Author Topic: Weapons? or Firearms? -- food for thought (Read 1300 times)

hunterwinco · « **on:** February 01, 2007, 11:51:30 AM »

Do most of you folks have WEAPONS or firearms? I 'm sure this question will sour a lot of folks and will prompt some to cut and paste responses out of Websters. I hear and read the term "weapon" a lot. Please consider how this can be perceived by the anti gun crowd. I'm 45 and have collected firearms since I was 8-9 years old. I am an NRA life member and started out as a jr. member 31 years ago, suffice to say...I'm "pro-gun", but I don't have weapons...I have firearms. I'll bet most say "whats the diff"? I myself, (a charter member of the vast right-wing conspiracy) am very careful about giving the anti gun, leftwing whackos an inch. My anti gun co workers refer to my guns as weapons and I constantly remind them that they are not weapons! Perhaps this is just symantics, but I think we all have to be diligent in putting our hobby in a positive light and i don't feel calling our firearms "weapons" to be doing that.

"that's just my opinion...I could be wrong" --- Dennis Miller

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2007, 12:05:35 PM »

Mine are both firearms and weapons , cause you bet your AXX that if i run out of rounds and the fight is still going on i will be swinging it like a ball bat , yet for the most part , they are firearms or even better yet ( TOOLS ) to be used for a job like any other tool .

stimpy

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2007, 12:10:25 PM »

As a hunter safety instructor we are advised to never refer to firearms as weapons. It seems that a lot of our students parents get very upset when they hear the W word.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2007, 12:20:42 PM »

I agree, as a firearms instructor to civilians now they are to be called firearms, I have been advised they are not be referred to as weapons, for fear of offending or frightening someone I guess. From my time in the service and my almost 35 years wearing a badge they were weapons, and tools as well. Whats in a word anyway? We know what they are and if it helps us all to refer to them as firearms so be it....<><....

Anyone here remember this little ditty?...

This is my rifle this is my gun, this is for fighting this is for fun...

Does anyone else remember sleeping with their "piece"?? Play the video, it will bring back memories.
Be sure you have the volume up from the very beginning.....

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=XExL7hDQtt8

Bill3006 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2007, 12:34:28 PM »

Yup, I remember that ditty. Heard it often from my drill sergeant in the 70s. That, and "Drop and give me 50!"

MSP Ret · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2007, 01:30:25 PM »

Ouch!!!, Sir yes Sir!!!....<><....

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2007, 03:03:21 PM »

MSP, you just resurected a great many memories.

Discipline at the academy for someone refering to their weapon as a "pistol" or "gun" was standing in formation and reciting that ditty. That was before Full Metal Jacket. The "pistol" was a semi-auto and we were not permitted to carry those at that time. The "gun" was ... well ... I think everyone gets the picture.

By the way, I still have my issue swivel holster complete with the 12 loops for the 38 spl. ammo and blackjack. The holster was for a 6" Model 10 S&W.

"Those were the days" (apologies to Edith and Archie)

kennyd · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2007, 03:15:58 PM »

I have never gone out and bought a gun for a weapon. I have several "huntin raffles", a coupla huntin pistols,. My .40 is a weapon, but also a fun shooter, as can be my wife's skillet. I agree that it is better to not refer to guns as weapons especially around non gun types.

Ratltrap · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2007, 03:21:53 PM »

The NRA trains us that all guns are firearms not weapons.

That said, I've got both. Those incidental to the task at hand I call weapons - (e.g., the 357 in the nightstand and the one I carry on bear country hikes). Those that are tools of the task can then be firearms.

Spanky · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2007, 03:47:02 PM »

Rifles, Handguns, Shotguns and Muzzleloaders.

olbiffer · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2007, 04:26:08 PM »

firearms does sound less threatening to the average person than weapons in this politically correct age, but it really depends on what its used for at the time it is being used , right? if hunting its a firearm,or tool, when used in self defense the same gun becomes a weapon, at least to the media and the anti's. T.

tallyho · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2007, 05:12:56 PM »

I have always told my students (and my own children) that intention determines the term. For example, some years ago in, I believe, Alabama, a man seriously beat on a victim with a banjo - yup, assault with a deadly weapon. Another example, a man attacked his wife with a frozen squirrel. It broke during the attack so he went to the freezer, grabbed another one and continued with the attack. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. (At the time I read this story I realized that I had several 20+ pound salmon in my freezer - I hoped the authorities were not about to start sarching freezers for deadly weapons!

)

The intentions of the users put the squirrels and the banjo into the category of weapon, but my intention with the salmon would not .

On the other side of the coin, without any intention on the part of the user, some things have been declared 'weapons' by the powers-that-be. In the 1700's the English crown declared bagpipes as weapons. Any Scot found in posession of same was subject to execution. And to this day, some people still consider the use of bagpipes an assault. (I am not one of them by the way

)

So, as do many others, I have firearms. One or more of them may or may not be used as weapons. It will depend on the circumstances at the moment of use. If circumstances demand, I will (like kennyd's wife) use a skillet, a hammer, a hockey stick, etc... whatever is necessary, including a firearm.

