Epic has taken to their forums to clue the world in on a new policy coming soon to the Xbox Live Marketplace. Starting on January 1, 2012, gun-like avatar items will no longer be allowed on Xbox Live Marketplace, and any currently existing items will no longer be available for purchase. Here’s the quote from Epic:

Heads up! Starting on Jan. 1, 2012, the Lancer and Hammerburst avatar items will no longer be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. If you’ve purchased the items prior to Jan. 1, you will be able to keep them. A new policy goes into effect for all gun-like avatar items on the Marketplace, so get them while they’re hot.

As they mention, you’ll be able to keep any avatar items you already have, so if you were holding out on purchasing a sweet virtual gun, now’s the time to pull the trigger.

Source: EPIC forums via Gaming Examiner