Red Ryder BB Gun Stirs Safety Debate

December 20, 2010 11:11 AM

(Credit: CBS)

Filed under

Consumer, Heard on WBBM 780, Local, News

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CHICAGO (WBBM) – An iconic toy is stirring debate about gun safety and kids.

WBBM’s Newsradio 780’s Felicia Middlebrooks reports the controversy surrounds the Daisy Red Ryder air rifle, the BB gun featured in the classic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story.”

LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Felicia Middlebrooks Reports

The mere thought of getting one still turns many little mischievous boys into perfect gentlemen.

The Ryder air rifle has been around since 1938, and it is still the most popular BB gun in history.

But the Chicago Tribune reports sales have declined as the gun debate has raged.

A leading anti-gun violence group says more than 10,000 people ended up in the emergency room last year for pellet and BB gun injuries.

Despite that, the Red Ryder with its nostalgic value is still popular with both kids and adults.

Gagega

Does this story have a point?

Ben

Too bad the picture is not of the model referenced in the movie. The model that has been around since 1938 is NOT an air rifle. It is a BB gun. A spring driven rod is used to propel the BB from the barrel, NOT air. I have a model from mid-1940.

Respect Things

Agreed, what is the point of this story? As a side note, BB guns are a great way to teach children safety and responsibility. How many bike injuries are reported in an emergency room each year? Want to ban them?
Jerry

With proper caring adul super vision any child can be fully trained to be a responsible minor and safely handle any normal BeBe Gun or as a matter of fact most firearms in general. It is a question of child’s age and understanding abilities. This is from retired cop firearms instructor.
Ralphie

I for one am astonished at the amount of BB gun injuries. After reading this I am taking back the BB guns I purchased for my 3 children (aged 6-9) and getting them their FOID cards so they can pick out some real guns. Thank you CBS for this informative story that has changed my ways.
iphish

This isn’t the first time WBBM’s Newsradio 780’s Felicia Middlebrooks has gone looking to the anti firearms crowd for a story.and the next time she interjects her opinions into a broadcasted news report, I will personally start a campaign to boycott WBBM’s news station ….Keep your opinions to yorself when your attempting to do your job lady!
John R

Well give the chick a break, she’s only reporting that sales are down and not editorializing in any way.
Dan

Um, sales are down because of the bad economy. DOH
Warm and Fuzzy

We MUST have giant foamed filled bubble body suits with a hearing filter. They should never experience real life at all cost!!!!!!