Media Releases

Toy Guns That Injure

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs today issued a warning about a range of spring-loaded toy pistols that fire soft yellow bullets. The pistols and their yellow bullets are unsafe due to the force at which the yellow bullets are fired. The bullets can cause damage to a person’s eye.

The toy pistols have been sold at some toyshops and many discount stores since 1997 under different names such as ‘Pirate Gun’, ‘Secret Agent’, ‘Police 45’, and ‘Mini Uzi’. "Some of the guns also come with coloured soft plastic suckers. However, these sucker projectiles do not create the same hazard," said Tony Leverton, Manager of the Ministry’s Trading Standards Service.

"The toy pistols may be sold under other names. If a child’s toy gun fires soft yellow plastic bullets, we urge parents to destroy the yellow bullets," said Mr Leverton. "We also remind people that using look-a-like toy guns in public can cause both unnecessary alarm and may prompt a Police callout."

The Ministry’s attention was drawn to the problem by a complainant whose daughter had been hit by a bullet, thought not seriously harmed. The Ministry has contacted all the likely importers and requested them to immediately cease sales. "A number of the major suppliers have done so, and we appreciate their positive response."

"A few still have to advise the Ministry about whether they are importing these toy pistols and their intentions for ceasing supply," said Mr Leverton. "Failing a satisfactory response from these remaining traders, we will consider recommending to our Minister a compulsory recall under the Fair Trading Act 1986. The costs of the recall would then fall entirely on these few traders."