More correct term: 'Firearm' or 'Weapon'

[protias]

I like firearm, rifle, and pistol. Weapon is OK but it includes knives, baseball bats, and cruise missiles. Just my 2 cents.

No love for flamethrowers?

 

[XDFDE45]

Weapon is OK but it includes knives, baseball bats, and cruise missiles.

Well put. Weapons is such a broad term that ANYTHING that can be used for assaulting or even killing someone can be labeled a "weapon".

 

[Shotgun]

There was a discussion of this terminology when I was going through instruction to become an NRA certified instructor. The NRA encourages instructors to minimize the use of the word "weapon" in favor of "firearm." Because "weapon" evokes negative connotations in many people. I don't believe it is political correctness as much as public relations-- although perhaps that's a fine line.

Those of us with military backgrounds have "weapon" ingrained in us, so did the LEO's taking the instructor course. It takes a fair amount of concentration for us to break the habit of saying "weapon."

I disagree that all firearms are weapons. Some firearms are designed to functions as weapons and some are not. As has been pointed out, many things can be used as weapons despite not being explicitly designed as such, e.g., a heavy ashtray, a vehicle, a big dog, kitchen knives and large stick, a can of Lysol. I would only say that some firearms are designed to function as weapons while others are designed for recreational or sport use yet have a great potential to function as effective weapons.

Of course firearms used by the military and the police are designed to function as weapons. So are those, presumably, carried by OCers; although that's questionable, since I've seen a number of single action revolvers at OC events. I would consider a single action revolver to be a hunting or target shooting firearm, and insofar as it is a "weapon" it is an obsolete weapon in the hands of 99.999% of shooters. Not to say it's ineffective, because swords are obsolete but potentially very effective weapons. SA revolvers and swords are just comparatively ineffective when contrasted with DA revolvers or autoloaders.

The effectiveness of any object used as a weapon, regardless of intended design, is largely dependent upon the skill of the user. A trained and experienced knife fighter is probably a greater threat with a large sharp nail in his hands than a novice is with an expensive "ninja tanto combat" blade.

 

[Outdoorsman1]

I am leaning towards pistol... not to split hairs, but maybe even "sidearm"...(?)

Outdoorsman1

Edited to add.... Ok Ok...I'll admit.. I posted this post to also check out my new signiture quote....

 

[protias]

I am leaning towards pistol... not to split hairs, but maybe even "sidearm"...(?)

Outdoorsman1

Edited to add.... Ok Ok...I'll admit.. I posted this post to also check out my new signiture quote....

I've noticed Nik uses the term sidearm.

 

[littlewolf]

I have used both "weapon" and "gun" in past posts. I very seldom use "firearm".

This is an excellent topic and raises question I have never thought of...

I am thiniking it is more of a case of "You say "Tomato I say Tomato"....

"Weapon, Firearm, Gun,... basically different words discribing the same thing...

I have always had a preference for weapon, (just a personal choice), but considering the thought that almost any object can be used as a weapon, I am re-thinking... on using firearm instead. As stated, gun, does have a negative view from the general public.

Outdoorsman1

PS:.. I also think "Pistol" would be appropriate....(?)

Firearm sounds more professional. Pistol is fine unless you have a revolver !

 

[LR Yote 312]

I try to make a conscious effort to avoid the use of the term weapon(s) because of the negative connotations connected with it thanks to the media.
For example: Weapon(s) of mass destruction.

I use sidearm,handgun,shotgun or rifle, and more often than not I just refer them by their model designation except my little varmint rifle....thats just called The Seventeen.

LR Yote

 

[jpm84092]

I stand firmly in the camp of the other NRA Certified Firearms Instructors on this forum. I too had to contribute to the pizza fund during my basic NRA Firearms Instructor class. Not so much in the pistol, rifle, and home defense courses as I was breaking old habits and not at all as an adjunct instructor working with new student Instructor candidates alongside my NRA Regional Training Counselor.

Some years back, Utah changed the name of its "permission slip" from Concealed Weapons Permit to Concealed Firearms Permit to make it clear that swords down the pant leg, hidden bowie knives, and the like were not covered by the permit.

NRA is doing their push on the "W Word" for public relations reasons. In class, I teach that "bad guys use weapons to attack law abiding citizens". After being granted a Concealed Firearm Permit, law abiding citizens use firearms or pistols to defend themselves and their loved ones.

 

[bomber]

i prefer the term, "gat". either that or "heater"

 

[civilwarguy]

how about "life preserving tool" ?

 

[McX]

Heater.........or perhapse Disruptor at times, or Chromie.....or

 

[hardballer]

I use sidearm, firearm, weapon, gun, pistol, pistola, bang stick, smoke wagon, equalizer, revolver, wheel gun, snubby, snub nose, single action, old slab sides, Ole' ugly, semi auto, etc. and finally... 1911.

 

[McX]

smoke wagon. i shall consider it.

 

[GlockRDH]

heater is good..i also like 'plastic protector' when referring to my g27...

 

[hardballer]

How 'bout phaser?

 

[davegran]

I seem to remember The Duke calling 'em "hoglegs".

 

[Carcharodon]

I definitely understand wanting to downplay the use of the term weapon. I like sidearm. Maybe I will try to use that more often than the "W" word. I do use "heater" in casual conversation, I'm gonna try out "hogleg" too. If The Duke used it, it's good enough for me!

 

[Running Wolf]

There's always "piece." It has a pretty neutral connotation.

 

[Krusty]

I use several terms, but never "weapon". "Weapon" is the PC term and I refuse to be PC! If I told the cops that I have a "weapon" in my trunk, he might think I was talking about my cast iron skillet, screw drivers, hammer, wrenches or bicycle lock. Maybe even thee trunk lid! The term "weapon" when referring to a firearm makes me want to puke.

 

[hardballer]

A cast iron skillet is very formidable...