This style of Klingon disruptor was first seen in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, where it was believed to have been designed by Phil Norwood. The Star Trek III disruptors were based on the Klingon sonic disruptors from The Original Series, which in turn, were modified from the pistols used by the security guards on planet Eminiar VII in "A Taste of Armageddon" in Star Trek: The Original Series.