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Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm (Read 4609 times)

Old Guy

Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« on: January 18, 2011, 09:03:12 AM »
Just an Opinion,  Use of terms Weapon vs Firearm

Yes, I know it's just words, BUT, the effect/image does influence people's minds.

I prefer the word Firearm, mainly because the impression the average person has is less agressive than weapon.

Weapon, conjures up an implement of War or Offensive device, spefically meant to hurt, injure or kill,  a negative, when speaking to people "on the fence"

Once you get their attention, you can influence their minds.  The difference between a fire Extinguisher and torch.
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808shooter

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2011, 10:44:03 AM »
I agree...  firearm. 
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Funtimes

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2011, 12:48:05 PM »
It just depends where / when you want to use it.  Military uses weapon, civilians say firearm.   Weapon also encompasses more of the arms per the 2nd, not specifically firearms (i.e., asp, tasers), which a reason I picked the site name I did.

Overall I prefer firearm, but it is hard to change sometimes ;p.
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Heavies

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2011, 01:51:11 PM »
I agree. Firearm.
Also, I'd like to add the use of 'gun' may sometimes be construed as a negative. I think it is because of media's constant use of the word and associations with bad events.
When describing the 'gun', I'd rather use 'rifle' or 'pistol'.  Can't get away from shotgun though. Hehe. Maybe that's why many feel more intimidated by one.  :P
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Antithesis

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2011, 03:18:30 PM »
I use "firearm" when talking to non-shooters, and "gun" and "firearm" pretty interchangeably when talking to fellow shooters.  I do my best to stay away from the "w*****" word because it has such a strong connotation to violence. 
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Funtimes

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2011, 03:49:53 PM »
For the military and some LEO, "Gun" means the bad guys weapon or firearm. So I try and refrain from that, when we say "OMG GUN" people are like OH SHIT REALLY?? If you said "OMG FIREARM", I think it would take a second to process, "What the hell is a firearm? OH NO."
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Check out the Hawaii Defense Foundation.
HDF on Facebook
Defender of the Accused in Arkansas Courts
Posts are not legal advice & are my own, unless said so.

vooduchikn

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2011, 04:30:21 PM »
Quote from: Heavies on January 18, 2011, 01:51:11 PM
Can't get away from shotgun though. Hehe. Maybe that's why many feel more intimidated by one.  :P

Shotty?   ;D
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tonsofguns

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2011, 06:26:04 PM »
I prefer the word 'arms'. Has a nice ring to it. And its used in the constitution. 
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BananaClip

Re: Semantics: Weapon vs Firearm
« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2011, 08:44:49 PM »
Self Defense Weapon (SDW) or Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) sounds good and bad at the same time..... :(
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