OAKLAND, CALIF. Charles B. Campbell, Washington, D.C., G-Man, is shown demonstrating the use of sub-machine guns to local police at the target range here. This picture, showing Campbell’s accuracy on the target body, was taken with flash bulb lighting in a fraction of a second, yet eight bullet traces are visible, all striking the figure in the chest and stomach

ACME Newspictures Inc.

November 29, 1939 · Gelatin silver print · Photographs

$OAKLAND, CALIF. Charles B. Campbell, Washington, D.C., G-Man, is shown demonstrating the use of sub-machine guns to local police at the target range here. This picture, showing Campbell’s accuracy on the target body, was taken with flash bulb lighting in a fraction of a second, yet eight bullet traces are visible, all striking the figure in the chest and stomach — ACME Newspictures Inc.$

The vibrant laser of light emitted from the rotating barrel of a submachine gun strikes its target with devastating accuracy. Devised for the trenches of World War I, the machine gun became part of popular imagination and, for some, everyday life. This exhibition of marksmanship is a hallmark of the increasing arsenal of both police forces and criminals in the 1930s, when notorious gangsters waged open warfare on America’s streets.

Artist: ACME Newspictures Inc.
Date: November 29, 1939
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Department: Photographs
Credit line: Gift of Drew and William L. Schaeffer, 2015

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