I would say that at least locally the opposite is occurring. Ten Years ago toy guns were nonexistant even (especially?) in the big box stores. This year Ive already found a number of stores with extensive arsenals to choose things from and the shelves are clearing fast...
“Ten Years ago toy guns were nonexistant”
Baloney. My mom is in her 60s and had cap guns, water pistols and ‘cowboy’ six shooters. I’m 41 and had cap guns. My son is 20 and had his share of caps, water and prairie ‘buffalo guns’ as he called them. Hubby played with his share of guns growing up.
And Ralphie? Well he grew up in the ‘40s and wanted a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun.