It can get sort of depressing, working the charity self defense course. After all, I'm dealing with good people to whom bad things have happened.
There are a few strategies I have developed over the years to cheer myself up. One of them is to go to the gun store.
That might sound a little strange, visiting a gun store to put a smile on my face. But besides the fact that gun stores are chock full of the gear my students need to keep from becoming a victim one more time, there is one located near me that has some wicked toys. And, let's face it, who doesn't like toys?
(Please click on all pictures to see if a larger image is available.)
Yes, indeed! Your eyes do not deceive. That is a Red Ryder BB Gun, the carbine model with a 650 round capacity. Ralphie wanted something similar in A Christmas Story, although the particular model he was lusting after was equipped with a compass in the stock while this one is compass free. Still, you are never going to be able to find a slicker weapon for less than $50 USD.
That is a Johnny Reb cap gun, a suitable Christmas stocking stuffer for any child who is interested in history. Notice that it comes with a gunbelt and flap holster. The gun itself has this very neat aged finish to it, giving the faux weapon an antique feel.
The Union side of the US Civil War didn't have particularly effective cavalry when compared to the Confederates, but they did eventually come out as winners in that conflict. Above you see a cap gun that celebrates the victors, and it also comes with a gunbelt and flap holster. The gun itself doesn't have the same cool antique finish of the Johnny Reb cap gun above, but it does have some fake ivory grips that really look striking against the dark blued finish.
The girls haven't been neglected when it comes to these toys. Here you see the Cowgirls cap gun set. It comes with two guns so she can have twice the firepower of the boys, and both the grips and quick draw holsters are pink. Something that Breda, Tam or Kit probably wishes they had when they were younger.
While none of these toys are particularly expensive, it could really add up if you have a large brood running around the house. After all, the quickest way to get the kids to fight each other is to give one a cool toy while neglecting the rest.
But don't despair! There are cheaper alternatives available.
That is a rack chock full of fake flintlock muskets and pistols. They are not equipped to fire caps, which will cut down on the noise come Christmas morn. Each one does have a hammer that will cock, along with a single action trigger, so they will go click instead of bang. Not bad for a toy that costs $5 USD.
Anyway, that is how I cheer myself up when my students bring me down. It really works!
Comments (1)
You'll shoot your eye out, kid.
Posted by rick | December 19, 2007 5:47 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 17:47