The ‘Wasp’ key fob gun, also known as the OSA20 model, was originally manufactured by the Bulgarian company Bulforce-Milex. Marketed as a self-defense tool, these devices were designed with multi-functionality in mind, capable of firing both 8mm blank rounds and irritant cartridges. Furthermore, an adapter could be attached to the muzzle, allowing for the launch of pyrotechnic signal flares. Initially, these devices were manufactured with a partial obstruction within each barrel, intended to prevent the firing of projectiles while still allowing for the dispersal of irritant substances like CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile).
However, the seemingly innocuous design of these key fob guns quickly revealed a darker potential. By May 1998, Interpol issued a global alert to airport security regarding these devices. It didn’t take long for users, and subsequently criminologists, to recognize the ease with which these key fob guns could be converted to fire live ammunition.
According to the American Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF), .32 caliber bullets fired from a converted key fob gun could inflict fatal wounds at distances of up to 20 yards (approximately 18 meters). The conversion process itself is relatively simple. It involves removing the partial obstruction and fitting a steel lining into each chamber. Once modified, these devices become capable of firing conventional .32 ACP rounds and, more commonly, .25 Automatic (6.35 mm Browning) cartridges. This ease of conversion transformed a self-defense tool into a readily concealable and lethal weapon.
The UK’s national forensic laboratory first encountered a converted key fob blank and gas cartridge firing pistol in connection with an incident on October 23, 2003. Between that date and 2008, a total of 31 such devices were recorded on the National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database (NFFID). These statistics underscore the weapon’s presence and circulation within criminal contexts.
Tragic real-world incidents further highlight the danger of Gun Key Fobs. In 2005, a 19-year-old in Manchester, UK, fatally shot himself in the head while demonstrating a “keychain” gun in a nightclub – a stark example of accidental discharge and the inherent risks associated with these disguised weapons. Another incident in December 2007 saw 27-year-old Mark Henry receive a nine-year prison sentence after wounding 24-year-old Yaw Darko Kwakye in a London nightclub using a converted key fob gun. The weapon’s concealability facilitated its introduction into environments where firearms would typically be prohibited.
Even within supposedly secure environments, the gun key fob has proven to be a threat. During a murder hearing in Istanbul in December 2010, the defendant was seriously wounded by a 6.35 mm bullet. The shot was fired by the victim’s brother, who managed to smuggle a converted key fob gun into the courtroom despite security measures. This incident underscores the significant challenge these covert weapons pose to security personnel and public safety.
From a mechanical perspective, the key fob gun is a compact device comprised of two primary components: a barrel block with two side-by-side barrels, and a breech block. These parts are connected via a sliding dovetail mount and secured by a spring-loaded stopper situated between the chambers. The trigger mechanism utilizes two strikers and two trigger buttons. Cocking the strikers is achieved by pulling back on a centrally located connector bar, which is manipulated using an attached keyring. A sleeve with side protrusions at the rear of this rod acts as a safety mechanism. Depending on the keyring’s rotation, it either permits or prevents the cocking rod (and consequently the strikers) from reaching the forward firing position. The rear retaining block is fastened with two side screws at the back. The barrel block and trigger block are constructed from aluminum alloy, while the remaining components are made of steel, reflecting a balance of lightweight design and structural integrity.
The gun key fob, initially intended for self-defense with non-lethal rounds, quickly became a dangerous tool in the hands of criminals due to its ease of conversion and concealability. Its history is a stark reminder of the potential for dual-use technologies to be exploited for nefarious purposes, posing ongoing challenges for law enforcement and security agencies worldwide.
