It remains to be seen as superstar lawyers do battle, whether the world of guns will be opened - a door closed to the rest of us because it costs so much to buy a gun, its ammunition and to join the shooting ranges the law requires of South African gun owners.

BBC: African viewpoint: Dying to be armed

Bespectacled soldiers may have trouble training the sights of their guns, or retaining contact lenses in the heat and dust of battle.

CNN: Where Life Passes in a Blur

But the measure may change as both sides compete for support in one of the pivotal fights in the battle over curbing guns.

NPR: Both Sides Hunt Support In Background Check Fight

Rail guns play a major part in nearly every fanciful battle of the future, whether it be giant robots fighting for control of the Inner Sphere or the last remaining member of Noble Team holding off the Covenant invasion for as long as possible.

ENGADGET: Navy's prototype rail gun projectile hits mach 7 at 33 megajoules, our hearts skip a beat (video)