Phase pistols were intended as an early version of the phasers from The Original Series. Illustrator James Martin designed these props for Star Trek: Enterprise, covering the upper body with a smooth cowling, presumably to protect the user from excess heat when the weapon is operated. A similar safety cowl was incorporated into the design of the assault phasers in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. A few phase pistol props were hand-made from cast resin, but most of them were injection-molded plastic toys made by Art Asylum, modified for use on screen. Additionally, a few were molded from rubber for stunt use.