Magnegun

A magnegun is an anti-personnel weapon designed exclusively for use in space. It relies on electromagnetic propulsion to expel a small piece of metal at great velocity towards a given target. Such devices may function in total vacuum. They were first engineered in the Main Belt of Sol System from EM impact wrenches utilized to mine ore from asteroids, first invented by Asteroidal Industries, Inc.
Early prototypes relied on an external battery pack clipped to the user's belt. Portable batteries must be recharged every few shots. 
The word itself is a portmanteau of "magnetic gun".
Category:Technology