TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Toy guns and air powered guns are nothing new, but the designs of those guns are looking more like real firearms.
The state of Florida defines a firearm as any weapon that will expel a projectile by means of an explosion, whereas an air gun uses compressed air.
"When you look at the airsoft guns and the BB guns, you're looking at something that shoots off a little small pellet; a little BB," says Sgt. Fred Smelt from the Leon County Sheriff's Office. "It's basically propelled by compressed air. When you look at an actual bullet from a gun, it's propelled by powder."
When law enforcement rolls up on a scene where there's been a report of a gun, they only seconds to determine if it's s a true firearm, or just a look alike.
While at Leon County Sheriff's Office, WTXL was show a box with three guns. One of them was a firearm, but the other two were airsoft and BB guns. The two air guns look incredibly real and can easily be bought in stores and online. Once these guns leave the home, law enforcement officers have a very hard time telling the difference between a firearm and air gun.
"We're going to presume that all guns are real guns until proven otherwise and that won't be until we actually get our hands on it," continues Sgt. Smelt.
In the state Florida, you have to be at least 18 years old to buy a firearm, but anyone under the age of 16 can use air guns as long as they have adult supervision.
"It's a good way for them to learn gun safety, without actually having a firearm that's a little more, you know, that needs more caution," says Sondra Brittle, the owner of Seminole Outdoors and Mobile Home Supply. "It's a good way to teach them firearm safety."
Sgt. Smelt agrees, "Teach your kids to respect the gun and understand how it operates and such like that. Understand that they won't touch it unless the parent's around."
Some airguns have a marking on them that lets people know that it is not a true firearm. Of course, if you see someone who appears to be carrying a gun in a place where they shouldn't be, it is recommended you alert the authorities.
