If you’re serious about tattooing—whether you’re an artist or just love getting tattooed—you’ve probably heard people say “tattoo gun.” Don’t be that person. Every professional knows it’s called a tattoo machine.
Why It’s a Tattoo Machine (Not a Gun)
People outside the industry say “tattoo gun” all the time. And yeah, it gets the point across—but it misses the mark.
Tattoo machines use precision and control. Guns use force. That’s one key reason why it's more accurate to stick with “machine.”
A Little History Lesson
The tattoo machine has legit roots. Thomas Edison patented an electric engraving tool in 1876. Fast-forward to 1891—Samuel O’Reilly modified it into the first tattoo machine. It was designed for precision, not force. That’s why “machine” stuck.
Why the Right Lingo Matters
It’s not just semantics—it’s about respect for the craft and the culture. Here’s why calling it a machine matters:
Tattooing is an Art
A tattoo machine delivers ink for the sake of artistry. It’s not some point-and-shoot operation—it’s about creating something meaningful.
It Makes You Sound Like a Pro
Outside the industry, people say “tattoo gun” all the time. But that’s like calling a camera a “picture shooter.” It’s technically not wrong—but it misses the mark.
A tattoo machine isn’t about brute force. It’s about control, precision, and creating art. Guns are designed to fire with impact. Machines are designed to create with finesse.
It Undermines the Craft
Tattoo machines are carefully built and tuned for performance. Calling it a “gun” makes it sound like a cheap tool when it’s actually a fine-tuned instrument.
Types of Tattoo Machines
If you’re serious about tattooing, you need to know your machines. There are two key types, coil and rotary. Here’s the quick breakdown:
Coil Machines
- Traditional. Loud. Strong.
- Usually requires a dedicated machine for different techniques (lining, shading, color packing, etc)
- Customizable—if you know how to tune it, you can really make it your own.
Rotary Machines
- Smooth and quiet.
- Common to find all-in-one machines good for various techniques
- Motor-driven for consistent motion.
- Great for shading and color blending.
Wireless Rotary Machines are the most common type of rotaries nowadays. They have all the benefits of a standard rotary machine, but they're (obviously) cordless. Lots of artists favor them for being lightweight, easy to handle, and easy on the wrists/hands. Plus, battery packs have gotten more intuitive, especially from brands like FK Irons, allowing you to adjust your voltage, eGive, and more on the fly.
Yeah, People Still Say “Tattoo Gun”
Look, people search for “tattoo gun” all the time. That’s why you probably ended up here. But now you know better—and professionals will notice when you get it right.
Ready to Level Up?
If you’re looking to upgrade your setup, check out our selection of tattoo machines. We’ve got coil, rotary, and wireless machines from the best brands in the game.
Final Word
Tattooing is about creativity and control. A machine delivers that. A gun? Not so much. Now you know—so speak the language and respect the craft. In the meantime, brush up on your knowledge of all kinds of tattoo machines. You can check out our blog on coil versus rotary machines here.
