finger choils, gives excellent control for the knife, and is ideal for those with large hands.”
-
- Pen knives have a variety of options. For example, some are refillable with ink. The pen shown above has an LED light at the top and a serrated blade. Penknife blades are typically around 2 inches long and are exposed by pulling the pen apart. Cannot be shipped to CA or MA.
-
- This is a switchblade disguised as a car remote. The 1.5 inch blade was spring loaded and engaged by pressing the chrome button. The car remote also contained a lighter within the body. It was very detailed, including lock/unlock/trunk release icons on the top surface, as well as a red panic button on the side.
-
- he push dagger shown above has a two-inch carbon steel blade and can hang on the wall as well as stand up. These crosses come in different designs and sizes.
-
- A Nebraska State Patrol Trooper located this knife, which is disguised as a tire beater, under the driver’s seat of a semi truck. Truck drivers and those that drive RVs use tire beaters or thumpers to check for flat tires.
-
- This particular umbrella has a ten-inch surgical stainless steel blade designed specifically for deep penetration. The blade telescopes down to 18 1 inches overall, which can easily be kept in a purse or briefcase. Cannot be shipped to CA, MA or NY.
-
- These bullet knives look like authentic bullets and are available in a variety of sizes, some of which include shotgun shell knives
-
- Lipstick knives look like a lipstick case. With just a simple twist, a blade is exposed.
-
- These bullet knives look like authentic bullets and are available in a variety of sizes, some of which include shotgun shell knives.
-
- Some cell phone cases, like this one, have a clip on the back which is large enough to conceal a small knife. Source: Homeland Security Report #156
-
- The Stealth Comb Knife has a 3-1/2” blade easily concealed in the handle of the comb. Cannot be shipped to CA, MA, or NY.
-
- Closed, this knife looks like a leaf. When opened, it converts into a knife with a two-inch long blade. This knife can easily be attached to a key ring where it appears to be a silver leaf.
-
- Throwing knives come in a variety of sizes. The price starts around $15.00.
-
- This Carabineer contains a pocketknife that has both straight and serrated edges.
-
- The sword cane is available in many different styles and sizes.
[tab:EXPLOSIVES]
EXPLOSIVES
-
- When tested, the flashlight depicted at the left worked. Upon dismantling it, officers found two batteries and a shortened medicine bottle. The medicine bottle was encircled with electrical tape that was holding wires coiled on one side and soldered to a bottle cap on the other side. This medicine bottle could be filled with an explosive substance and wired to the power button, turning it into a combustible device. Source: Nevada Department of Public Safety
-
- Radio Bomb Replica. According to the website, this item is a replica of the bomb that destroyed flight PA103 over Lockerbie in 1988. The radio bomb has a timer, an arming switch, 300 grams of simulated Semtex- H explosive, and an electric detonator.
-
- Located inside this video cassette is an electronic detonator, electronic timer, two AA batteries, and an arming device under the front flap of the tape.
-
- The flash, shutter, and winder work normally with this 35mm camera. However, located inside is an explosive molded to fit the camera. The electric detonator is hidden in the modified film pack and the switch to activate the device is located behind the film.
[tab: CONCEALED ITEMS]
CONCEALED WEAPONS & ITEMS
-
- The hidden wall safe is about 7 inches in length and looks just like a regular outlet. They are available on the internet.
-
- According to authorities, this air vent safe has a special key that activates a mechanical latch that opens the hidden release. Source: Brunswick Police Department
-
- The food and beverage safes have been around for a while. This is just a reminder that they look and feel just like the container is supposed to. These items are easily obtainable for about $20.00.
-
- BIBLES USED TO CONCEAL WEAPONS Source: Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Mariett, Ohi
-
- The neck chain knife shown can be easily concealed under a shirt, which offers quick access to the weapon. Remember to always pat down the front of your suspects.
-
- PICTURE FRAME WITH GUN COMPARTMENT Available on the internet for around $40.00.
-
- This is a cigarette lighter with a hidden compartment. Source: Queen Intelligence or Paradise Valley Police Departmen
-
- FALSE ROOF According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, using drugs as false roofs in tractor-trailers is a common way of smuggling drugs into the United States.
-
- During a traffic stop, deputies found three zip lock baggies of methamphetamine in a keyless entry remote. The suspect had removed the interior of the keychain to make room for the narcotics. Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
-
- ICE CHEST CONCEALMENT According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the ice chest shown in the picture had $55,000 in the walls of the chest
-
- LATCH PLATE KNIFE This weapon was found in U.S. Penitentiary, Beaumont, Texas. It was made from the door striker plate measures 8 inches long. Source: Missouri Information Analysis Center
-
- The candle safes come in a variety of scents, colors and sizes ranging from 4 to 6 inches. Some candles can burn for up to 4 hours and the valuables are kept safe in a metal container hidden in the bottom of the candle. These candles are available on numerous websites for around $30.00.
-
- This purse has an adjustable holster to secure a weapon without having to open the purse.
[tab: OFFICER SAFETY]
OFFICER SAFETY
-
- The Stunning Ring has an effective spray range of up to two feet. The advertisement suggests the ring should be worn on the dominant hand on the index or second finger. It is available in both gold and silver.
-
- The lipstick pepper spray has an effective range of 8 – 10 feet and contains about 10 sprays. In addition to containing OC pepper gas, it also contains UV marking dye.
-
- TThe pepper pager contains two spray cans and is effective up to twelve feet away. It can be easily accessible if it is clipped to a belt, purse, or a vehicle’s sun visor
-
- Aving sells this cell phone-shaped pepper spray container. To use, open the phone, remove the antenna, and press the button inside.
-
- The cell phone stun gun has two functions: It shocks 180,000 volts and has a siren alarm of up to 130 db. It runs on a 9-volt battery and is easy to operate even while inside the carrying case. Cannot be shipped to MA, NY, HI, RI, MI, WI, NJ, and a few cities.
-
- The pepper pen is easily kept in your pocket or purse. It sprays about five short pumps and is effective up to six feet.
-
- This particular stun light has three functions: Not only is it a flashlight, but it also is a stun device as well as a personal alarm. Each function has an on and off switch plus one master switch to turn the entire device off.
[tab:OTHER WEAPONS]
OTHER WEAPONS
These are photographs of a wrist band (bracelet) which is being sold by flea markets along the grand strand. You see many people wearing these as I guess they are popular right now. Not all the bracelets have the handcuff keys in them. However, all officers need to be aware of this so you can check prisoners when you place handcuffs on them. If in doubt, remove the bracelet from the prisoner after placing handcuffs on them and turn in the bracelet to the booking officer when you arrive at the jail. The keys are plastic so they will not show up on x-rays; however, the key did open a pair of our handcuffs. With a little practice, one can be handcuffed and still access the key in the bracelet.
SHOTGUN MAG-LIGHT
The ARES Defense Systems Company is currently selling a Mag-Light whch is actually a .410 shotgun.
The weapon is called the Companion, and is a working flashlight capable of firing a .410 shotgun round.
The wepon works by removing a safety pin. The weapon can then be fired by a spring loaded firing pin.
The projectile exits through the end cap.
