If the Disintegrator had you quivering in your combat boots, we'd recommend grabbing a bullet proof vest and having a seat for this one. Apparently, a fellow in California has dressed up a (legal) AR-15 assault rifle in Hello Kitty fashion for his better half, and while it'd be way too easy to pass this off as a fantastic Photoshop job, the pictures awaiting you in the read link definitely prove otherwise. Cute never looked so evil.

[Via CNET]

Completely bypassing the stunning fact that (legally) blind Texans are actually allowed to wield a weapon and fire at will during regular hunting seasons, a new piece of legislation could allow these folks to see what they're aiming at a wee bit better, which is thrilling news if you're being mistaken for game. Rep. Edmund Kuempel has initiated a bill that would enable legally blind hunters that have a valid Texas hunting license to strap a sweet laser scope on their weaponry in order to pinpoint exactly where the bullet is headed before pulling the trigger. The bill would require the hunter to be accompanied by a (not legally blind) licensed hunter of 13 years or older, and is being pushed as a "reasonable accommodation" for those with disabilities. Hey, we know Texas is good for helping out the less fortunate, but we'd seriously think twice before wandering out into the wilderness for a weekend retreat in the Lonestar state.

[Via Fark]

In news from the why-didn't-anyone-think-of-this-before department, the US Army has recently filed a patent for an improved rifle night scope that'll let soldiers keep their heads down while still being able to spot their target. Current night scopes require soldiers to raise their head above the rifle to look through it, and move their head away before shooting to avoid getting slammed by the gun's recoil. This new system simply connects the infrared night scope to a video viewfinder than can be attached to the soldier's helmet, letting them raise the rifle above their head or around a corner without sticking their neck out. No word yet on when the patent will be put into practice -- or if it already has been, for that matter -- but we're guessing that it can't come soon enough for those folks actually doing the sniping.

[Via NewScientist]