Needlegun

A needlegun, also referred to as a flechette gun or dart gun, is a ranged weapon that fires projectiles smaller than traditional bullets. These projectiles can take the form of needles, darts, or flechettes. The intent behind using such projectiles varies, but often centers on achieving either greater armor penetration, increased wound trauma due to tumbling or fragmenting within the body, or delivering specific payloads like tranquilizers or medication.

The design and operation of needleguns can vary significantly. Some utilize pneumatic power or compressed gas to propel the projectiles, while others may employ conventional explosive cartridges modified to launch the smaller, lighter payloads. Effective range and projectile velocity can also differ considerably depending on the weapon's design.

Historically, needleguns have seen limited use in military and law enforcement contexts, primarily due to concerns regarding their lethality, accuracy, and potential for misuse. The weapons also often face legal restrictions due to regulations regarding unusual or inhumane projectiles. Civilian use is generally restricted or prohibited.

Variants of the needlegun concept are also found in specialized applications, such as gene guns used in biotechnology for delivering DNA into cells. These devices typically operate on different principles and use significantly lower energy levels than their weaponized counterparts.