162 guides

Placement

Where it goes - visibility, pain and healing all follow from this.

Style

The visual language - line, colour, shading and tradition.

Animals

Predators, birds and creatures - the most requested motifs there are.

Symbols

Objects and marks that carry a meaning beyond the picture.

Faith & memorial

Belief, remembrance and the pieces people carry for someone else.

People & words

Names, family, lettering and the pieces made for two.

Culture

Comics, film, music and heritage worn as ink.

Zodiac

One guide per sign.

Before you go

Choosing, paying for, living with and removing a tattoo.

More

Everything else.

Weapon Tattoos for Men

Weapon tattoos for men are a great way to show your inner outlaw. Numerous professions have a strong association with weapons such as hunters, soldiers, and policemen. Any type of weapon can be tattooed, depending on what weapon suits you best.

Weapons, especially guns, have had a bad stigma associated with them over the past few centuries as most people think of violence and death when they see them. It is true that weapon tattoos are popular among gangs however not all of them are evil as different people have different reasons for choosing to wear them.

Meanings of Different Weapon Tattoos

Weapon tattoos for men come in a number of beautifully crafted designs that can be placed on a number of places on the body. Some men choose their weapon tattoo designs based on how they look and others choose them based on what they symbolize. Popular weapon tattoos for men are swords, knives, bow and arrow sets and guns.

Sword tattoos are primarily symbolic of cultural heritage and authority and are often placed over wrists or on the heart. The designs of sword tattoos have a wealth of variations and they are easy to customize. For example, a snake wrapped around a sword is the universal symbol of healing, the skull and sword is often associated with piracy while a sword going through a heart symbolizes heartbreak. If you're thinking of getting one then you should sit down with your artists beforehand to figure out how best to make it work for you.

Knife tattoos are particularly common among young men and could portray a number of ideas including military service, having experienced a devastating betrayal in your life or cutting away people who no longer serve you. In Buddhism they symbolize cutting away the ties of materialism as you see past the veils of Maya. Other meanings of knife tattoos include:-

  • Duality

  • Revenge

  • Solitude

  • Authority

  • Freedom

  • Sharp intellect

Bow and arrow tattoos are usually associated with the flight of an arrow as an analogy on life. As the arrow must be pulled back before it can be shot forward, so too does life pull you back with hardship and struggle right before launching you forward into greatness. To hit your target you must focus on your goals even when the strain of pulling back on the bow makes your arms shake, right before releasing and soaring through air. Men choose this tattoo so that can remind themselves of this analogy and it is popular among people whose birth signs are air.

When it comes to gun tattoos, pistols are the most common. Although they are usually associated with violence, gun tattoos have a number of meanings. Yes, they can denote negative meanings however they also have positive meanings such as:-

  • Strength

  • Honor

  • Authority

  • Protection

  • Security

Guns are typically small designs and can be placed just about anywhere on your body. Because guns are long and narrow, they are usually inked on the back, arms, sides or legs. Another popular location for men to get ink of guns is on their stomachs which makes it look like they're carrying a gun belt.

Choosing the Right Weapon Tattoo for You

A person's reasons for choosing weapon tattoos is a personal one. As you can see, weapon tattoos mean different things to different people and have they have deep-rooted psychological reasons for choosing them. They could get it for symbolic reasons or simply because they like the way it looks. Whatever the reason, they look great when done professionally and in good detail.

As with any tattoo it is important to do research on the tattoo and its meaning before deciding on a particular one. You want to know that you are informed on what the tattoo means in order to assert that it is the right one for you. Take some time to meditate on the decision to be sure that you have chosen the right weapon tattoo for you as well as the best location to have it needled, then go in and have a professional tattoo artist ink it for you.

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Black and grey lines define this exquisite object in the form of a dagger. Its sharp blade is attached to an ornate handle that ends in a rounded tip, which is then draped in a string of tiny beads of stunning jewels.

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Blotches of black ink spread on the rounded vivid red backdrop where a long katana sword stands out. The tsuka or handle clearly shows the beautiful pegs and ornaments while the sharp textured blade extends its full length towards the wrist.

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Sheer artistry is exhibited by this small sword imbued with lustrous colors and a unique design that produce totally amazing weapon tattoo ideas. The handle is built upon two small hands clasped in a handshake while the blade features a discerning eye within a stunning round ribbon.

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Heaven and hell meet at the center of the back upon setting themselves on either side of an ancient sword's cross-guards. The intricate carvings and tiniest details line the grip down to the tip of the blade, connected as one by the heart on its locket.

