Entry No. 34 — the Kansas City file — filed under: outdoor
World's Largest Cap Gun
Hanging above the entrance of a 1920s industrial warehouse in the West Bottoms is a giant, hyper-realistic 3D sculpture of a retro toy cap gun. Created in 2005 by artist Burak Duvenci for the long-defunct Pistol Social Club, the fiberglass firearm features raised 'Made in China' lettering and has become a gritty neighborhood icon.
The story
Look up above the entrance at 1219 Union Avenue in the West Bottoms and you'll spot a giant, metallic-gray firearm taking aim across the street. Look closer before you panic: it isn't artillery, but an absurdly scaled-up, hyper-realistic replica of a vintage toy cap gun, right down to the raised 'Made in China' lettering cast directly into the fiberglass frame.
Artist Burak Duvenci created and mounted the piece in 2005 to serve as the front sign for the Pistol Social Club. That venue is long defunct, but the oversized sidearm remained bolted to the facade of the 1920s industrial warehouse, surviving as a gritty, quiet neighborhood landmark tucked away among the train tracks and freight docks.
What it's like
Because the piece hangs on the exterior of a building, you can visit anytime without waiting in line or paying a dime. Stand directly underneath the barrel on Union Avenue to appreciate the molded seams and toy-like proportions against the weathered brick facade. It's a quick, high-impact photo stop best caught in direct daytime light, quiet enough that you'll usually have the sidewalk to yourself.
The move: Grab a classic cocktail or a beer at the historic bar, The Ship, then walk a block over to stand directly beneath the massive metallic-gray pistol for some industrial-chic photos.
- 📍 West Bottoms
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 1219 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Ship — Walk just a block over after taking your photos to grab a classic cocktail inside this hidden maritime-themed bar.
- Weird Stuff Antiques — Head four blocks down into the West Bottoms to browse vintage neon, carnival props, and oddities.
- Klā Sanctuary — Pair a quick roadside photo stop with a quiet soak in a thermal bathhouse located in a nearby restored warehouse.
Good to know
How much does it cost to see the cap gun?
It's completely free. The sculpture hangs on the exterior facade of a building, visible right from the public sidewalk.
What are the opening hours?
Since it is mounted on the outside of the building at 1219 Union Ave, you can view it 24/7, though daytime offers the best light for photos.
What is the sculpture made of?
It is a 3D fiberglass sculpture painted metallic gray to closely resemble a retro die-cast metal toy.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: kansascitymag.com · roadsidearchitecture.com · Roadside America
last checked: 2026-07-21