I can't even begin to count how many times I've read this fact on the internet in the last few years.
The NES gun became one of my favorite toys when I got a Sega Genesis. I cut the cord off and stayed packin Heat.
Side note.... I didn't know this wasn't common knowledge.. it only worked in the one duck mode, and it only got interesting once the player with the gun advanced enough levels that the duck was fast... Early on it's not too fun the the duck player.
It was the coolest accessory ever made. Amazing how gun accessories never continued (maybe the violence in video game controversy?). I didn't cut the cord off, but would tie it around my waste and use it as a belt/holster for the gun. The thing most people my age are always stunned to learn is that there was a 4 player adapter and it was wireless (well, sort of). I wouldn't believe it had we not owned it. At some point we lost the part you plug the controllers into making it useless.
Yeah, I think you could. I found out by accident, someone had a hand against the controller and the duck moved a funny motion.