More correct term: 'Firearm' or 'Weapon'

[Zeus]

See the avatar to the left? It's a weapon, that's what I was payed by the American taxpayer to call it, that's what it is. Guns weren't invented to shoot paper and pop cans. They were the next level of escalation to the sword. When the day comes that energy "weapons" trump a firearm, they will still be a weapon. Your mind is the deadliest weapon in existence. everyone has one, some better than others. I will not allow some lefty anti gunner to dictate what I say by demonizing the word weapon or creating terms like "assault rifle" or "active shooter". Of course, if I have to employ, said weapon for self defense, I will do what everyone should do and keep my mouth shut. I will tell them I defended myself and the words weapon, shot, killed or anything like that will not come out of my mouth. If my honorable service to this country, dozens of background checks, no criminal record, church going family man status, and ability to hold a job since I was 13 yrs. old aren't good enough to prove I'm one of the good guys, then I don't know what else to do.

 

[Outdoorsman1]

I lovingly refer to my Mossberg Pursuader (12 Ga. pump, W/ factory pistol grip, folding stock, heat sheild, 9 shot capacity (8+1), short barreled, Mag light and shoulder strap added by me as "Betsy" or my "Home Defence Unit"...

Outdoorsman1

 

[McX]

How 'bout phaser?

wrong century.....................yet.

 

[nevinsb]

In the military, it's always a weapon.

 

[littlewolf]

See the avatar to the left? It's a weapon, that's what I was payed by the American taxpayer to call it, that's what it is. Guns weren't invented to shoot paper and pop cans. They were the next level of escalation to the sword. When the day comes that energy "weapons" trump a firearm, they will still be a weapon. Your mind is the deadliest weapon in existence. everyone has one, some better than others. I will not allow some lefty anti gunner to dictate what I say by demonizing the word weapon or creating terms like "assault rifle" or "active shooter". Of course, if I have to employ, said weapon for self defense, I will do what everyone should do and keep my mouth shut. I will tell them I defended myself and the words weapon, shot, killed or anything like that will not come out of my mouth. If my honorable service to this country, dozens of background checks, no criminal record, church going family man status, and ability to hold a job since I was 13 yrs. old aren't good enough to prove I'm one of the good guys, then I don't know what else to do.

1000+ best answer I,ve heard !

 

[Nutczak]

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.

I have had a LEO ask "Do you have any weapons in your vehicle" and my response was; "that depends on your definition of a weapon"
A tire-iron can be used as either an offensive or defensive weapon, as can a set of car keys on a ring as can a flashlight (been there, done that with a flashlight)

 

[Deek]

In a non-slang formal way I refer to it as my sidearm, cause I'm carrying arms on my side. But among friends or whatever, it could be gun, pistol or even "blaster"

 

[Shotgun]

Pistol is fine unless you have a revolver !

This topic was discussed on here not too long ago. The term "pistol" is also appropriate for revolvers, since strictly speaking a "pistol" is any firearm designed to be held with one hand. The word originated sometime in the 16th century, long before there were either auto loaders or revolvers-- which date from the 19th century.

 

[IcrewUH60]

I carry a weapon for self defense purposes. My choice of weapon is a firearm. My choice of firearm is a Glock. My choice of Glock is model 17.

It's all in the hierarchy and context of the conversation. I guess I could just call it my Glock when referring specifically to "it".

 

[mrmike.me]

This is the square vs rectangle debate. While weapon does seem to have a negative connotation to it, technically all firearms are weapons but not all weapons are firearms. Here is the definition of a weapon from dictionary.com:

1. device for attack or defense 2. something used against an adversary

Greetings, I know you do not know me from Adam but I have to toss in my 2 cents.

As others have said: As an NRA Certified Instructor we are trained to NEVER use the "W" word in a classroom. I take issue with the idea that all guns are weapons. My gun has NEVER been used as a weapon. It will be if I need it to, but to date none of my guns are weapons or have been used as weapons.

 

[XDFDE45]

My gun has NEVER been used as a weapon. It will be if I need it to, but to date none of my guns are weapons or have been used as weapons.

Word :dude:. Someone asked me the same thing about the knife I had clipped on my pocket. "What do you need a weapon for?" I told them it is a TOOL, not a weapon. I use it for everything from opening letters to boxes and plastic banding at work. It is only a weapon as an absolute LAST RESORT.

 

[Zeus]

The NRA has done much more good than most gun organizations but I don't agree with everything they do. I understand why they don't call them weapons, but I don't OC in case I have the desire to shoot clay pigeons walking down the street. Being an NRA instructor is great, I still don't buy the "never say weapon" bs. It's pandering to the people who are the real problem. I won't let anti gun leftist nutjobs dictate what terminology I use.

 

[bajadudes]

In honor of this thread I have changed my sig.

