When it comes to personal protection and defense, you can almost guarantee both with a gun in your hands. From revolvers to rifles, AK47s and vintage firearms, each features a different style yet all serve the same purpose.

Take a trip back to the AD 1000 and you’ll discover the first true gun technology emerging out of China.

As a rather simple weapon, it featured a hollow bamboo tube with gunpowder to propel it’s spear forward.

Within time, the gun’s role in mankind’s world would evolve into shooting for hunting, recreation, sporting events, war and personal defense purposes.

However, when it comes to the meaning and symbolism of guns, most associate them with freedom. Others, often out of ignorance or fear, believe it’s rather evil in nature. Regardless, there’s no denying the practical history of guns throughout the history of time as an advantageous tool.

Now, when it comes to tattoo designs, guns can represent an enemy who hurt them deeply. Not to mention, memories of wartime or military service too. Yet, the meaning doesn’t always have to be negative as the perceptive of guns often is. They can instead symbolize an idea of having courage or bravery times of fear. Even something so simple as a single bullet itself can serve as a positive reminder that we are given only one life.

Regardless of your take, you can still appreciate the fine artwork and designs of these top 50 best gun tattoos for men. From machine guns to rifles, pistols and more, discover an endless amount of rounds loaded with cool ideas.

See more about – The Top 50 Best Ultimate Tattoo Ideas

1. Old School Gun Tattoos

The variety of guns is practically endless: new designs and concepts are constantly being produced and hitting the market. Despite this constant innovation, there is a certain appeal to the flintlocks and black powder guns of a bygone era.