3-in-1 ROBOT GUN
1986
3-in-1 ROBOT GUN
A Truly Mysterious Vintage Robot Inspired by Astro Magnum
This intriguing vintage 3-in-1 robot gun has puzzled collectors for years. Although only a few images of this figure exist, very little verified information is available about its origins or manufacturer.
What we can confirm is that the chest piece of this 3-in-1 Robot Gun is a direct copy of the classic Astro Magnum mold. The distinctive clear red gun sight also mirrors the design of Astro Magnum, further suggesting a strong connection—or perhaps an unlicensed reproduction.
Because documentation is so scarce, this figure remains one of the more mysterious robot toys circulating among vintage collectors. If anyone has more details, history, or additional photos, your insight could help shed light on this fascinating piece of retro robot toy history.
So, what do we actually know about this elusive figure?
Let’s explore the mystery together!
Catalog Images
1986
Reeves International toy dealer catalog
featuring '3 IN 1 Robot Gun'
Black version with gold chrome
Alternate Color Variants
Silver chrome legs & red chest rectangle
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| Photo Credit: padillarrobertt Instgram |
A vintage catalog from Chung’s International Co. LTD. showcases the “3 IN 1 ROBOT GUN” in both its robot mode and gun mode. The catalog image reveals two distinct color variants displayed side-by-side:
1. Navy Blue Variant – shown on the left, notably without the eye stickers applied.
2. Dark Gray / Black Variant – shown on the right.
An important detail for collectors:
These are two separate physical figures, not the same toy photographed twice and placed together in the catalog layout.
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| Photo Credit: Roboplastic Apocalypse |
Battery operated "3 IN 1 Robot Gun" displayed in all 3 modes.
Notice the figure now has 'silver' eye stickers applied.
Interesting to note the catalog has it shown next to another robot gun:
B/O 'F14 Laser Fighter'
F14 Laser Fighter was manufactured by Tai Fong of Taiwan.
Who Made 3-in-1 Robot Gun?
The Mystery of Tai Fong’s 1985 TG-118 2-in-1 Robot Pistol Prototype
In 1985, Tai Fong distributed a product catalog to toy dealers, and among its pages was an intriguing prototype illustration labeled TG-118 2 in 1 Robot Pistol. The artwork is especially interesting because the robot’s cannon arms are shown without a barrel cover, a detail that sets it apart from later known designs.
At the time, Tai Fong already offered another transforming weapon toy, the TG-117 2-in-1 Robot Pistol. This raises a major question for collectors and toy historians:
Why introduce another robot pistol when one already existed in the lineup?
We now believe that the unreleased TG-118 eventually evolved into what fans recognize today as the 1986 “3 in 1 Robot Gun.” This theory is strengthened by the fact that no additional records, photos, or confirmed releases of a product under the name TG-118 have ever surfaced.
The TG-118 remains one of Tai Fong’s most puzzling catalog entries—an early glimpse at a toy that may have been redesigned before reaching the market.
(Photoshopped restored Image - not A.I., original picture below)
3-IN-1 ROBOT GUN
Battery Operated
Robot
Space Ship
Robot Gun
Item No: HC-633
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| Photo Credit: St3gOs4uR Giocattolivechi.com |
Left shows: foam insert, broken clear red gun sight and the instructions.
Note: Gold chrome eyes.
Do you have any information or photographs of 3-in-1 Robot Gun?
Let us know!
astromagnumguide@gmail.com
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