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"Papa Says It's Safe": 20 Astounding Gun Ads

The firearms industry sure knows how to tempt its audience.

—By

| Fri Dec. 14, 2012 8:09 PM PST

Advertisements for guns have long been used to stoke fear, offer a little testosterone boost, or give the potential owners—particularly the core target audience of young men—a taste of the good life as a cowboy, cop, soldier, or videogame combatant. Here are some samples through the years beginning with Bushmaster, manufacturer of the rifle allegedly used in the Newtown school shooting. 

Bushmaster rifle ad in, where else, Maxim. Bushmaster
 

It's all about progress. Bushmaster

 

Start 'em young. Mattel

 

Sig Sauer

 

How many people buying a Sig would be stoked to win a Smart Car?
 
 

Advertise on MotherJones.com

Subtle. Remington
 
Remington
 
Daniel Defense
 
Yes, there is a gun-maker called Savage Arms, and this is its logo. Savage Arms
 
Buy NOW, or else. USA Ammo
 
POF-USA
 
EAA Corp.
 
Next Page: You're welcome, ladies. Taurus  …
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