It doesn't actually shoot anything, because its really just a battery-powered projector. The gun comes with a 16 page booklet of cellophane strips of printed images of ghosts, devils, spiders, etc., which are torn out on their perforated edges and slid into a slit on the gun's side.
The stock of the gun has a bit of play in it, kind of like a joystick, and can be moved a few inches in any direction, independent of the front end. Moving the stock also moves an internally mounted pin, which punctures the cellophane target when you pull the trigger, leaving a visible hole in the projected image, wherever the pin happened to be aimed.
I count exactly 1,088.
There was also a white "Moving Monster" version of the gun, with different target images.
Image from PlaidStallions. Be sure to check out their excellent book of dime-store toys, Rack Toys:Cheap, Crazed Playthings.
When I owned one of these back in the 70s, I always thought the gun kind of resembled Madame Medusa's from Disney's The Rescuers, and would use it as such for Rescue Aid Society role-play sessions (yes, that was a thing in my circle of friends!)
Here's scans of all the Ghost Gun targets.
Yes! A vague memory of having this...
ReplyDeleteI had this two, but like the previous comment, only vague recollections of it. I suspect I used it more for projecting ghosts on the wall then actually shooting at them.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe what I had was something similar that only projected monsters? A later or earlier version of this? I remember the sheets but not punching pin holes.
(Blogger really needs an edit button!)
BTW, long time fan of your blog, I should mention that you might like my weekly grim reaper related comedy videos, here's the newest:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lMqql0yO94
(I apologize if that's spam-y.)
I had the white one. Even after running out of the strips, I still used it as a play gun. And once Ghostbusters came out, it made a great proton wand if you took out the front piece.
ReplyDeleteI loved this toy! I spent quite a bit of time sitting in the basement shooting at ghosts.
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I had one of these. Loved it. I was only a couple of years old, so it was mainly his. If anyone has one they want to sell, please, let me know!
ReplyDeleteGot one
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DeleteOh yes! Wouldn't it be great to own one of these?
ReplyDeleteGot one 8652028569
DeleteDoes anyone know where to buy one.
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ReplyDeletetoy machine guns
what are the dimensions of the strips if we want to make our own?
ReplyDeletewhere can you find an instruction manual? Does it take several D batteries? Just got one off of ebay and trying to see if I can get it to work
ReplyDeleteI had the white one.. every once in a while I think about it..I used to like it a lot..I was only around 5 years old..I would love to have one now.. brings back some good old memories...
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ReplyDeleteI found mine in the box with some of the original strips -
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever used any of the strips. We used it as a sub-machine gun when playing "War". I suspect that most people did.
ReplyDeleteI have one but it's not functional- anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it so it works? Maybe an electrician? All the parts are there it's just likely a simple fix. Is there a official vintage toy repair person ?
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