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A gun holster and belts is securely placed on the thigh as a realistic tattoo. It may be the strongest of all and most comfortable, since it is barely there and will never fall off while carrying the small black handgun.

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Knuckles and dagger create the perfect combination of the best weapon tattoos for guys. The metal material gives off a distinctive sheen while the hilt produces dazzling elegance, stuck right onto a red skull's head right through its teeth.

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Two black handguns facing opposite directions are inked in the finest details that yield its realistic form. Each weapon is carried by heavily feathered wings that extend from its barrel and trigger to cover the upper back in astounding beauty.

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A one-of-a-kind fun weapon tattoo design wherein the hilt comes in the form of a king wearing a golden crown. Its head and nose forms the handle while a thick mustache forms the cross-guards, and the dagger cuts through the skin.

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The brilliance of black is irresistible in this striking sword tattoo wrapped within the long body of a tribal snake. Solid lines and fills create the complex contour of the creature, while it defines the hilt until the tip of the blade.

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Small but huge in creativity and capable of leaving a lasting first impression is what this tiny dagger is all about. The handle is plump and rounded, the cross guards are sleek and delicately curved, while the blade is short but quite sharp.

More weapon tattoos for men on the next page...

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Set on top of a rod type knife sharpener are two huge sharp-edged culinary knives with wooden handles. They cross paths and meet across the center with blades pointing up, as if waiting for a master chef to render its blades to perfection.

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Having a broken heart induces the feeling that's much like being stabbed by a dagger. Thus arises a very appealing and moving image composed of the heart's anatomy and a sharp weapon with a ribbon bearing encouraging words to help survive the pain.

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A sword appears to be carved in great style with a distinguished blade in varied textures and shades. The scimitar's hilt and cross guards are endowed with delicate art work and elegant colors which produce one of the most attractive tattoo ideas for men

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A katana is undoubtedly one handsome weapon tattoo that holds great prowess. It's long, curved and slender blade and long grip with tassels are slanted on the back. The full length from the end pommel to the tip is surrounded with fresh, vibrant flowers.

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A weapon that does not only present a means of protection or cutting-edge fighting tool, but is quite powerful with the beauty it holds. This tattoo flaunts an ancient mask and sword that's blended into one fantastic work of art.

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A big celtic cross with a thick surface is filled with an ornate design as it is inked on the sleeve. A similarly decorated axe is found right below while a short sword crosses paths with it, creating the coolest and most amazing tattoos ideas.

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A dagger with a jeweled hilt and handle extends it long blade down the length of the leg. A mysterious creature in the form of a snake hisses as it wraps its heavily scaled slender body carefully along the weapon's outline.

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Quotes are filled with words that allow freedom of expression of oneself, and this weapon tattoos idea is brimming with significance and beautiful letterings. The best part is, they have been scribbled to adapt the form of a pistol that rests perfectly on the chest and shoulder.

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There's nothing sexier than a brave and bold woman who dares to battle adversities. This red-haired woman wears a gas mask and carries a huge rifle and nothing else, apart from her body tattoos and skimpy little piece of shorts.

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Cool and can be a bit terrifying, this explosive realistic tattoo design belongs to amazing weapon tattoos for men. A cluster of dynamite is inked on the inner arm while it remains attached to the trigger box hidden on the side of the body.

More weapon tattoos for men on the next page...

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Two distinct weapons, a sword and dagger in the form of a scimitar and falchion each bestow its exquisite build on the side of the hand. They are made to perfectly match to give off exceptional valor to the man bearing this tattoo.

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Strong invulnerable chains bind this spiky mace to its bold and thick handle, which astoundingly passes through from both sides of the neck. Black shades and fading hues enhance the sharp pointy tips that are likewise present in the chain itself.

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A shiny blade forms the vast part of this hunting knife weapon tattoos, attached to the bolster set upon the aged wooden handle with a thin rope dangling at the end. Its tip is faced down towards a huge flower in bloom tattooed on the skin as well.

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Thin black lines draw the outline of this small sword, from the tasseled handle to its cross guards, up to to the blade until its pointed tip. Thinner and finer lines are inked within to give more details and imbue with a distinct pattern.

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This pistol stands out with its ornate appearance inked carefully by skillful hands. Lines and curves decorate the back strap, traversing the trigger and barrel until the muzzle. Dark and light black hues and dotted style give it more depth and brilliance.

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This tattoo has a skull layered over a gun. It's done with black ink and tons of shading. The skull is about the width of the arm and the gun goes down the arm, so you can see all of the tattoo.

