Toy gun

A popgun

Boy Marine Outfit

Cap gun

Spud Gun

Gerald-G-Water-Gun

Vintage 1950s Toy Cork Rifle ("Pop Gun") by All Metal Products, Wyandotte, Mich. (8401937535)

Toy guns are toys which mimic real guns, but are designed for children to play with. They can be made from plastic, wood, metal, or a combination of these materials. Toy guns come in various forms, including hand guns, rifles, and machine guns. Some toy guns are highly realistic, while others are designed to be brightly colored and easily distinguishable from real firearms.

History

The history of toy guns dates back to the 19th century, where wooden replicas were first used for military training exercises. Over time, these replicas found their way into the hands of children, sparking a new category of toys. In the 20th century, the popularity of cowboy and Indian films led to a surge in the popularity of toy guns, with children emulating their screen heroes.

Types

There are several types of toy guns, each offering different play experiences:

• Cap guns produce a loud noise similar to a gunshot, using small explosive caps or rings.
• Water guns shoot water for harmless fun, with the Super Soaker being a notable brand.
• Nerf guns or blasters shoot foam darts, discs, or balls, and are popular for indoor and outdoor play.
• Laser tag guns use infrared light to tag sensors worn by players, simulating combat scenarios without projectiles.

Safety and Controversy

The safety of toy guns has been a topic of concern, particularly with models that closely resemble real firearms. This has led to legislation in some countries requiring toy guns to have orange tips or be colored in a way that makes them easily distinguishable from real guns. Despite these measures, there have been incidents where individuals, particularly children, have been mistaken for carrying real firearms while holding toy guns, leading to dangerous situations.

Cultural Impact

Toy guns have had a significant cultural impact, reflecting societal attitudes towards military and police forces, as well as themes of heroism and adventure. They have been the subject of debate regarding their influence on children's perceptions of violence and aggression.

See Also

• Laser tag
• Paintball
• Airsoft