Term used to describe any hand held laser weapon.
Lasguns came in pistol or rifle sizes. Their firing patterns were typically a constant stream, but the nozzle could sometimes be adjusted to alter the width and spread of the beam. Their power source was a cell cartidge that could be replaced when depleted.
During the days of the Old Imperium, lasguns were often ornate in their design, with detailed scrollwork embedded into the handles. However, by the time of the Honored Matres, the designs had become less intricate and more functional.
Lasguns were the preferred weapon for armies. However, when shields were being employed, lasguns were generally not used because contact of a lasgun beam with a sheild generally caused massive explosions that often killed everyone within a large radius. As a result, many soldiers preferred knives and swords in battle.