It's firearm......

[Tim the student]

I also feel like if I do happen to break a particular law unintentionally, then the penalty won't be unreasonably severe. Laws and penalties related to firearms should not be so egregious that they defy all common sense. In Plaxico's case, the penalty is unreasonable. I doubt too many gun owners can honestly say that the penalty is reasonable.

There was already a thread about Plaxico. Let's not get this one locked sooner than it will be.

 

[jakemccoy]

Yeah, basically the "you're silly" crowd is missing the overall point. The overall point is that the term "firearm" is more accurate than the term "weapon". The term "firearm" more accurately applies to more situations then does the term "weapon". The difference may be a technicality. Nevertheless, the psychological difference between the terms is substantial.

The term "firearm" comes out on top if we have to pick one term for accuracy purposes. In fact, the word "arms" (a short version of "firearms") is right there the Constitution. I'll assume, for the sake of argument, that everybody here claims to be pro-gun. Accordingly, if we have the choice of using a more accurate term versus a less accurate term, then we should vote for usage of the more accurate term.

The wild thing is that if the media started saying "firearm" instead of "weapon", then that would be a net positive for pro-gun advocates. I don't understand why people are so passionately in favor of sticking with the status quo in this particular case. Maybe my assumption about everybody here being pro-gun is a bit off (?).

 

[DHJenkins]

The wild thing is that if the media started saying "firearm" instead of "weapon", then that would be a net positive for pro-gun advocates. I don't understand why people are so passionately in favor of sticking with the status quo in this particular case.

The media wouldn't do that, because "weapon" is a more terror-inducing word. Terror gets ratings, not facts or correct nomenclature. You don't make sure to tune into the weather because the guy says "no changes this week", you tune in because he says "could there be a chance of rain? Find out tonight!"; after which you find out that the chance of rain is for an area 300 miles away.

By *not* using the word weapon, we give it almost a taboo status, further increasing it's power as a terror-inducing word.

Look at the word "tactical". Tactical actually used to mean something - whatever you were referring to was more often than not a little more rugged, a little more accurate, etc... than it's 'non-tactical' counterpart. Now, however, since it has been so over-used, it means virtually nothing, other than "comes in black" or "looks cool" (hence the new word "tacticool").

The more you use a word, the less shocking it becomes. That's a fact. There was a time when the words "ass" and "bitch" on your local TV station would have caused a massive letter writing campaign, boycotts and general outrage. Now it's so commonplace to hear them in your favorite TV show (on those same channels that once barred it's use) that you hardly notice.

So the question becomes, do you want the word 'weapon' to be more or less shocking to the general public? Wouldn't it be better for the MSM to over-use it to the point that it's no longer a buzzword that instantly fills the mind with scenes of bloodshed and mayhem?

 

[rogertc1]

This is my weapon, this is my gun - this one's for shooting, this one's for fun.

Silly tread.

 

[jakemccoy]

If another person is caught doing something illegal, it's a weapon.

If you're caught doing something illegal, it's a firearm.

 

[Blackbeard]

Let's make this simple. Picture this scenario: You're being frisked by a cop, and he asks, "do you have any weapons on you?" If you're carrying a gun, are you going to say no? When he finds it are you going to explain that it's a firearm, not a weapon, and that he should have been more precise in his question? If so, do you like spending time in jail?

 

[Blackbeard]

The term "firearm" comes out on top if we have to pick one term for accuracy purposes. In fact, the word "arms" (a short version of "firearms") is right there the Constitution. I'll assume, for the sake of argument, that everybody here claims to be pro-gun. Accordingly, if we have the choice of using a more accurate term versus a less accurate term, then we should vote for usage of the more accurate term.

Both terms are 100% accurate. Firearm is a narrower category of arms. It's like asking if your Ford F150 is a truck or a vehicle? Both are 100% correct, but a truck is a narrower definition. You wouldn't say that your F150 is a truck but not a vehicle.

 

[jakemccoy]

Let's make it simpler, if my defense attorney repeatedly refers to my gun as a "weapon", then I'd be searching for a new attorney.

Likewise, my defense attorney had better not call me "the defendant" in court. My attorney had better refer to me as "Mr. McCoy" or something similar.

Words matter.

 

[Boba Fett]

Only read the OP, so apologies if it has already been said:

I would say that weapon is the broad term and firearm is a category of weapon.

The same way that firearm has many sub-categories such as rifle, pistol, revolver, etc.


So you could be general and say weapon when refering to your firearm, or you could be more specific and say firearm. Or even more specific and say you have a rifle.


Just my 2 cents.

 

[jakemccoy]

Both terms are 100% accurate. Firearm is a narrower category of arms. It's like asking if your Ford F150 is a truck or a vehicle? Both are 100% correct, but a truck is a narrower definition. You wouldn't say that your F150 is a truck but not a vehicle.

I completely agree. It's just that one of the terms is closer to the middle of the target. In other words, the term "firearm" is more accurate or more precise. The term "weapon" is sloppy because it can refer to knifes, grenades, fists, clubs, bats, bombs, etc.

 

[DasFriek]

This is my weapon,this is my gun.
One is for fun,and so is the other one.

I dislike grammer nazi's as do i dislike people who correct the use of magazines and clips.
But i do understand Mod's wanting the place to look "Intelligent" and ive even looked into a spell check for IE but i use Windows 7 and none is available for that yet,but i tried.

 

[Boba Fett]

Firefox is the answer my friend; comes default with a spell check.

I'd also suggest Linux, Ubuntu flavor. Windows is quickly committing seppuku.

 

[kanook]

I dislike grammer nazi's as do i dislike people who correct the use of magazines and clips.

So you dislike using proper terms. I think you would be upset if you asked for a 10rd mag for an AK and they handed you a stripper clip and said that there is no difference. When you tried to explain the difference they told you to get a grip and take a hike

 

[Prophet]

I usually call a firearm by it's action and caliber.

This is the silliest sketch I've ever been in.

 

[rino451]

If you're a ninja, everything's a weapon.

 

[Doggy Daddy]

This debate is such a huge distraction from the real issue: pro-gun or anti-gun. :banghead:

Quit beating around the bush, and use the word "gun". It's generic, it covers all uses. It stays on-topic... at least until some wizeguy comes up with "this is my rifle, this is my gun..."

My 2¢

DD