Wrong modifier?

[monjinho]

"Helga carried a revolver and a spray gun containing red pepper for protection."

Doesn't this sentence make it sound like the revolver was also carrying red pepper?
They (my ACT writing practice test writers) say that this sentence is correct the way it is..What do you think??

[5jj]

?[/STRIKE]

It is unlikely that a revolver would contain red pepper, but it would save any possible misunderstanding if this were written as: "Helga carried (both) a spray gun containing red pepper and a revolver for protection."

[Raymott]

"Helga carried a revolver and a spray gun containing red pepper for protection."

Doesn't this sentence make it sound like the revolver was also carrying red pepper?
They (my ACT writing practice test writers) say that this sentence is correct the way it is..What do you think??

I'd say no, it doesn't. If the second 'a' was left out: "Helga carried a revolver and spray gun containing red pepper." - which is possible - that might be a problem.