[heartwood]

You have to be a damn fool to be 10 and not know the difference between a real and a play gun. Especially if you are carrying the clip. I think he knew.

Love the kid’s spirit? He can’t tell the difference between a toy and a real gun, and can’t tell the difference between a joke and a threat? I don’t want that kid anywhere near a gun. Ever.

(if you were just too subtle for me with the sarcasm, oops)

[Morgana]

With the way kids are raised these days it is hard to tell. Either way it is the grandfather’s fault for not having the thing under lock and key.

The “spirit” I was referring to was the fact that he was not gonna allow someone to steal from him. Not the fact that he was too young to know the difference between a joke and a real hold up. If the kid was/is taught correctly he could grow up to be Bernie Geotz. It is all in teaching the kid and that was the grandfather’s responsibilty. Grandpa needs to improve.

[WayneS]

You only have the word of the "victim" that it was a joke. Criminals and muggers often resort to the "I wasn't REALLY going to rob them" defense after someone defends him or herself against their threats/attacks.