Again--AirSoft Guns are NOT Toys!

I found this article through Google News. I had to report it, because not only could I believe someone had such a death wish, but also because I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Mike Collinsworth of Bad Karma AirSoft (Another AirSoft Dealer). AirCraz fully supports the law enforcment officers all over the world, as well as those who use AirSoft guns with respect and smarts!

Once again-- AirSoft guns are not toys!!!!!!!

Toy Guns Replicate Real Threat

Posted: Dec 21, 2009 9:25 PM MST

By Brent Frazier

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Police officers are trained to use deadly force, when necessary. In a moment, an officer might not have time to question whether the threat of a gun is real.

In October, robbery suspect Demian Rivera was shot by Franklin police after pulling a weapon on officers. Rivera was not killed in the shooting. His weapon turned out to be an AirSoft gun.

"He's an idiot, and he got exactly what he deserved. I mean, whether it was real, whether it was fake, whether he had bought a plastic handgun at Wal-Mart. If you're going to do something stupid, and put yourself in that situation, you're an idiot," said AirSoft gun handler Mike Collinsworth.

AirSoft gun dealers admit with realism comes responsibility and recognition that in a split second decision even a veteran police officer might not know the difference.

"They're extremely lifelike, very lifelike. That's one of the aspects that make them such a good training component for the law enforcement officials and the army," said Collinsworth.

Collinsworth owns and operates Bad Karma AirSoft Field in Lebanon, and the business has a flawless incident record.

If an AirSoft gun and plastic pellets are on your child's Christmas list, Collinsworth advises parents to always supervise AirSoft gun practice or play, carry the gun in its case - never have it out in plain view in public and finally, orange tip the gun to mark it clearly not the real deal.

Color marking your children's toy weapons is a law in some states, but not required in Tennessee.

Last year, State Rep. John DeBerry brought up legislation making it illegal for a minor to buy any toy gun without parental permission.

DeBerry's from Memphis where, two years ago, officers shot and killed a 12-year-old boy who wielded a toy gun.