Replica firearms such as airsoft pistols and rifles have been something the anti-gun side wants to regulate and wants to regulate badly. The fact that most of them have no appreciation for anything that fires a projectile, including BB and pellet guns, probably plays a factor.
And once again, the media is playing good little ally and pushing a narrative.
The problem is that this particular narrative is that these replica guns are somehow the reason people are dying.
In 2023, more than 12 million BB and pellet guns were bought in the United States. Many have roughly the same weight, markings and finishes as real guns. But these look-alike replica guns aren’t federally required to have any clear indicators that they don’t shoot bullets. In most states they are available for adults to purchase without background checks or restrictions.
Despite not being classified as lethal weapons, having one has gotten people killed.
Just this year, 12 people have been shot and killed by police while in possession of a replica gun. Three of them were under the age of 18. Since 2014, at least 320 people have been shot and killed by police while holding replica guns, according to a Washington Post database and CBS News review of incidents. Nineteen of those victims were minors.
As more of these guns get into peoples’ hands each year, police, lawmakers and activists are struggling to find ways to keep them safe […]
— Read More: bearingarms.com
