UPDATE 20 FEB 2020:
This morning I set up some "playgrounds" and experimented with different weapon types. Still can't get unique shots with each press of the fire button but I did find a nice workaround that simulates the desired effect.
And then it got more interesting!
I found some code for how to implement scaling and rotation. Ooooooh! The possibilities!
After playing around with those for a while I went back and rigged up the hit detection for my bullets and tested them against waves of fighters.
Thanks for reading; views keep me motivated!