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. "Almost identical to the real deal" In the U.S.
, most toy guns are required to have either a brightly colored tip or colors along the body to distinguish them from real guns — like the neon colors on Nerf water guns or the orange nub on the muzzle of a toy pistol. Since 1989, it's been illegal to "ship, transport, or receive any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm" without those markings. However, " traditional b-b, paint-ball, or pellet-firing air guns " aren't held to that same standard.
Due to a loophole in federal law, these types of compress.
