More correct term: 'Firearm' or 'Weapon'

GlockRDH · Apr 15, 2011

Im starting to NOT use the word 'weapon' as often as 'firearm'...Weapon has different legal connotations...anything can be a weapon...Thoughts on this?

McX · Apr 15, 2011

i always thought this way: a firearm is a legal device, a weapon is a device used to commit a crime.

protias · Apr 15, 2011

I use firearm majority of the time, gun sometimes, weapon almost never unless it is used to commit a crime.

McX · Apr 15, 2011

there is also the option to call them by their assigned names, in my case: Smacky, Disruptor, the mag., chromie...............

Aknazer · Apr 15, 2011

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

sidestreet · Apr 15, 2011

Make it hurt where it counts the most...,

for me it would be in my wallet. If you've got kids, give'm five bucks the next time you say weapon instead of gun, firearm, self defense tool, whatever, besides the "W" word. If you've got a security, law enforcement, or military background, this might get a little expensive at first, but it does work. We used a similar approach when I took my NRA instructor classes. I think just about every one contributed at least a few bucks to the "Pizza for Lunch Fund" on the first day. We didn't have nearly as much pizza the next day as we did the first, go figure!!!

Of course, if you want to try this method but can't think of anyone to give your money to, just send me a pm and I'll be glad to help you with that one too!

sidestreet,

we are not equal, we will never be equal, but we must be relentless.

GlockRDH · Apr 15, 2011

'weapon' also has certain legal connotations...and NONE of us want our arms to be used as weapons.

TyGuy · Apr 15, 2011

If you used a firearm to stop someone with murderous intent would it then be a weapon? IDK

littlewolf · Apr 15, 2011

I to use the word firearm,a weapon can be anything. It also depends on how you use it in a sentance i.e.; I used my firearm in self defence against a man who pointed his weapon at me.

my 2 cents

Nutczak · Apr 15, 2011

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.

Motofixxer · Apr 15, 2011

I tend to use "firearm" more now in general conversation. I will use "weapon" as a broader term when referencing a generic potentially dangerous tool. And don't typically use "gun" unless talking with closer friends or relatives. People have a negative bias toward certain words so I try to avoid triggering those while in general conversation.

Carcharodon · Apr 15, 2011

A "long gun" is a rifle, a "hand gun" is a pistol or gun. Both are weapons, both are also firearms. When I'm shooting with friends or in a relaxed environment they go by the "friendlier" names. When I OC, I carry a weapon. Weapons have a very specific purpose, that's why I carry one.

oliverclotheshoff · Apr 15, 2011

Motofixxer said:
I tend to use "firearm" more now in general conversation. I will use "weapon" as a broader term when referencing a generic potentially dangerous tool. And don't typically use "gun" unless talking with closer friends or relatives. People have a negative bias toward certain words so I try to avoid triggering those while in general conversation.

same here

theoicarry · Apr 15, 2011

Carcharodon said:
A "long gun" is a rifle, a "hand gun" is a pistol or gun. Both are weapons, both are also firearms. When I'm shooting with friends or in a relaxed environment they go by the "friendlier" names. When I OC, I carry a weapon. Weapons have a very specific purpose, that's why I carry one.

I feel for our benefit, firearm is prefer ed. However: I go back to the 1960's when a firearm was referred to a weapon and a gun was something other. I cannot state the meaning at that time here. Lots of push ups done if you confused the two?
Firearm, I like that the best.

Outdoorsman1 · Apr 15, 2011

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....(?)

kcgunfan · Apr 15, 2011

I carry a firearm, unless I'm not, the I just have a weapon on me. Bad guys carry guns, good guys carry firearms, especially in court.

phred · Apr 15, 2011

I use the term "firearm". Actually a firearm is a potential weapon. A fork is an eating utensil until it is used to stab someone. Then it becomes a weapon, unless of course you're a cannibal.

MKEgal · Apr 15, 2011

I usually say or write 'pistol'.
Less emotionally charged than 'gun' or 'weapon', fewer syllables & more specific than 'firearm'.
(I don't think I've ever told someone I have a weapon.)

e.g.: "I am declaring an unloaded, encased pistol in my checked bag."

GlockRDH · Apr 15, 2011

I think im with phred...a firearm is a POTENTIAL weapon... its not a weapon until its used as such and hte judge and DA call it that

jrclen · Apr 15, 2011

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

More correct term: 'Firearm' or 'Weapon'

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