10:57 PM CDT on Monday, June 19, 2006

By BRAD WATSON / WFAA-TV

While the Dallas City Council ponders the idea of banning toy pellet guns that looks similar to real firearms, a group of concerned citizens took on the fight themselves and picketed a southern Dallas store Monday.

"We don't want to picket you, but we will if we have to," said Peter Johnson, SCLC. "Please take these guns off the shelves and stop selling them."

The airsoft toy pellet guns look like real firearms except for a red tip that is required on toy guns by federal law.

Dallas police want a tougher city ordinance to control them, especially with juveniles. Some on the council want to go further.

"We ought to prohibit the sales of these toy or imitation guns, period," said Leo Chaney, Dallas City Council.

But the city attorney questions if a sales ban would put the city in conflict with federal law.

An Army Store in Dallas that sells the airsoft toy guns, but not to anyone under 18 without a parent present, said it would oppose a total sales ban.

"It all gets down to the responsibility of the person that possesses the weapon," said Mike Green, the Army Store.

Enthusiasts use the airsoft guns for recreation and many said they don't want the city to overreact.

"Don't carry it out in public," said Brandon Gaines. "Just use it like you use a paintball gun. Use it in a recreation area, not in a city environment..."

With the debate volume turning up, the council wants some kind of proposed ordinance to look at by August.

E-mail bwatson@wfaa.com