Most correctional officers today do not carry firearms, unless they’re isolated away from the prison population. But back in the olden days, prison guards on their rounds needed a little backup power in their hands, especially when opening cell doors—usually a two-handed job.
So came the birth of jailer key guns, a cell door key that doubles as a primitive one-shooter. Filled with gunpowder, “turnkeys” could fire the miniature key-pistol in case there was any trouble with the prisoner when opening the door.
via Boing Boing
