Guns don't kill people, rappers do! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv-2XYOtgCg But seriously, it's all a bit precious and over-protective don't you think? Why can't parents use this an opportunity to discuss responsible gun ownership? Are we not a great outdoors country, with hunting being an activity enjoyed by locals, and bringing in tourist dollars? I see it as just another NIMBY whine-fest. I played with cap guns as a kid (I'm female BTW) and loved it, but I did not grow up to be a cowboy or a gangsta or gun-toting miscreant.

I don't see how it is a problem, its not like they are going to be selling the guns to kids!

I have the El Mariachi trilogy, and just love it when Antonia says to Salma Hayak "Have I apologised yet?", she says no, and he says "I will". Wingman and I use that from time to time. Humour :)

I don't think it is so much the issue of kids trying to get guns as such, more that children will see this store everyday, and assume it is normal to be around guns. Personally, I don't want kids thinking that guns are a good idea...

Those Toyworld stores are dangerous places. Ever seen a toddler have a meltdown?

I wouldn't have a problem with it being local (although I do question its need for size). Like any specialised product store, customers tend to make a special trip to these kind of shops, so is not dependent on walk in traffic. They have their weapons locked down, so no kid/teen/freak is going to walk in and pinch one on the sly.

Like all things, moderation and education is key. Guns are fine in the right hands, with proper safety and gun etiquette respected and upheld.

Police do scrutineering, and there is a legal onus to ensure firearms are locked away, separate to ammunition (shop, home or otherwise). And have you seen the price of those things... a nice Sako will set you back thousands. It's not like anyone is going to sweep in there and buy half a dozen on special.

I agree with SW #1. too precious. frankly even though my boys had never seen a real gun at ages 3 /4 they still grabbed up sticks to shoot each other. When the kids are older we'll send them off to the uncles farm for some practical kiwi learning which will include eeling and shooting possums. I think the gun shop owner on TV was right - it will probably bring in more customers for the toyworld!

Before I became a parent, I would have cried NIMBYism, but I'm a parent now, so yes it seems wrong, not the least being because it's in Christchurch. It also sounds wrong "So Mr Harris that's 2 assault rifles and 3 shotguns, would you like me to wrap those? This week's special is that you get a free pass to lollipops playland if you also buy a handgun, No?". It's Christchurch, you have the Arts Centre and great Japanese restaurants, and a monument to those firefighters who lost their lives in 9/11 and you will soon have the largest gunshop in the world - it seems weird. Also another Mall might throw off your MPS system Moata! The beginning of El mariachi is funny to me because a couple of those dudes looked like my uncles in their cars in the 70s,

My take would be not the selling of guns to minors but the (sometimes) lowlife that shop/hangout at gun stores that I would be wary of having my kids around....although I am sure Target will be checking them out in good time. I have never shopped at a gun store so I'm not really sure of the clientele but if it's anything like the types that sometimes hang at liquor stores..(and the sort that leave pigs heads in your driveway after a night hunting)...well I wouldn't want my kids exposed to it. Both of my kids have been taught to use guns responsibly, I love target shooting, it's great fun. But lets not normalise it too much.

I reckon I could do that 72 ounce Steak :-)

Agree with #1 & #2. Don't see what all the fuss is about really. I think these people probably need something more important to worry about.

I am like you Moata - don't particularly like the idea of guns, but I must say when I went to a shooting range in california with some work-mates I found it to be great fun! I surprised myself.