Stephen D. Carpenteri (October 2013). Gun Trader's Guide, Thirty-Fifth Edition: A Comprehensive, Fully Illustrated Guide to Modern Firearms with Current Market Values. Skyhorse Publishing. ISBN 978-1626360259. Through the Second World War and the Cold War, the pen guns used by spies are legally classified as an AOW. So, you can’t easily buy models like the Penguin unless you complete NFA paperwork for a tax stamp. But, unlike these spy weapons, the Stinger pen gun is unique, in that it is classified as a legal handgun by the ATF and readily transferable like most guns. The Braverman Stinger Pen Gun: Function, Legality, and Collectability When it comes to unique and ornate firearms, the pen gun is high on the list. A pen gun is not actually a pen, but a pen-sized pistol designed for extreme stealth. In the mid-1990s, R.J. Braverman produced the Braverman Stinger pen gun, and collectors can find one for sale at a gun auction near you. Helias Doundoulaki (2008). I was Trained to be a Spy: A True Life Story. Xlibris Corporation. p.65. ISBN 978-1425753795.

The Braverman Stinger is unique amongst other pen guns, in featuring a folding pistol design. Since, when the gun was in its firing configuration, it resembled a standard pistol, the ATF classified it as a standard pistol. Therefore, unlike obscure weapons like a cane gun, you can buy a Braverman Stinger legally at auction or through your local FFL dealer. What Are Pen Guns?

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To transform the pen into a gun, you pull the cylinder which engages a hinge in the center of the pen. The hinge allows you to pivot the cylinder about 90-degrees, into an “L” shape. Once the cylinder re-engages in this position, a trigger pops out. The Braverman Stinger pen gun is not a widely used firearm, nor is it overly practical – but it is, undoubtedly, one of the most unique guns you can add to your firearm collection . Disguised as a common fountain pen, this tiny firearm folds into an “L” shape to engage the action, popping out a little trigger. And, it is this folding action that, under the National Firearms Act (NFA), allows the pen gun to avoid classification as an Any Other Weapon (AOW). a b "Identification of Firearms Within the Purview of the National Firearms Act" . Retrieved 2014-02-18. Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media. a b c John Minnery (1990). Fingertip Firepower: Pen Guns, Knives and Bombs. Paladin Press. pp.33, 38. ISBN 0-87364-560-X.

This pen gun—a dangerous weapon designed to look like an ink pen—has been widely available as a means of self-defense since the turn of the 20th century. a b J. David Truby (1993). Zips, Pipes, And Pens: Arsenal Of Improvised Weapons. Paladin Press. p. 132. ISBN 0873647025. The Stinger is an NFA-friendly pen gun because the firing operation functions in the same way as a normal handgun. Unlike a WWII or Cold War spy, the Stinger looks like an ordinary pen, until the shooter puts it into its firing configuration. When the gun is in its “Pen” configuration, it is impossible to use as a firearm. Therefore, since the gun holds no firing functionality outside of its firing configuration, it is – for all intents and purposes – a standard firearm. In real-world firing tests, it is almost impossible to hit a target at a distance of 20-feet. Like any pen gun, the Stinger’s only practical use is at an extremely close distance, which is suitable for personal defense. With a single-round capacity, however, it is not a practical conceal-and-carry weapon. A tactical pen can be a great addition to your everyday carry when it comes to self-defense. Not only can it be used as a writing instrument, but it can also be used as a self-defense tool in close-quarters situations. There are a lot of different tactical pens on the market, so it can be challenging to find the right one for you. Our experts have put together a list of the 22 best tactical pens for everyday carry in 2022, so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Nonetheless, the Braverman Stinger is fun to shoot and makes a valuable addition to any collection. These little guns saw a limited production period, with the Stinger Manufacturing Company finally going out of business in 2004. Since the period of production for the Stinger was less than a decade, these little guns command a pretty penny at auction.