Back on track -
Guns are tools.
In the 1932 Agatha Christie short story "The Gate of Baghdad", Mr. J. Parker Pyne, detective, picks up a borer, (a prehistoric flint) from the sand and explains its use to a young American woman called Netta. She asks if the ancients killed each other with them.
He replied, "No - it had a more peaceful use. But I expect they could have killed with it if they'd wanted to. It's the wish to kill that counts - the mere instrument doesn't matter. Something can always be found."
Children playing with TOY guns is fine. Parents should explain and demonstrate the difference between their TOYS and the parents' TOOLS.
Parents should never describe their weapons as their 'new toy' either. Using the proper vocabulary at all times will benefit the child.
Children are not allowed to play with the chop-saw in the garage - yet they play with the plastic equivalent to their heart's content in the living room. They can't drive the vehicles in the garage either, but enjoy their Tonka toys. They may not bake with the oven in the kitchen, but the EasyBake oven is fine.
"If it's heavy, put it down."
TOY guns should never be painted black or camouflage. They should be neon or some other silly, bright color. I don't blame a cop for pulling the trigger if the weapon resembles an authentic threat.
Blake