# Steampunk-Inspired Lightning Rifles The Tesla Gun is a Replica from a Graphic Novel By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-05-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-gun References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/battery-operated-tesla-gun/22570/) & [hackerfriendly](http://hackerfriendly.com/the-tesla-gun/) For fans of the graphic novel ‘The Five Fists of Science,’ or anyone who enjoys insanely high-powered DIY weaponry that harnesses one of nature’s most intense energy sources, the [Tesla](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-cyberwhistle) Gun will be right up their alley. Created by Rob Flickenger, this battery-operated creation uses a [Tesla coil](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikola-tesla-museum) and aluminum to exude its approximately 2,000 amperes of electric current to create some fairly impressive sparks and quite a loud bang. While the device does pack a serious punch of electricity, its creator says it's more of a sculpture than an actual weapon and is more likely to harm the person who creates it than anyone else. The gun was constructed as a nod to technology of the past, in [true steampunk style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-nautilus), and creates some pretty cool light effects, if nothing else. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **DIY Weaponry:** The trend towards homemade weapons that repurpose past technologies like the Tesla coil for non-violent purposes. - **Steampunk Aesthetics:** The trend towards using 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery in contemporary design and fashion. - **Tesla Technology:** The trend towards exploring the possible uses of Nikola Tesla's inventions in modern times. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** The artistic field can harness the DIY, steampunk and Tesla tech trends to create new aesthetic possibilities. - **Hobbyist and Crafting:** The crafting industry can tap into the DIY weapon, steampunk and Tesla tech trends to create new kits and opportunities for enthusiasts. - **Education and Entertainment:** The entertainment and education industry can utilize the appeal of steampunk and Tesla tech trends to create engaging and informative science fiction media. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creator-Backed Toy Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mrbeast.md) - [Sci-Fi Foam Dart Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ee3-blaster.md) - [Shreddable Steampunk Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-guitar.md) - [Adult-Targeted Foam Disc Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disc-blaster.md) - [Sci-Fi Film-Themed Dart Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starfleet-phaser-blaster.md) - [Mythical Hammer-Inspired Power Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-rog-mjolnir.md) - [Gel Pellet Toy Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hasbro-1.md) - [Synchronous Firing Water Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synchronous-firing-water-gun.md) - [Discreet Portable Tasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taser-device.md)