Use of the words weapons and caliber

It truly bothers me that in the postings of this newsgroup many writers use the word 'weapon' rather than 'firearm' for the instrument used in the harvesting of wild game. After a perusal through most dictionaries, one may surmise that the definition of a 'weapon' is an instrument or system of war for the purpose of either attacking or defending people. Two examples are the following: an airplane with bombs is a 'weapon.' and poison gas is a 'weapon.' A sporting firearm could be a weapon but not necessarily so. It is an intellectual error somewhat similar to calling a hunter a killer as the animal rights people often do. Anti-gunners must have invented the calling of firearms weapons. Creating a better image should be one of our goals. Please, NO more weapons.

Also, it bothers me that many writers refer to a cartridge as a caliber. The .308 Winchester is a definite, singular cartridge with precise dimensions while there are many .308 caliber cartridges; such as, the 300 Savage, 30-30 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 300 Winchester, etc.

Billy Mitchell

'To sum up, one does not hunt in order to kill; on the contrary, one kills in order to have hunted.' 'The Ethics of Hunting' from 'Meditations on Hunting' by José Ortega y Gasset

And I'm am a killer when I hunt although I don't hunt to kill but if one doesn't kill one has not hunted.

in fact...the dictionary defines it.

weap·on Pronunciation Key (wpn) n. 1.. An instrument of attack or defense in combat, as a gun, missile, or sword. 2.. Zoology. A part or organ, such as a claw or stinger, used by an animal in attack or defense. 3.. A means used to defend against or defeat another: Logic was her weapon.

HH

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The fourth sentence, 'They

Actually it goes back to the first 'people' who used something pointy to get a little more reach. Bull Roaring said, 'I killed it with my spear'. 'Oh no', said Trembling Leaf, 'Spears are only for killing people.' 'You should say, 'I killed it with my pointed stick'. Bill Van Houten (USA Ret) 'No matter how hard you try, you can't throw a potato chip very far.'

Ok, so it bothers you. Frankly, it won't change my use of the term. I use the term weapon, gun, and firearm synonomously.

Yes, it's a misuse. So what? Are we English majors here?

Like Mr.Stovall, I do not need any aid in projecting my image to my neighbors. Who, by the way, are about as common and everyday as it is possible to assemble anywhere. In fact 95% of them refer to the objects under discussion as 'guns' whether they are shotguns, rifles, SA pistols, revolvers, or airguns. If some of the more knowledgable of them notice my use of the word 'weapon' they ascribe it to the fact that I am an old soldier and had the difference between a 'weapon' and a 'gun' drilled into me early on.

'Facts are stubborn things'. The 'Killer Ape' and his kneebone club have

Though I don't completely agree with the stance of refusing to express guns, bows, etc. as *weapons*, at least that argument seems to be based in logic. When it comes to what we do, I don't understand the above statement. The fact is we DO kill. We kill reverently, we kill thoughtfully, and we kill with discrimination, but we kill. I understand that there are those around us who are offended by the thought of killing something, but the fact is when we hunt we do so with the intent of removing the lifeblood from the animals we pursue. We intentionally cause death; that is killing.

Always adjusting our vocabulary to be palatable to those who oppose what we do may not really serve our best interest; it probably won't stop at just words. If we get on the path of removing what is most revolting to the anti-hunting propagandists, then it would be easy to begin yielding the activities that are face the most opposition, too. Trapping seems to be one of the most *hated* methods of hunting from the perspective of the animal rights groups. Since there are apparently fewer trappers than gun hunters and bowhunters, it could become easy to sacrifice the trappers with the *hope* that it would appease the opposition. But rest assured, as soon as trapping is of of the way, they'll be coming after another group, probably bowhunters.

It's not that I think *harvest* is not a valid term, but I fear we use it for the wrong reason, to avoid admitting that what we do *kills* our prey (can we use that word?

Hmm.

This one sounds familiar, eh Bill?

'Ol Politically Correct Woody says I KILL them with my hunting tools. Either a rifle, slug gun, bow, MZ and crossbow.

Farmers HARVEST, hunters KILL. I don't ever recall seeing a hunter driving a combine while hunting. I guess it could be done, but might be against the law in some states.

On a side note - I just recieved my new Thompson Center Omega 50 muzzleloading....

A) Rifle

Hunting tool

C) Weapon

......and as soon as possible I'm going out and......

A) Kill

Harvest

......something with it.

It IS very, very nice. I had never even shouldered one before I bought it and it fits me like a nice worn deerskin glove. With a 28 inch barrel I'm looking to get some good velocities out of it.

Anyone shot the 777 powder yet? If so, what impressions do you have of it?

Thanks,

Woody Williams (Hunter/harvester/killer using weapons and hutning tools)