[R. Scott]

Authorities described the weapon as "unusual" and "unique," saying it appeared to have been homemade or custom-made in a machine shop. One official said it was shaped like a walking cane.

Not too unusual for pizza delivery people. I delivered for a number of years, and weapons of some type – even unusual firearms – were common with the people I worked with. Our company was the only one in the area that didn’t red-line.

[stlnative]

I did too, I delivered newspapers and was always armed during my early morning route.

[Amelia]

Not too unusual for pizza delivery people.

Just speculating here, but is it possible that he obtained the unusual weapon for self-defense on the job, and then whoever supplied it decided to use him for nefarious purposes?

[r9etb]

Authorities described the weapon as "unusual" and "unique," saying it appeared to have been homemade or custom-made in a machine shop. One official said it was shaped like a walking cane.

Sounds like it could have been something like a "bang stick" of the sort divers use to protect themselves from sharks.

[ElkGroveDan]

Not too unusual for pizza delivery people. I delivered for a number of years, and weapons of some type – even unusual firearms – were common with the people I worked with. Our company was the only one in the area that didn’t red-line.

I delivered pizzas in a rural college town. Only time I feared for my safety was when the ugly girls had me step in to pay and then wouldn't let me out (honest).