8 Craziest Improvised Weapons Built In Prison

Published on October 14, 2023
Duration: 12:49

This guide details the construction of various improvised prison weapons, ranging from simple shivs made of hardened toilet paper and toothbrushes to complex DIY firearms like .22 caliber zip guns and 12-gauge slam-fire shotguns. It highlights the ingenuity of inmates in utilizing everyday items and tools for weapon creation, with specific examples drawn from Folsom State Prison and international correctional facilities. The information is presented with a focus on the technical aspects of their construction.

Quick Summary

Improvised prison weapons showcase inmate ingenuity, with items like toilet paper, glue, and staple guns modified into deadly tools. Techniques include hardening paper for shivs, converting staple guns and toy cap guns into .22 caliber zip guns, and constructing 12-gauge slam-fire shotguns from pipes. These dangerous creations highlight the challenges of contraband control in correctional facilities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Prison Ingenuity
  2. 00:43Toilet Paper Shiv Construction
  3. 02:23Toothbrush Shiv Creation
  4. 03:41Chickenwire Glass Shiv
  5. 05:12.22 Caliber Knuckle Duster Zip Gun
  6. 06:46.22 Caliber Staple Gun Modification
  7. 08:12.22 Caliber Cap Gun Conversion
  8. 09:36Double Barreled Pistol (Germany)
  9. 10:5712 Gauge Slam Fire Shotgun Club (Brazil)

Frequently Asked Questions

How are shivs made in prison?

Prison shivs are often made by hardening toilet paper with water and packing it tightly, then sharpening the point. Glue can be added for extra hardness. Toothbrush handles are also sharpened, and some shivs incorporate razor blades or are made from reinforced glass shards.

What is a zip gun and how is it constructed?

A zip gun is a crude, homemade firearm. They are typically constructed from scrap metal, pipes, and springs, often incorporating mechanisms from other devices like staple guns or toy cap guns to fire rounds, usually .22 caliber.

Can a staple gun be turned into a firearm?

Yes, a heavy-duty staple gun can be modified into a firearm. Its spring-loaded mechanism can be adapted to strike a firing pin, and a barrel can be attached to fire rounds, typically .22 caliber, as seen in Folsom State Prison contraband examples.

What is a slam-fire shotgun?

A slam-fire shotgun is an improvised firearm that uses a simple mechanism where the firing pin is struck directly when the action is closed, without a trigger. These are often constructed from pipes and can fire 12-gauge shells, sometimes serving dual purposes as clubs.

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