Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Why, you know what? You're right!
I do use it occasionally. Usually if the conversation involves the legalities of firearms possession or use. I don't generally use it in conversations about a specific weapon.
so, what do you prefer to call them: Guns or Firearms?
- Thread starter Carolina Kalash
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I do use it occasionally. Usually if the conversation involves the legalities of firearms possession or use. I don't generally use it in conversations about a specific weapon.
FIVETWOSEVEN
Member
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Either AK 47 or Glock, depends on size.
Cosmoline
Member
I have lots of firearms. One day I hope to have a GUN. With a team of mules to pack it and a ten mile proving ground to train with it.
hammerklavier
Member
If you need one in a hurry, I'll bet you don't call it a firearm. "Quick! Get the firearm!" 
MuleRyder
Member
I usually use the generic term of guns. It can depend on the company I'm in an if a more specific term is called for. I'm not that anal about using "correct" terminology and sometimes it makes you look like an a**hole especially if you correct someone with the proper term. Example would be "That's not a pistol, it's a revolver."
walker944
Member
I think Yosemite Sam got it right...they're all "Shootin' Irons"!!
huntsman
Member
anything but weapon
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Just "guns" is fine. It's easier to type.
pbearperry
Member
The poll is missing the word Roscoe.Seriously though,in Mass. the legal term for handguns is "Firearms".We also have rifles and shotguns.
Gladius
Member
My answer....
Yes.
Yes.
centurion94
Member
Usually, weapon, just an on-the-job habit, reinforced as a firearms instructor. Unless it belongs to a bad guy, in which case it's a "GUN!!!!!!!" And a pistol is a handgun. Only time I ever even gave thought to terminology is when I used "weapon" in passing in the company of some of my Scouts and another leader was present. I couldn't understand the strange look on his face until he drew me aside later and corrected me - they were not "weapons", they were "firearms". I'm not fond of "gun" usually because in my experience it's the monniker most frequently tossed around by my monster-in-law, er, I mean people who disapprove of them. I know I'm being silly but it gives me just a little sense of tongue-in-cheek superiority to use the word "firearm" around them. Of course, I'd only tell you guys that!
centurion94
Member
P.S. Apologies to huntsman - I understand.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
That is just silly. The 2nd Amendment protects our right to keep and bear ARMS. ARMS are WEAPONS. ARMS does not indicate toys, tools for procuring food, or interesting pieces of memorabilia.
The fact that we have the 2nd Amendment and that it recognizes a legitimate and rightful need for honest people to keep and bear implements of destruction and death is incredibly significant and helps define a bit about who we are as Americans.
We are not unique in that we may hunt, or that we may poke holes in paper from far away, or that we may hang shiny things on our walls. We are unique in that we recognize an inherent right to the means, and at times the USE, of lethal weapons in the defense of ourselves, our loved ones, and our country.
Mamby-pamby soft-peddling of the concept to try to hide the purposely lethal utility of our ARMS is a serious mistake and shirks from the right and responsibility belonging to free peoples.
Tends to make one more than a little disgusted with the NRA and the Boy Scouts. Understand it, accept it, and say it proudly.
mljdeckard
Member
It is silly, but I'm sure it's part of the PC reasoning the NRA uses for its basic courses, and why the boy scouts requires that an NRA instructor be present to administer any activities with guns. They don't want to give any moms the willies thinking their 11 year-olds are being brainwashed into pre-pubescent soldiers.
FROGO207
Member
Lead distribution device.
Devonai
Member
I would no sooner call a firearm a gun than I would use the word "repeat" over the radio, unless I wanted a battery to send another volley. However, I wouldn't presume to correct a non-military friend on such academia. The beauty of the English language is its variety and flexibility.
I did not know you worked in the news media. Print or TV?
leadaddict
Member
It depends on the context. Normally firearms though.
Bigtime Sexy
Member
I was a tattoo artist for years and God help the apprentice who said "tattoo gun" around some artists. It was a "tattoo machine", period.
I tend to call them by their names or nomenclature more than anything, my Sig, Glock, Kahr, Taurus, Smith & Wesson, or PPK/s, Model 25, CM9, 10/22, etc.
I tend to call them by their names or nomenclature more than anything, my Sig, Glock, Kahr, Taurus, Smith & Wesson, or PPK/s, Model 25, CM9, 10/22, etc.
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