[bedbugbilly]

Sorry . . . I may get flamed for this but I think it is a bad idea. While YOU may know it's a de -activated firearm (whether it is C & B or cartridge - doesn't matter) . . . I don't think a five year old has the capability of knowing the difference between de-activated and "real".

Your child may not always be under your supervision . . . and kids are kids. At this point in his life he receiving an education of how he should never "play" with a real gun. Handing him a "real" but de-activated handgun sends the wrong message. At some point, he will be at other kid's houses and not under you supervision. What is he going to think if they find a real (and loaded) firearm and there are no adults around . . . regardless of whenever it should be locked up or not . . . read the news . . . accidental shootings and deaths involving children happen far to frequently. Ask yourself . . . will he have the ability to know the difference and not point it at another child or person and pull the trigger thinking it is a "play gun"?

Some may think me over cautious or a "wet blanket". Sorry, but as someone who worked ambulance, fire and rescue . . . I saw more than my share of shootings and a couple of them involving children.