 

[CalicoJack10]

The use of certain words usually creates emotion within people. Calling a Firearm a Weapon is generally a way to try and make people think that there is something inherently bad about it. Calling it a firearm, or side arm (my preference) tends to do the opposite. Where as the word Gun seems to be the only basically neutral word in the debate.

Calling it a weapon has a negative connotation to it, mainly because it takes the average (non military, non LEO, non gun owner) citizen and makes them think of something that a bad guy would use to hurt someone.

On the opposite end of things, if you take that same person and refer to a side arm, they automatically think of a police officer.

So one being safe, and the other being dangerous, it is a fairly easy distinction. Or at least that is my thought. The trick is in remembering that a weapon is something that a person has the intention of doing harm with.

A weapon is defined under various federal, state, and local laws, which vary by jurisdiction. A weapon is generally something used to injure, defeat, or destroy and may cover many types of instruments, such as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club, among others.

The following is an example of a municipal definition of a dangerous weapon:

"Section 13.68.010 Dangerous weapon--Defined.

As used in this chapter, "dangerous weapon" means and includes, but is not limited to:

Any knife having a blade three inches or more in length, or any snap-blade or spring-blade knife regardless of the length of the blade;
Any ice pick or similar sharp stabbing tool;
Any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle;
Any cutting, stabbing or bludgeoning weapon or device capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm;
Any dirk or dagger or bludgeon;
Any "taser public defender" or other similar electronic immobilizer which causes, by means of an electrical current, a person to experience muscle spasms and extreme pain, followed by unconsciousness. (Ord. 4814-NS § 1, 1975: Ord. 2881-NS § 1, 1947)"

http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/weapon/

While a firearm can be used for self defense, or even to inflict harm on another person, those factors alone do not define the firearm, so it is not really fair to refer to firearms as weapons unless they are used in a crime.

 

[MSRebel54]

A firearm can be a weapon, but a weapon is not always a firearm.

Think of it this way;
rocks are made of minerals, but minerals are not rocks.

What he said.

 

[IcrewUH60]

The trick is in remembering that a weapon is something that a person has the intention of doing harm with.

I think that statement resembles the continuum fallacy. Just because a "weapon" can inflict harm on another, the mere "intent" of using a weapon for self defense does not make it a criminal activity.

to also quote from http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/weapon/

"A weapon is generally something used to injure, defeat, or destroy[...]

But, to injure, defeat or destroy, also does not automatically induce criminal activity or behavior, otherwise hunting would be a crime.

While a firearm can be used for self defense, or even to inflict harm on another person, those factors alone do not define the firearm, so it is not really fair to refer to firearms as weapons unless they are used in a crime.

Because I cannot follow the fallacy of "intent to do harm" equals "weapon", this statement fails to prove that the user, who intends to deploy that weapon, has necessarily committed a crime. I therefore, cannot recognize the defined relationship of a weapon with crime, but I see where you are going with this and the publics' "interpretation" of what a weapon appears to be defined as. We can thank the main stream media for that, in my opinion.

But let's not fan the flames. Let's help educate, and with that, I'm sticking with "weapon". As a law abiding citizen I carry a weapon for self defense. That weapon is a firearm. That firearm is a Glock...

 

[Grapeshot]

The NRA has done much more good than most gun organizations but I don't agree with everything they do. I understand why they don't call them weapons, but I don't OC in case I have the desire to shoot clay pigeons walking down the street. Being an NRA instructor is great, I still don't buy the "never say weapon" bs. It's pandering to the people who are the real problem. I won't let anti gun leftist nutjobs dictate what terminology I use.

Don't see it as "pandering," giving in, or being PC.

It is all about public relations and the war of words. The members of the choir here don't need instruction on how to talk amongst themselves, but this is not about us. The thinking is directed towards getting the desired effect from the rest of the known universe in words/images that will not cause their brains to lock up.

Everyone posting here becomes part of the effort to normalize OC, whether they choose to be or not. So yes words do make a difference.

 

[riverrat10k]

I usually use firearm, sidearm, pistol or gun. Occaisionally weapon. All about context.

When showing a new gun to friends it is usually "Look at this s@^&*!%!*$#"

I never say "I fired the firearm", that's clumsy; it's "I fired the gun, pistol or weapon"

Canoe and kayak a lot. We used to buy "life preservers" till the manufacturers realized people still died while wearing them. Now we buy "PFD's", personal flotation devices.

When asked by an obvious anti what is on my hip, I try to respond with "that's just my PPD (Personal Protection Device)!

Edit: also use handgun. In Virginia we have a Concealed Handgun Permit, or CHP, not to be confused with the California Highway Patrol!

 

[IcrewUH60]

edit: Also use handgun. In virginia we have a concealed handgun permit, or chp, not to be confused with the california highway patrol!

View attachment 5735

:d

 

[riverrat10k]

lol. knew that was comin'!