Tighter Restrictions for Fake Guns; Can You Tell the Difference - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

Tighter Restrictions for Fake Guns; Can You Tell the Difference Between a Real Gun and Fake Gun?

CALIFORNIA, Calif- A new law signed by Governor Brown will allow cities in Los Angeles County to make up their own rules regarding fake guns. With fake guns looking more and more like real guns, this law could spread throughout California. For now SB 1315 only applies to Los Angeles County, but the Central Coast is no stranger to fake guns.

A few weeks ago CHP, deputies, and police ended a high speed chase with a standoff near Santa Maria. The suspect pulled out a fake gun, forcing officers to shoot and kill the man.

"The officers, from the distance that they are looking at it, and the time that they have, which is a second or two to analyze that threat, most officers will perceive that as a lethal threat and will act accordingly and use lethal force," said Sgt. Kurk Hixenbaugh with the San Luis Obispo Police.

Just this week, a Lompoc middle school was put on lockdown after a student brought a pellet gun to school. In June a student at a Seaside middle school was busted when police found a whole bag of fake guns on campus.

Toy stores like Tom's Toys said recent sales are through the roof, but they are cautious about selling the toys. "We definitely suggest that parent's use their discretion and that children are careful when using these type of toys and that it could be a lot of fun. But on the other hand, like a lot of things that you use, you should be careful," said Ted Frankel.

If professionals who carry the real thing have a hard time telling the difference, police say laws regarding fake guns make sense.

"I've seen kids with the guns tucked in their waist bands, and they are so realistic looking. They look so real that we just don't know what we are dealing with at first and it really does heighten our sense of awareness, " said Sgt. Hixenbaugh.

So how real does a fake gun look? Below is a picture of two guns, can you tell which one is real?

Click here if you think the one on TOP is real. Click here if you think the one on BOTTOM is real.