Did you see the picture of the firearm?
That being said, a weapon like the one in the article doesn't strike me as being much good, unless it has an attachable stock. Too heavy for a pistol, and not accurate enough for a rifle, I'd think. I've never fired one though, wonder if any Freepers could comment?
Scrolling though the comments, I think that this guy's actions .... while legal .... were completely irresponsible. I've heard of painting the end of a shotgun (helps for a quick aim), but I can't imagine why you'd make up a pistol/rifle to look like a toy.