The ion pistol was a form of ion gun that, instead of firing blaster bolts, discharged ion energy. Due to its capacity to disrupt electrical systems, this energy made the weapon quite effective when used against droids, vehicles, electronic devices, and cybernetically enhanced beings. Its design focused on being significantly more portable and less unwieldy compared to the ion rifle. A key difference from the ion rifle was its ability to be used with a single hand. Typically, this weapon had a price tag of 250 credits.
Among the ion pistol family was the ion stunner pistol, capable of deactivating electronic devices and security doors. The DEMP Ion Pistol represented another variation.
To aid in their scavenging activities, Jawas utilized ion pistols to disable droids and other electronics. Several races, including Jawas and Squibs, fashioned ion pistols from discarded droid components and blasters to facilitate the capture of droids for resale and repair. These homemade weapons, frequently of poor craftsmanship, were notably heavier than standard ion pistols and known to occasionally detonate while in use.