Color Guard: Pink Guns Take Over Miami

Controversial color choice has some concerned that guns aren't being taken seriously

Going pink has long been a symbol of girl power.

Now the color is the latest fad in firepower.

Requests for pink guns are picking up steam in South Florida and it has some critics concerned that firearms are being marketed as fashion accessories and not a potentially lethal weapon.

Plantation mom Heidi Jameson is in the market for a gun, and she wants a pink one.

"It's just fun. I have a pink cell phone. I like to buy pink accessories... And I think, why not if it's available? It's just fun," she said.

Fun might rhyme with gun, but it shouldn’t be used to describe purchasing the weapon, a local private investigator said.

Ricky, who did not want to give his last name, is concerned that giving guns bright colors like pink could attract kids to the weapons or lead to other confusion.

"Pink guns can be confused with toy guns,” he said. “Most people, once they see a toy gun, they don't think they're dangerous. If they walk down the street, nobody would even call 911 because they wouldn't perceive the threat."

Douglas Spencer, who is learning how to teach a concealed weapons class, agrees.

Manufacturers of pink of firearms are indicating the gun is closer to a toy than the dangerous object it really is, he believes.

"Just like I would wear safety glasses when firing a firearm - shooting, and ear protection, I should also follow guidelines pertaining to color,” Spencer said. “The neon orange, green, pink, and psychedelic colors are a little over the top."

Most gun dealers said they sell the traditional black or gray colored guns, but if a customer wants one in pink, it can be special ordered. 

Jameson is aiming for feeling comfortable and secure. She said owning a small, pink revolver will get her there. She’s not worried about her two children viewing mommy’s gun as a toy.

"The toys now are so realistic looking that even the black ones or the camouflage ones look like real guns," she said. “They've been educated on the fact that it's a dangerous item - much like a saw or any other tool that can hurt you. They know it's something you're not supposed to touch, and we also keep it out of sight and locked up."

Dealers say no matter what your view, or hue is - being as safe as possible is the most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with a firearm.

We want to know what you think. Are pink guns a good idea or a bad idea? You can sound off on our Facebook page at Facebook/NBCMiami or on our Twitter page.

For more information about gun safety, log onto www.browardfirearmstraining.com.

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