I read a short story in school (2000/2001) about a device that disintegrates or destroys weapons. Having trouble remembering too many details, but I do remember the following: -it had something to do with the military, perhaps in a sort of post-apocalyptic or wartime situation. I think it may have even taken place on a military base. -one character has the device, and is discussing it with someone high-ranking figure in the military -at the end of the story, the device is activated, and all the weapons on the base or in the vicinity are destroyed. The high-ranking official shouts out something like "Grab anything- sticks, stones...!" (I can't remember the exact quote)
I have searched high and low on the internet and am beginning to feel a little crazy. It wasn't The Gun by Philip K Dick or Gun Without a Bang by Robert Sheckley, but is definitely in that same vein.