Zip guns are an illegal firearm created from a variety of common household items. There are several different names for these types of guns, including pipe guns, improvised firearms, or slam-fire shotguns. Some people refer to them as "ghetto guns" due to their association with urban and gang activity. Other terms include "garage guns" and "homemade guns." While zip guns are dangerous and often unreliable, they are unfortunately easy to make and can be found within the criminal underworld. It is important to avoid these makeshift firearms and seek out proper and legal options for self-defense.