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This weapon ink combines innovative creativity and beautiful color work for a tattoo that looks incredible. A golden hued dagger handle, masterful gray shading on the dagger, and a rose with an eye in it-- this tattoo is simply striking.

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This tattoo shows what black and white weapon tats for guys can really be. Brass knuckles and a gun with two in the chamber and three outside is about as tough as you can get, with shading enhancing this tattoo's design.

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If you're looking for a decent tattoo idea, getting an AK-47 tattooed across your knuckles is a start. It's less obvious than an arm tattoo but comes together when you make a fist-- pretty cool.

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If you're still looking for weapon tattoo design ideas, consider getting a design of a gun with a banner in front of it. The banner can showcase someone's name that you care about and looks good shaded in gray and black or colored.

More weapon tattoos for guys on the next page...

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If you're looking for tattoos that run the length of your forearm, why not consider getting a rifle with a scope inked? With the right tattoo artist, this is a seriously cool weapon tattoo design.

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This tattoo is a small little shooter, but what makes it unique is the detailing showing the swirling embossed lines. With a basic black handle to match the grey and dark tones, this is a simple tat that looks great.

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If you're going to get a tattoo, why not get one that has a message? That's the case with this weapon tattoo, a rifle with a wooden handle and a banner that reads "Keep calm and carry on" in solid caps.

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Don't forget while searching for tattoo ideas for men to remember that you can change the angle of your tattoos, too. This pistol is drawn facing down the arm and is in a leather carrier-- very realistic.

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This weapon tattoo for men has a surprise-- a ladybug sitting on top of this big tough hand piece. The gun is pointing down the arm and the ladybug's red and black really stands out against the shading of the gun.

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As weapon tattoos go, this one is pretty realistic. It feels like the gun is looking at you-- or at least near you. The design of this tattoo has a three-dimensional effect and looks very different from traditional tattoos in two dimensions.

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Gun tats don't get much fancier than this little sharp shooter. This small gun is cocked at an angle and has lots of fancy shade and design work to make the embossed handle and ornate flourishes really stand out.

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This gun tattoo may be small, but it's mighty. You can change up the shading of your tattoo by making the gun shaded in black and grey but making the handle brown so it looks semi-realistic and not as monochromatic.

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This ink is pretty original. It's ornate and visually striking, despite being in all dark shading with no coloring. A gun is shooting as origami cranes fly away-- this ink feels like it's constantly in motion.

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This tattoo is a little on the larger side. If you want a large piece done, this is the one for you. A hand gun is pointing up towards the sky. Make sure you have room on your side and you're good to go.

More weapon tattoos for guys on the next page...

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When it comes to tattoo ideas, why not break with tradition and go for a sword? This simple sword is done in dark ink, but the sword blade is broken. This is a good tattoo and comes out crisp and defined when done well.

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Not all tattoos have to be large, either. This gentleman is sporting a small tattoo, a black sword. What makes this smaller tattoo so striking is the fine detail work on the handle and blade-- this black sword ink is epic.

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This sword tattoo is pretty cool if you're looking for a decent weapon tattoo design. A simple sword, but broken down the blade, can be representative of an experience you've had or how you feel about yourself, and turns the common weapon tattoo idea into something more.

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Want a unique weapon tattoo design? Why not get two swords crossed over your chest? This shaded design comes in basically one tone, but you could always add some color and make it more lively if you want.

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This broken sword features the shards of a sword blade separated but together with the hilt intact. This unique tattoo for men can be inked as is in black and white or in color.

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As weapon tattoo ideas go, this one is pretty cool. A sword pointing down is surrounded by gorgeous interlocking diamonds of color. The hilt turns into a tree with a crown above it with small stars around it. On either side of the blade is a detailed symbol. You can keep these or change in your own. Very colorful, and one of the best weapon tattoos ideas on our list.

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A basic hatchet tattoo makes this design unforgettable. Done in black and white, it's a great way to take a simple icon and is a classic take on weapon tattoos for guys.

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A large battle axe that takes up the whole limb makes this ink really stand out. Done in black and white, you can also put your own spin on this tattoo by adding color.

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This thin sword point down the arm is a cool design if you're really into swords and weapons. Even if you're not, the ornate detail and the potential for cool colors make it worth considering.

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This bow and arrow tattoo is a unique design that looks great on anyone. It’s small enough so that it’s not going to draw undue attention, but when it comes to tattoos ideas it really works.