An apparatus for generating light-based special effects viewable in daylight. The apparatus includes a barrel with opaque sidewalls defining an interior space accessible via a muzzle. The apparatus includes a light element positionable within the interior space and further includes a light positioning assembly. The apparatus includes a trigger element operable to receive user input to initiate operations of the light element and the light positioning assembly. A controller is provided that responds to the user input to operate the light positioning assembly to first move the light element out of the interior space through the muzzle and to second retract the light element back into the interior space. The controller concurrently operates the light element to generate the light when the light element is moved out of the interior space and to terminate the generating of the light when the light element is retracted back into the interior space.