One of the arguments by those opposing the mandatory colouring of airsoft guns with bright colours to distinguish them from real firearms is that criminals may just do the same to fool law enforcers. Recent news prove them right as police in North Carolina seized several firearms during a drug bust and some of these were coloured to make them look like toy guns, including a Glock 19 pistol and a RONI Micro Roni Conversion Kit that can turn the pistol into a carbine.

In a Facebook post by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, last 18 March they searched a home located along Old Catawba Road in Catawba, N.C. after they got search warrant. They were able to find and seize narcotics such as cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. They also confiscated cash totaling US$2,300.00 plus a bunch of weapons including pistols and a shotgun.

Whilst it is not illegal to own firearms in North Carolina, being a permissive state that allows some considerable leeway in the ownership of types of firearms and ammunition, the way the Glock 19 and the RONI kit were painted to make them look like toys were concerning to the police.

Photo show seized items showing some of the guns coloured in bright colours (Catawba County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)

Arrested was 39-year old Damien Alonzo Burch who lives in the same area. He was charged with felonious possession of cocaine, felonious possession of mushrooms and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He also was issued a $20,000.00 unsecured bond and had a first appearance in Catawba County District Court on the same day of his arrest.

Video from WHKY-TV reporting on the seizure.

It is not unusual that some gun owners, including airsoft gun owners, to do paintjobs on their guns to make them look like toy guns such. But then many would prefer to have their guns have the standard colour schemes that firearms are usually known --- along traditional colours such as gun metal grey, black, olive, wood, or tan/desert and that bright colours would go against such traditions. In airsoft where realism is always sought after, having coloured portions on airsoft guns are strongly opposed, only agreeing if authorities are deadset in such requirements just to maintain their hobby rather than having it banned.

The concern in the airsoft community with news of criminals painting their guns to make them look like toys is that over reacting politicians will call for the banning of toy guns, including airsoft guns, altogether. We just hope that common sense prevails.