SECTION 15F. Attempt to commit assault and battery by discharge of firearm, large capacity weapon, rifle, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun or machine gun; penalty

(a) Whoever attempts to commit an assault and battery upon another by means of discharging a firearm, large capacity weapon, rifle, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun or machine gun, as defined in section 121 of chapter 140, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 15 years or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

[There is no subsection (b).]