Quite often, as gun nuts we will make the mistake of misusing our firearms vernacular. As we try and promote the good versus the bad, the utility of, and the greatness that are firearms we should always endeavor to use the correct language to evoke a positive emotion from those listening to us (or in this case…reading what we have to say). One of the most important things for us to remember is that novices come to us for our expertise, familiarity, and knowledge, and it is paramount that we provide them with accurate, correct, and usable information about firearms!! In this post we will discuss with you wacky shooters some of the most common mistakes that we can make when discussing our favorite past-time…..GUNS!!!!
It never ceases to amaze us how some of the most respected “experts” and “professionals” of the firearms industry engage themselves on a public forum and use incorrect terms. One of the most common misuses of firearms lingo is when the term “weapon” is used versus the term “firearm.” From several years in public safety, PSA understands that almost anything can be used as a weapon. Inside almost everyone’s home there are knives, car keys, and even a bottle of bleach. All of those things can be used as a weapon (just like firearms!!!), yet whenever they are referred to, they are referenced by their actual name. The only time that these things are called “weapons” is when they are used as such. Firearms on the other hand have consistently suffered the opposite fate. As we speak about firearms in public or in private conversations, we should always endeavor to make sure that we refer to firearms in the capacity in which they are used. When we use the word “weapon” as it pertains to firearms, it is important to note that we are doing nothing but exacerbating the negative stigma that firearms already have. We should always remember that our choice of words matters!!!!
Another prevalent misrepresentation of firearms nomenclature is using the words “Assault Rifle” when talking about lightweight, intermediate cartridge magazine-fed, air-cooled rifles with a rotating lock bolt, that is placed into action by direct impingement gas operation or long/short stroke piston operation. As you watch YouTube videos, read articles, and enjoy personal blogs (like the one you’re reading!!!!), you will undoubetedly encounter someone that believes the acronym AR stands for Assault Rifle. Unfortunately, for those “experts,” it doesn’t. Actually the acronym AR stands for: ArmaLite Rifle which denotes the company that first designed the rifles from the specs created by Eugene Stoner and a couple of other wacky gun nuts at the Fairchild ArmaLite corporation. A simple correction in how we explain the nuances of firearms can most definitely go a long way!! Just a side note….an Assault Rifle, like the M16 used by the U.S. Military (the bravest soldiers in the world!!!!), is deemed as such due to what we at PSA like to call the “fun switch” (the capability to switch from semi- to fully automatic). It is imperative that we as responsible gun owners take on the responsibility to educate all that we encounter.
There are tons and tons of misnomers that float around the world of firearms. It is the responsibility of knowledgeable and reliable firearms owners to disprove these misnomers, and spread the truth about guns and their accessories. In the perilous times in which we live, it is imperative that we do our part in correcting the misapplied negativity that firearms shoulder.
***If you are not familiar with correct firearms language, want to learn more, or simply want to brush up, PSA strongly suggests that you locate and enroll in a reputable and comprehensive firearms safety course. Firearms safety and the preservation of the 2nd Amendment is ALL of our responsibility.
We want to thank you for taking out the time to stop by our lane at the shooting range!! We hope that you enjoyed your stay and hope that you stop back by early and often to catch up on all PSA updates! We truly hope that we were able to hit the target, and if you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to shoot them our way!! We look forward to shooting the breeze with you!!
And as always…..remember to watch your six and stay low!!!