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Staple Gun Trick

The Staple Gun Trick is a danger act or roulette-style magic trick where the performer presents several poppers (small devices that launch confetti when a string is pulled). Most poppers are inert, but one contains a live charge. The spectator selects a popper, and after a series of precautions, they pull the string, resulting in a confetti explosion. This trick is suitable for both close-up and parlor settings, offering a fun and relatively safe way to perform a danger act. Performers need to source their own poppers and assemble the gimmick, as shipping gunpowder-containing items is prohibited.

Key features

  • Requires performers to source and assemble their own poppers

  • Suitable for close-up and parlor settings

  • Includes a detailed guide on 'popper surgery' for safety and confidence

  • Can be reset and reused, reducing cost per performance

  • Comparable to other danger acts like the Hook by Eric Ross

Pros

  • Fun and engaging for audiences

  • Relatively safe with proper preparation

  • Versatile for different performance settings

  • Reusable components reduce long-term costs

Cons

  • Requires additional effort to source and prepare poppers

  • Initial setup may be time-consuming

  • Not suitable for performers uncomfortable with danger acts

Effect

The Staple Gun Trick is a danger act where the performer presents a staple gun loaded with several staples. The audience believes the staple gun is fully functional, but the performer demonstrates that only one staple is live while the others are dummies. A spectator selects a staple, and the performer fires it—either into an object or their own body—creating a moment of suspense. The trick ends with a surprising reveal, often involving a harmless outcome despite the apparent danger.

Full Details

The Staple Gun Trick is a roulette-style effect where the performer controls which staple is live. The setup involves modifying the staple gun so that only one staple can fire, while the rest are inert. The trick relies on psychological tension, as the audience perceives real risk. The performer must handle the prop convincingly to sell the illusion of danger.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits performers who enjoy high-impact, suspenseful magic. It works well in close-up and parlor settings. Magicians who like interactive routines with an element of risk will appreciate the Staple Gun Trick. It is not recommended for beginners unfamiliar with danger-based effects.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Staple Gun Trick requires confidence in handling the prop and selling the danger convincingly. The setup involves mechanical adjustments to the staple gun, which may take practice. Performing the trick smoothly demands strong audience management skills to maintain tension.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy compares the Staple Gun Trick to other danger acts like the Fortune Popper and Hook by Eric Ross. He notes that these effects follow a similar structure, where one item is live while others are dummies. He mentions that the Staple Gun Trick is a classic example of this style, though he personally preferred Hook by Eric Ross. The trick is described as a fun and engaging danger act for performers who enjoy constructing their own props.

What people are saying about Staple Gun Trick

magicorthodoxy says...

Fortune Popper is a fun and relatively safe danger act, particularly appealing to those who enjoy constructing their own props. [...] The performer's knowledge of the gimmick's construction makes accidental activation unlikely.

Review videos