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Sources: Transcripts of episodes. The Programme Guide by Tony Attwood, Target Books, 1983 (no direct quotes). Compiled by Alicia Ann Fox.
Originally developed by Dorian. First seen in the episode "Rescue."
Vila: Looks like Dorian's a gun freak.
Dayna: There's nothing freaky about these. They're beautiful. Look. (She holds one out)
Vila: So?
Dayna: Look. Each of these is a different mode. You clip them into the basic handgun and you've got a weapon for every occasion. Laser, plasma bullet, percussion shell, micro grenade, stun, drug. They're all here. I worked for nearly a year on a gun like this. I never did get it right.
Vila: Just goes to prove what I've always said. Stealing's quicker.
Clipguns were made of argentium (argent means "silver"--this name is used only in The Programme Guide, not in the show) with a sight on the top. Had a laser guidance system for the projectiles, which were encased in clips, hence the name of the weapon. The clips were color-coded; black fired plasma bolts. Kept in a gun locker on Scorpio; location of the locker on Xenon Base is unknown.
Clip guns had no recoil and could fire underwater--which makes one wonder why Avon didn't take his in the bath with him, when Soolin switched everyone's ammunition in "Rescue." Dayna admired the design while explaining it to Vila and us at home.
Trivia: as props, the clip guns frequently refused to make the proper sound effect, leading Glynis Barber in one "Animals" blooper to shout, "Bang!"