National Rifle Association releases virtual shooting app for ages four and up

(CNN) - The National Rifle Association criticized violent video games in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting. Now the NRA is releasing its own mobile phone and tablet game that puts a virtual gun in the hands of the user.

It's an app that's listed for kids four years and up. There's no blood -- so you can't shoot any people -- but there are coffin-shaped targets. But the NRA says it’s all about teaching gun safety.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings and gun control knocking on the door, was it a good move for the NRA to release this app?

“In the past, the NRA has pointed fingers at video games,” public relations strategist Rachel Kay said. “They've pointed fingers at Hollywood for contributing to the recent violence, and, you know, with this app, they kind of run the risk of sending conflicting messages.”

Kay said with so many parents worried about gun violence, the NRA is taking a big risk releasing this game.

But at the same time, Kay said the NRA could be playing to their supporters, showing they're not afraid of what victims, parents and politicians say.

With Dec. 2012 on record as the highest number of people submitting to background checks to buy weapons, the president says it's time to make meaningful change with or without Congress.

Vice President Biden is expected to present his gun violence task force recommendations to the President Tuesday.