A stud welding gun includes a closed conductivity path indicating a stud properly positioned for welding. Another aspect includes a conductivity detection circuit closed when a stud is present. A further aspect provides a method to operate a stud welding gun including closing a conductivity path to permit a welding operation. A still further aspect provides a method to detect a stud presence by passing a conductivity current from a conductivity detection circuit through a conductivity path closed by a stud.