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Toy gun

arts Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Toy guns are objects designed to imitate real firearms. They are used for recreational sports or casual play.

A popgun
A popgun

These items serve many different purposes in society. Some are meant for simple childhood play. Others are used for competitive sporting events. Some even serve serious roles in professional training. They are made from various materials. These include wood, metal, and plastic. Many modern versions use bright colors. This helps prevent them from being mistaken for real weapons.

Different toy guns use different mechanisms to function. A pop gun uses air pressure to launch a projectile.

Vintage 1950s Toy Cork Rifle ("Pop Gun") by All Metal Products, Wyandotte, Mich. (8401937535)
Vintage 1950s Toy Cork Rifle ("Pop Gun") by All Metal Products, Wyandotte, Mich. (8401937535)

The device has a hollow cylindrical barrel. One end is sealed with a projectile, like cork or foam. The other end has a long-handled plunger. When the plunger is forced down, air pressure builds up. This pressure forces the projectile out with a loud "pop."

A popgun
A popgun

Water guns use a different method to spray liquid. Many use a trigger-based pumping mechanism similar to spray bottles. A trigger moves a positive displacement pump shaft. Two check valves help draw fluid from a reservoir. Then, the pump forces the fluid out through a nozzle.

There are several distinct types of toy guns. Cap guns, or cap pistols, create sound and smoke.

Cap gun
Cap gun

They do this by exploding a small percussion cap. Spud guns are small toys that fire fragments of potato.

Spud Gun
Spud Gun

To use one, a person punctures a potato with the hollow tip. They then pry out a small pellet that fits the muzzle. Squeezing the trigger builds up air pressure to launch the potato. Tracer guns are made of durable plastic.

JetDiscTracerGun.RFDS3816
JetDiscTracerGun.RFDS3816

They use a spring to shoot lightweight plastic discs. These magazines usually hold about 20 discs.

Some toys are designed for organized, competitive sports. Airsoft guns are replicas used in airsoft sports.

Bi-3681
Bi-3681

They are low-power, smoothbore air guns. They shoot non-metallic spherical projectiles made of plastic or resin. These are often called "BBs." Paintball guns, also called markers, are used in paintball.

PaintBallMarker
PaintBallMarker

These markers use expanding gas like carbon dioxide or compressed air. This gas propels a paintball through the barrel. Gel blasters are another type of replica. They shoot water beads made of superabsorbent polymer. These beads are hydrated into projectiles called gel balls.

History shows how these toys have evolved. Cap guns were originally made of heavy cast iron. After World War II, makers switched to zinc alloy. Most modern models are now made of plastic.

Cap gun
Cap gun

Rubber band guns became popular after rubber bands were patented. Stephen Perry patented them in England on March 17, 1845.

RBGPooma1
RBGPooma1

In the 1930s, toy popularity grew through media tie-ins. Daisy Outdoor Products released several famous models. These included the Buck Rogers Rocket Pistol in 1933. They also released the Disintegrator Pistol in 1934. These toys sold in record numbers because of comic strips and movies.

Toy guns also have roles in training and digital media. The military uses dummy guns for training purposes.

Ship's Serviceman secures spaces during security reaction force (SRF) training scenario
Ship's Serviceman secures spaces during security reaction force (SRF) training scenario

These are sometimes called "blue guns" or "rubber ducks." They help trainees become familiar with the weight and handling of a rifle. In the digital world, light guns act as controllers.

Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Zapper-Orange-L
Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Zapper-Orange-L

These devices use optical sensors to receive light from a TV screen. Laser tag is another popular way to play.

サバイバーショット初期型
サバイバーショット初期型

It uses infrared beams and sensitive targets. Since its start in 1979, it has grown into many different styles.

Finally, we see toy guns in the realm of fiction. Ray guns are common in science fiction stories.

Space Pilot X Ray Gun made by Taiyo
Space Pilot X Ray Gun made by Taiyo

In these stories, they are particle-beam weapons. They often emit visible rays that can be destructive. Toy versions of ray guns often include mechanical parts. These parts might spark, light up, or make sound effects. This allows children to experience the feeling of science fiction stories. Whether for sport or play, these objects continue to change with new technology.

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🖼️ Images & Media (19)
File:A popgun.jpg
A popgun.jpg
File:Boy Marine Outfit.jpg
Boy Marine Outfit.jpg
File:Cap gun.jpg
Cap gun.jpg
File:Spud Gun.jpg
Spud Gun.jpg
File:Gerald-G-Water-Gun.svg
Gerald-G-Water-Gun.svg
File:Vintage 1950s Toy Cork Rifle ("Pop Gun") by All Metal Products, Wyandotte, Mich. (8401937535).jpg
Vintage 1950s Toy Cork Rifle ("Pop Gun")...
File:Space Pilot X Ray Gun made by Taiyo.jpg
Space Pilot X Ray Gun made by Taiyo.jpg
File:Headquarters and Support Battalion Kids Boot Camp 140424-M-SO289-058.jpg
Headquarters and Support Battalion Kids...
File:Bi-3681.jpg
Bi-3681.jpg
File:PaintBallMarker.jpg
PaintBallMarker.jpg
File:Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Zapper-Orange-L.jpg
Nintendo-Entertainment-System-NES-Zapper-O...
File:サバイバーショット初期型.jpg
サバイバーショット初期型.jpg

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