A BULLETLESS GUN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3556, 22 June 1912, Page 3

A BULLETLESS GUN.

"REPORT THAT IT SHOOTS 01'r

POISONOUS GAS.”

Tlie bulletless gun has at last made its appearance, says the New Tone 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 a form of vapor of a. peculiar character. The gun itself differs very little in appearance and mechanism from tlie ordinary doubleaction revolver. It holds five cai tridges. The action of the vapor may best be imagined by considering, the position of the person shot at. _ Ibe appearanec of the weapon, the leport, and the flare of the powder combine to convince the victim that he lias 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 bis 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. Flynn, of the Uhited States Secret Service, has decided to adopt this weapon for use m the service. In rounding up bands of counterfeiters and .other offenders against the Federal lavs, the chief believes the chemical gun will, prove just as effetcive and, at the same time, more humane than ordinary weapon, which frequently inflicts serious injury, and sometimes kills the prisoner.