Cheers
Kerry

Awf Hand · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2007, 03:50:52 AM »

The line from Full Metal Jacket is:

"This is my RIFLE, this is my gun..."

Is the corps chant different than the movie??

old geezer · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2007, 04:24:46 AM »

Quote from: Bill3006 on February 01, 2007, 12:34:28 PM

Yup, I remember that ditty. Heard it often from my drill sergeant in the 70s. That, and "Drop and give me 50!"

I was a drill sergeant in the 70's, Ft. Leonard Wood. Lot's of fond memories. I went thru basic in 1963, and still remember my DS.

Back to the subject, like others, I own rifles, shotguns, and pistols. They're only weapons if you're a boogy man.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2007, 04:47:32 AM »

Brain cramp, you are correct on the old "ditty", the original post has been corrected, thanks....<><...

Mac11700 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2007, 07:57:00 AM »

Quote

My anti gun co workers refer to my guns as weapons and I constantly remind them that they are not weapons! Perhaps this is just symantics, but I think we all have to be diligent in putting our hobby in a positive light and i don't feel calling our firearms "weapons" to be doing that.

This is like trying to say to someone I have a automobile...not a car...Trying to put a different spin on what to call them to an anti hunting crowd for some type of damage control is futile...As has been pointed out...anything including rifles & pistols can be called weapons...I think you would be better off trying to educate them that it is the individual that can turn a inanimate object into a weapon...and that the inanimate object by it's self isn't dangerous...I then tell them that they have been brainwashed by a bunch of communist...and that they have become communist...It is easier to prove this than most folks think..Ask them...how else can it be that a group of people want to deny them of their constitutional rights...?They may never want to own a rifle or pistol...but it is their right to do so......Turn the argument away from the gun...and put it squarely back in the face of those who are doing this...You'll win and convert more people this way...

Mac

mookster79 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2007, 09:44:22 AM »

Use would determine word and definition I would use. I have firarms or rifles or pistols or shotguns, etc. I think some people need a better thing to give me crap about. They are firearms as long as I am hunting or just cutting paper with them, tool is a good definition for that use as well. If it comes down to protecting me and mine and it is a life threatening situation, they just became weapons. Now I would also not consider my handi a weapon b/c in the fore mentioned situation I wouldn't grab a single shot rifle. My AR, .40 sig, or my 12 guage with 00buck is what I define as a weapon. I also carry a pocket knife about 98% of the time, so by some people I would be armed and dangerous all the time.

GaryCrow · « **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2007, 11:35:47 AM »

I personally don't refer to my rifles or pistols as weapons. It's not because I care about how it's perceived by some anti-gun zealot (I don't care), it's because to me the term weapon has a distinctly military connotation. I'm a former Marine and whenever I hear someone refer to their hunting rifle as a "weapon" I get the feeling that I'm around some commando wannabee. I feel the same way when I see the local cops walking around sporting high and tight haircuts, cammies and combat boots, they're trying to be something that they're not. If you want to play soldier then join the military.

Fazak · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2007, 05:02:43 AM »

To me, the term "weapon" denotes an instrument which is for the purpose of defense. (or offense, if the need arises)

Everything else is a firearm.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2007, 07:43:01 AM »

I've always considered myself to be the weapon. The gun is only a tool.

canon6 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2007, 08:32:18 AM »

Whay spanky 9973 said ,I am the weapon the others are tools,just like you do not call a M1 rifle a shotgun Doug

gwhilikerz · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2007, 08:36:32 AM »

My drill instructor would have kicked me hard if i refered to my rifle as a "gun". "Weapon" was acceptable. Gun or weapon, we don't need to worry about what the anti's think. Call it what it is.

flitz · « **Reply #22 on:** February 03, 2007, 12:33:30 PM »

i to am an ex marine.i only have rifles and shotguns.in the good old days the gun was
for weekend hunts.

golf co.2/9 3rd mar.div 70-72

hope post is clean enough

georgeld · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2007, 09:34:38 PM »

A few yrs ago when my bitch step dau was giving me crap she called the cops on me for giving her hell for taking things out of the house without my permission.

Kid cops came in and among other things "she says you've got a room full of weapons, that right?"

"Only weapons I have are these things at the end of my arms and last time I used them broke this one, so no, I don't have anykind of weapons anymore."

They were baffeled and just looked at each other, subject was dropped.

I cringe when anyone calls guns of any kind 'weapons'. Try to correct them into asking what kind of weapon you talking about, a ball bat, dog turd, rocks, or what?" Usually changes their subject right quick. The rest just smirk and let it drop too.
They know they'll never change my mind.

Only time anything is a weapon is when it's used against another person. Then anything can be a weapon.

George

sluggo · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2007, 09:19:20 AM »

I agree with George, it's a firearm when it's hung on the wall or in the safe, the moment you use it to take a life or defend yourself; it's a weapon. As he said, anything you pick up becomes a weapon when applied to those two scenarios.