US Gun Manufacturer Releases 'Lego Pistol'...Criticism Arises Over Potential Accidents

A pistol decorated with Lego blocks. Photo by Culper Precision website capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A U.S. firearms company has faced criticism for selling a real handgun decorated with Lego blocks. The concern is that a weapon capable of taking human lives is disguised like a toy gun, which could lead to accidental shootings if children play with it. As the controversy grew, the company eventually stopped sales.

On the 13th (local time), according to foreign media including The Washington Post (WP), the firearms company 'Culper Precision' released a handgun called 'Block 19' decorated with red, yellow, and blue Lego blocks.

This product looks like a toy for toddlers but is actually a handgun that can be loaded with bullets. The company sold the product on its online store for $549 to $765 (approximately 630,000 to 880,000 KRW), depending on specifications.

The company posted on its website about 'Block 19,' stating that it "provides an incredible satisfaction that can only be obtained from shooting sports," and introduced it as a product that "breaks the flashy logic of gun control opponents and shows that shooting is incredibly fun."

However, after the product was released, criticism arose mainly online. The concern was that children might play with the handgun, which looks like a toy, and cause gun accidents.

On social media platforms such as Twitter, netizens expressed negative reactions like "The idea of making a gun look like a toy is absurd," "What will you do if children see guns as toys and accidents happen," "An unbelievable event has occurred," and "A ridiculous idea."

Despite the controversy, the company insisted on selling 'Block 19.' However, after Lego sent a letter demanding the company stop manufacturing 'Block 19,' sales were eventually halted. Regarding this, the company stated, "So far, fewer than 20 'Block 19' units have been sold."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.