to go and buy myself a big gun while morally disaproving of such items?

[ZombiesAtYourCervix]

I don't like guns. They make me shudder and give me bad vibes. I don't like children playing with toy guns. I think it is wrong.

I need a gun for a fancy dress thing. Would it be unreasonable to purchase one?

What do I do with it after the event?

And why could I not think of a character that didn't need such a prop?

whats the character? maybe there is an alternative. if you feel strongly on the topic and dont allow toy guns you cant get one for your fancy dress costume double standards for the kids (unless you dont show them).

well yes, yabu if you think its ok for you to go out to play with a toy gun, but not your kids... :)

Spud gun?

What sort of character is it?
Is it a gangster? (or a gangsters moll?)
A soldier?
Lara Croft?

FWIW - I know what you mean about toy guns etc. But kids played with them for generations (yes even me, who grew up in a house of brothers) and they do exist in real life sadly. I was never keen on DS getting presents of guns but he never played with them much anyway. He preferred the super-soaker water pistols.

IME they just use substitutes, although I agree with your reasoning.

Can you not use a different prop to represent the gun, in a jokey way, such as a banana.

Then you won't have to compromise your moral stance on toy guns and you could eat the evidence of your 'gun', before any child begins to covet the weapon.

no children invited and my own are big enough to know how i feel.

i'm liking the banana idea. or DH has suggested raiding his nephews who have lots.

Well yes YABU if you feel that strongly about guns then why are you happy to glamourise them by choosing to dress as a character that needs one? Whats the theme maybe we can help you think of a character that doesn't need a gun.

I personally don't mind children playing with toy guns but since you have taken that stance then you need to be careful not to end up being hypocritical.

whats the character Zombies???