"Gun Control" terminology

I am officially worn out from listening to politicians and the media talking about gun control. Don't get me wrong I am all about responsible gun ownership. In fact I believe that all of the existing laws regarding the ownership of firearms should be enforced. But that is not what I am writing about today. My concern is that people in the media and government who speak about gun control have no idea of what they are talking about. What? Don't know what they are talking about? They use terms popularized by their peers without any knowledge of the subject matter. Here is what I mean....


Here are some firearms terminologies used by “pro gun control” folks and more importantly, the actual definitions:

"Gun Control" is a learned methodology which covers every aspect of firearms storage, transport, loading, discharging and unloading. The primary objectives being to maintain continuous physical security, control and retention of the weapon, exercise muzzle discipline, position the weapon and operator in the most stable and safe shooting position for accuracy, discharge the weapon at a controllable rate of fire that the conditions and equipment will safely allow and ensure the safety of fellow shooters and other personnel who may be present within the area.

Magazines are not the same as "clips". A clip is a feeding device used on early weapons to assist in the loading of a magazine. (stripper clip, en bloc clip) a magazine is a containment and feeding device which holds cartridges in proximity to the action and facilitates chambering of the cartridge.

"High capacity" is a relative term. Higher in comparison to what?

A "bullet" is not the same thing as a cartridge. It is in fact one of four components that make up a cartridge. (a cartridge consists of a bullet, case, powder charge and primer) the bullet is the part of the cartridge that acts as a projectile and upon ignition of the powder charge leaves the barrel and travels toward the point of aim.

“Automatic” is very different from semi-automatic.

"Assault Weapon" is an ambiguous term. (a person moving toward my position in a threatening manner with a baseball bat in his hands is carrying an assault weapon)

That being said, an educated spokesperson in the media or politician looking to actually enhance the safety of the general public and curb illegal use of firearms might say something like this:

"I am here today to speak to you about responsible firearms ownership and use. It has come to my attention that firearms, much like other tools, can be dangerous and cause serious injury or death when used improperly. To reduce the danger to yourself and those around you, I encourage responsible firearm owners to maintain strict physical security, control and retention of the weapon and ammunition, exercise muzzle discipline, discharge the weapon only when safe to do so and at a controllable rate of fire that the location, conditions and equipment will safely allow and be mindful of the safety of fellow shooters and other personnel who may be present within the area. This means that in some places such as schools, post offices, restaurants, supermarkets, malls, office buildings and other locations where the discharge of firearms may present a danger to personnel who may be unfamiliar with firearms you will not be allowed to publicly display or discharge your firearms.

Those persons who illegally obtain, illegally use or demonstrate irresponsible firearms security, storage, handling or use will be criminally prosecuted to the fullest extent of existing laws related to firearms ownership, possession, use and any other applicable ordinance.

It is obvious that any device, including firearms, can be used in a manner inconsistent with the laws of the land, morals and common sense. However, the weapon is just a tool and ultimately, the person who chooses to possess and use the weapon (legally or illegally) must be held accountable for their actions.”

Yeah, I know... it will never happen. But doesn't it make more sense than the normal "gun control" news headline?

That’s my opinion. What do you think?