Ion blaster

I'm a pacifist, but only to a point.

The ion blaster is Optimus Prime's primary weapon. Only used by the leader of the Autobots when all attempts at peace have failed, the ion blaster ensures that freedom is the right of all sentient beings, and strikes fear in the sparks of the Decepticons who are foolish enough to challenge him.

Except Megatron. Only Primus knows how many times Optimus has shot Megatron and failed to kill him. Starscream knows that frustration all too well.

Fiction

The Transformers cartoon

Optimus Prime's ion blaster was stolen from his a few times. The first was when the Decepticons tried to take over New York City, when he was disassembled by Hook. The Constructicons then placed the arm and ion blaster atop the command post of the newly dubbed New Cybertron. As part of the building's weapons systems, Megatron used the blaster to begin firing on the Autobots. However, when Megatron and Soundwave were removed from the command post, Optimus Prime was able to regain control of the weapon and hit Devastator with it, sending him to the hard pavement below. City of Steel

Later, the human built ninjabot Nightbird stole the ion blaster when she tried to steal the world energy chip, but Optimus Prime recovered it rather quickly. Enter the Nightbird

IDW comics continuity

Replacement ion rifle hinges: hard to find.

While in vehicle mode, Optimus Prime will keep his ion blaster in his cab. When he transforms, the Ion blaster is then ejected, which he then grabs. So that's where it goes. Now if we could only figure out where the trailer goes... Escalation issue 5

Live action continuity

"Any last words?" "The Fallen shall rise again!" "That sounds like an oxymoron." "Your mother is an oxymor-" *Bang*

Optimus Prime's primary range weapon is an ion blaster, though he prefers to use his Dual Energon Swords in combat. Once fired, it releases a wave of radiation condensed into an energy ball that will destroy anything in its parth. During the battle of Mission City, Optimus managed to get off a single shot of his ion blaster at Megatron before he was sent flying by the latter's fusion cannon. Transformers

Two years later, Optimus was fighting Demolishor in Shanghai and critically injured the Decepticon by putting several point blank shots into his head. He later executed the dying Constructicon by a shot through the optic. Several days later, Optimus shot up Megatron and Starscream with his ion blaster and barrage cannon while rescuing Sam Witwicky. Revenge of the Fallen

Notes

• In the original toy and the original cartoon, Prime's weapon was referred to as a laser rifle, but many newer toys have called it an ion blaster.

• One notable aspect of Optimus Prime's Generation 1 and Generation 2 toys is that the handle of his weapon was unable to fit in Prime's hand, and can only be held by the ammo casing. Also, the gun's rifle butt is too large to hold it straight, and must be held at an angle. Strangely, this has never been altered in reissuings.

• The Japanese-exclusive Robot Masters toy packaging calls this weapon the Convoy Gun. Wow, really original.

• In the 2007 movie, the Ion Blaster is seen only once being used against Megatron. ONCE.

• It's used more often in the 2009 movie, but on one occasion by Prime SHOOTING A HELPLESS ENEMY IN THE HEAD.