--- title: "This is why the terminology matters between firearms" description: "In just about every discussion, precise terminology matters, and firearm terminology is no exception. Learn why it's so important on WATM." date: "2021-04-20" modified: "2021-04-21" authors: - name: "Eric Milzarski" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/eric/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/why-firearm-terminology-matters/" categories: - "Join the Military" - "Military Culture" - "Tactical" - "Weapons" --- # This is why the terminology matters between firearms ![]() In just about every discussion, precise terminology matters. Take the term 'troops,' for example. Both Soldiers and sailors fall under the 'troop' category, but they're drastically different. Even within sailors, a 'submariner' is very different from a 'Seabee.' When two types of troops have responsibilities that overlap, such as an Army combat engineer and a Navy Seabee, the preciseness of terminology is even more important to avoid confusion. [Weapons]() also call for the same type of specific language, as there are many tools to fill similar — but not identical — roles. --- *Author's note**:** There are many classifications and categories of firearms. This is only meant to be a brief intro sprinkled with a dash of comedy. In the following article, there will be things missed and things discussed that don't have a universally accepted term — like a slug-barrelled, magazine-fed, semi-automatic shotgun which is totally not a rifle.* Anything can become a weapon in the right hands. Hell, as many of us know, a sandal is a terrifying weapon in the hands of an angry mother. This is also a perfect explanation for what constitutes an **assault weapon**. If your mother is wearing the sandal, it's just footwear. If your mother saw your sh\*tty report card, she's now reaching for her "assault sandal." 'Assault' is just the descriptor for a weapon being used against someone. ![]() *Any slipper can become an assault chancla in the wrong hands.* Now, a weapon is only considered a **firearm** if it uses a burning propellant to cast a bullet, missile, or shell. This is the universally accepted term for everything ranging from a Howitzer to a pistol. Then there's the term 'gun.' Most people use this as the catch-all, but it's not. A **gun** is a weapon with shells or rounds manually-loaded into the chamber through a breach (or muzzle for older firearms). Typically, this term is used for crew-operated **cannons,** like field guns and artillery. ![]() *Does it take more than one person to fire it? It's a gun. (Photo by Sgt. Aaron Ellerman)* Some long guns (like muskets or light machine guns), most shotguns (especially breach-loaded ones), and some handguns (like revolvers) can be called guns and no one will bat an eye. These fall under either **small arms** (single-operator firearms) or **light weapons** (designed and typically team-operated). "Light weapons" includes your heavy machine guns and portable rocket launchers. ![]() Easily the largest source of confusion, however, is the small arms category. A **rifle** gets its name from the helical pattern cut into bore wall (the rifling) of the barrel. Back when rifling was introduced on a musket, it was known as a "rifled gun." The rifling makes the round more accurate at further distances. It's the same reasoning behind throwing a football in a spiral. ![]() *Is it a rifle? Is it a gun? The answer is: yes. (Photo by Sgt. Scott Akanewich)* Rifled barrels are used in a wide assortment of firearms, from small arms to crew-serviced weapons. Handguns can have them, and so can the aforementioned slug-barrelled shotguns. But without any other distinguishers, the term 'rifle' covers a huge categorical umbrella. It covers anything that's a single-user, magazine-fed firearm with a long, rifled barrel. **Carbine** is a *fairly* loose term, but it generally applies to rifles with shorter barrels. To sum up the terminology used in today's firing ranges as Barney-style as possible: Call the firearm what it is. In general, a rifle is a firearm that only needs one operator. A gun is intended for two operators but *can* be used by one. ![]() *Now you understand this joke a little bit more. (Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)* **Fun fact**: The term "[assault rifle]()" comes from the German *Sturmgewehr*. It was named that because Hitler wanted his new weapon to sound more intimidating, even though it was nearly identical to other selective-fire rifles of the time. So yes, It is very much fascist German propaganda to call a rifle an "assault rifle" to make it more terrifying. ## Author Eric is a U.S. Army veteran and was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a radio operator. After being honorably discharged, he then pursued a career in the film and television world.He is now the resident "nerd" at We Are The Mighty. To follow Eric on social media: please check out the links below. [Facebook]()