Shoeless makes an excellent point about semantics and mindset.
Since I generally only teach L/E and some CCW folks, I'm in the position of discussing the lawful use of deadly force as applicable to using a firearm ... Even so, we focus on the aspect of the firearm being used as being deadly force, not on the semantics of what the firearm "is" ... What does the word "is" mean, anyway?
Sorry, couldn't resist when I saw where I was going with that last sentence.
Anyhow ... When I find myself off the range, and the subject of firearms comes up because someone learns of my "job" (which is something I generally try to avoid, by the way ... saves annoyance), I seldom use the non-PC term "weapon" unless the person is ex-military, or former Marine. It saves ruffled feathers and emotional distress among the dainty, civilized masses which inhabit the area in which I live ...
Seriously, on those infrequent occasions when I find myself detailed to give a talk to ordinary folks ... many of which may not have ever held a firearm ... and the subject of firearms comes up, I try not to antagonize them by using "provocative" or "intimidating" terms which might bother them. "Weapon" is one such word ...
We also never heard the "W" word when my son was a member of a local .22 target shooting club, either, which is how it should be.
Show me a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum with a 7.5" barrel and I'll think hunting or silhouette shooting ... but I'll also think of a S/A revolver design from the 1800's which was used as a military & L/E weapon, not to mention as a defensive weapon used by the common American of the time, against both human & animal attackers ... and which has been suitably converted over to "sporting" use in modern times now that "better" weapons have been developed and produced.
Show me a 1911 Government Model in stock condition, and I'll think of something similar, except this design is still VERY practical for use as a defensive weapon, and is still in use as such, by all th folks I listed above, even though it's become adopted and often modifed for "sporting" use ... Also, show me a pistol or revolver of the same type used by L/E as Service Weapons, in the same condition as issued models, and guess what?
A rose by any other name ...