Do you honestly think that kids need a molded plastic or stamped metal toy gun to “play with guns”? Have you never seen kids pick up a “Y” shaped stick off the ground and say “bang bang!” or “zap zap!” pretending its a gun (or laser gun)?

I.M.O. an important aspect of play is its self-directed. If they prefer that, absolutely, but I would rather let them choose and try to provide safe ways for them to explore. If they choose gardening that would be wonderful, if they choose to play with nerf guns or airsoft guns we should try and provide safety and caution to insulate them from being injured, but otherwise let them play

That sounds like slavery with extra steps.