Calling Guns Toys

Im with chris_b.
I would not likely correct someone if they called guns toys. But, I'm not a fan of it and try my hardest not to.
 
For all those who are against the word "toy" to describe a firearm because it may instill a bad thought process in children, what is your stance on kids playing cops and robbers, war games, etc. with cap guns and other toy guns?

-Max.
 
Not a term I normally use, however, I see nothing wrong with using it when among adults that have an interest in firearms. I often refer to my favorite gun shop as "My candy store".:D
 
Last edited:
around kids they are guns, around adults I call them what I please. If someone is going to take offense to them being called a toy, then they are probably wound a little to tight anyway.
 
Not a term I normally use, however, I see nothing wrong with using it when among adults that have an interest in firearms
Click to expand...

It is all about the context in which the term is used, to my mind. I personally don't use the term, but some of my friends use the "check out my new toy" phrase once in awhile and I don't criticize, because I understand what they mean by it.
 
In answer to Maximus

I personally don't see anything wrong with playing cops and robbers and guns and stuff for children.

However when my son got in trouble for it a couple years ago at school we had to tell him he was not allowed to play like that. With today's society teachers overreact (maybe not overreact, but I cant think of a better word) when they see kids playing like that. I would have liked to have told her to calm down it was just kids playing. Unfortunately, they make the rules at school...

With him being so young at that time it wOuld have been too difficult to explain that he can play like that everywhere else, except school.

Dang schools stealing my kid's childhood...:(
 
I have to go with the "Lighten up, Francis," crowd.

My Harley was a toy. My 4x4 is a toy. My ZTR mower is a toy. When and if I find the right used Beechcraft Bonanza, it will be a toy.
Click to expand...
Same here. My SVT Lightning is a toy, and it's probably far more dangerous than any of my firearms. Some of my firearms are "true" toys, that is bought with the intention of no more than fun at the range. I have always called my guns toys and likely always will. Problem? Tough.
 
One definition of "toy".

"An object, esp. a gadget or machine, regarded as providing amusement for an adult:"

Pretty much sums up all my firearms.
Click to expand...


I can't think of a better way to describe my Mosquito. It's an adult toy that amuses the crap outa me.
 
Merriam-Webster's dictionary for "toy":
"1 : something a child plays with
▪ Please put away your toys. ▪ a plastic/wooden/plush/stuffed toy — see also chew toy, soft toy, tinkertoy
2 sometimes disapproving : something that an adult buys or uses for enjoyment or entertainment
▪ He bought a new TV and a few other toys. ▪ Her latest toy is a sports car."

Number 2 fits a lot of different things that aren't children's toys, like my lathe, or my MIG welder, or the TV, or any of my guns except maybe the S&W Model 36 or the Ruger LC9 that's aboard most of the time lately.
 
I used to refer to guns that weren't all that practical, but still fun to shoot,as toys.
But, after several dirty looks and scoldings from some crochety old gunners, I now use the term "fun gun". For example, my .44 mag super redhawk is no fun gun, but my 9mm carbine sure is...Alas, if any of my friends or family invites me to shoot their new "toy" I'm not going to correct them on the terminology.
 
I have no problem with folks referring to their guns as toys, if they wish.

I've referred to cars I've owned as toys; my motorcycle as a toy; and even 80% of my tools are toys! Do I really need that welder or band saw I got from Harbor Freight? No, but I like playing with them. So, sure, guns can be toys.

Maybe we should only refer to guns as Pocket People Killers - I'm sure the antis would like that better.
 
My brother came to visit and he was driving his new toy. The thing is capable of doing 130+ MPH. More people are killed each year on our highways by people driving variations of his toy, than are killed using a gun.

Giving his vehicle or my gun to a youngster and telling them to go have fun with this toy is irresponsible. Showing a youngster how much fun you can have while teaching him/her responsible use of the "Toy" is totally different.

When the word "toy" is used between knowledgeable people, it is just a word to describe the pleasure you expect to get while using it.
 
I agree with the lighten up crowd.

However I have been in a situation where calling a gun a toy almost got someone hurt. It was luck that I unloaded before handing it to them.
 
@Chadstrickland: Where do you find a person so stupid as to not recognize a gun as a gun simply because somebody called it a "toy?"

I dunno.... Much of this thread strikes me as odd. But then I live in an area where the question isn't IF you own a gun, but how many. I honestly don't know so much as one (adult) person who doesn't own a gun. Most of 5 or 6. I own maybe a couple dozen and am in no way shape or form seen as extreme around here (although I admit I do own more than most). I confess the idea of someone who's never fired a gun is something I only encounter in movies.
 
I sometimes use the word "toy" in conversation with other firearms enthusiasts who I think will understand the context. It is usually about a "new toy". With non-enthusiasts I usually refer to guns, rifles, revolvers, pistols. etc. I rarely refer to them as weapons. Most of mine are for recreational use only. I also have a problem with a knife being referred to as a weapon. I see it more as a tool. When I was growing up almost every boy over the age of 6 or 8 and a lot of girls carried pocket knives. I saw only one boy get stabbed and that was by his dumb best friend that was goofing around. I think the term "weapon" conjures too many images of random criminal violence.
As others have said, context is important.

I am also a little freaked out by people who are afraid of guns in general and think guns are bad. Guns are not bad, people are bad. "Guns are bad because they hurt people." I smacked my thumb with a hammer and it hurt. Does that make hammers bad?
 
Last edited:
I see no problem.

As long as the people you refer to your guns as toys or peashooters know what a firearm can do when you pull the trigger, you should be fine.

I have a friend who calls his GSG-522 a "peashooter" but he is referencing the .22 bullet it fires. And toy rolls off the tongue so nicely.

In addition, I'm thirteen, so I believe I'm allowed.:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top