Bulletless Gun.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 26, 26 June 1912, Page 58

Bulletless Gun.

The bulletless gun has at last made its appearance, says the “New York Sun.” It is a German invention, and, instead of bullets, it shoots a gas which temporarily blinds and chokes the victim. The cartridge used contains several ingredients, which, when exploded, combine to form a vapour of a peculiar character. The gun itself differs very little in appearance and) mechanism from the ordinary double-action revolver. It holds five cartridges. The action of the vapour may best be imagined by considering the position of the person shot at. The appearance of the weapon, the report, and the flare of the powder combine to convince the victim that he has been shot with an ordinary firearm. His eyes and mouth open wide with surprise, and the gases generated by the combination of the chemicals envelop his head completely, penetrating his eyes and affecting his sight. For several

minutes he is practically blind. Simultaneously the mucus membranes of the nose and throat are irritated, and the victim sneezes and chokes, and for a minute or two finds it almost impossible to breathe. Chief William J. Flymi, of the United States Secret Service, has decided to adopt this weapon for use in the service. In rounding up bands of counterfeiters and other offenders against the Federal laws, the chief believes the chemical gun will prove just as effective

antr, at the same time, more humane than the ordinary weapon, wlych frequently inflicts serious injury, and sometimes kills the prisoner.