Recently, an 8- and 11-old boy got busted in Oregon for running around in camo, and carrying toy assault rifles, painted to look real. The toys still had the orange plugs installed though. No, we don’t think realistic toy guns should be outlawed, but common sense needs to become a lot more common. Teach your kids to be sensitive about taking their toy guns outside to play in public, especially these days, where there is a huge sensitivity toward ANY gun, even toy guns. Sadly, our society has changed alot over the past 100 years, and as a whole, people are becoming less and less tolerant of even toy guns. A harmless incident involving two young boys playing army can spiral out of control quickly. More tragic incidents have involved police officers shooting and killing people weilding realistic replica guns. But check out the story and video at the link below. Tell us what you think!
Should realistic toy guns be outlawed?
Should Realistic Toy Guns Be Outlawed?
The argument for restricting realistic toy guns is simple: a police officer has a fraction of a second to decide, and a replica that looks real at ten metres can get a child shot. That is not a hypothetical, it has happened, and it is the reason several countries require an orange tip or ban realistic replicas outright.
The argument against is that the ban usually targets the wrong thing. A bright orange tip can be painted over in a minute, and a child who wants to play with a realistic gun will find one regardless. What actually reduces risk is the same thing that reduces risk with any replica: supervision, a clear rule about where it can be used, and a parent who knows what is in the toy box.
Common questions
Are realistic replicas illegal where I live?
It varies widely. Several countries and some US states and cities restrict them, and the rules often depend on appearance rather than function.
What is the safest choice for a child?
A cap gun or a clearly coloured toy. A realistic replica should be treated as an adult collectible.