I want to make a lasertag type gun that sends out a unique IR code, like a remote, so that the receiver (an arduino) can pick out which gun shot it. How can I create unique signals without using an arduino? Is there a way to wire the LED to flash a signal without programming?
Thanks
Bit the bullet.
Use an Arduino.
Linear feedback shift registers might help on this...
Additionnal for better noise immunity: a timer to generate a carrier plus a logic gate to modulate the signal with this carrier...
Or you can avoid headache and extra work and just use an Arduino 
If you have a little experience, you can make your own board with an Attiny, it'll be smaller and less expensive.
Buy a bag of $1.50 IR remote controls from ebay.
Crack them open, and solder the trigger to one of the many buttons.
Use different button contacts for different guns.
Let an Arduino receive, and work out the different codes.
You might have to fiddle with battery voltage and a LED current booster.
Or replace the inbuild IR LED with a narrow beam IR LED, to get the range you want.
Leo..
By far the simplest way would be to use a Pro-Mini Arduino, which can be had for <$2 on AliExpress incl shipping. (or Nano <$4.)
Re-purposing a remote control is also easy, as per previous post.
The other approach would be to use the ICs used in RF remotes. They usually have pairs for tx & rx and are designed for IR. The model nos escape me, but a search for 433MHz ICs & Infrared may deliver the answer.
...Pro-mini would be the most flexible, cheapest & easiest by far!