GUNS Magazine: February 1958

Because it is only a blank weapon, it should not come under the National Firearms Act of 1934 (as amended 1954). Even though it fires blanks as fast as if it were a bullet-shooting machine gun, it does not "fire a shot" nor "expel a projectile by the force of an explosive," as the definitions are in the machine gun act. Currently, because it goes "bang" and shucks out shells, the Treasury word-manglers are holding that this modified Kpist does in fact and in law "fire a shot," even though the word "shot" (as opposed to "shell") has long meant a solid missile propelled from-a gun. Apparently the Treasury noisemakers hold that in this case a "shot" must be accompanied by noise, and that the noise alone constitutes a "shot" within the meaning of the Act.

Looks like there's a long and honorable tradition that's still being followed today. Can't have citizens training themselves in a safe and fun manner, as opposed to having "those 'training accidents' that are so carefully hushed out of the papers" when it's an exclusive privilege of professionals.

I also got a kick reading that:

SOUND GUNS, RAY GUNS, AND BABY MISSILE LAUNCHERS MAY BE THE SHAPE OF SMALL ARMS FOR U.S. TROOPS WITHIN 15 YEARS

I've always loved speculations on the future, and wrote "Things to Come" back when I was writing for GUNS AND AMMO. They own the rights and it's not online, so I can't steer you to it here. Hopefully, some day my sons will be able to see how what I wrote pans out 50 years later.

The February 1958 issue of GUNS Magazine is now online, featuring these articles and plenty more, including the classic period ads. It's an 11 MB file, so those of you still on dial up may want to find something to do while it loads.