In the far future, as mankind reaches the stars and begins the proper business of shoooting each other in space, it becomes a fashion statement to design modern weaponry to resemble older, antique firearms. The military largely ignores this, but the private sector eats it up.

ITT: Futuristic Versions of Retro Firearms

Pic Related. The C-17 "Fish", a magnetic acceleration weapon capable of launching over 9000 2mm flechettes per minute, each moving close to 5000 fps. Nicknamed after the comical phonetic pronunciation of its parent weapon (the Ppsh) by aliens unaware of the concept of abbreviation. Popular amongst hitmen for its silence, mercenaries for its firepower, and criminals of discerning taste for its classy hardwood finish.