A quick indicator that someone knows nothing about firearms comes from the words he or she has used to describe firearms. If you don’t know anything about guns, either learn or ask rather than just sound like an idiot. It’s not difficult to learn what a few basic words really mean and you don’t have to memorize lists of models, manufacturers and calibers. In no particular order, here are a few terms to start with. If you pick these up, you’ll sound more knowledgeable than 99.9% of all journalists in the United States.

The metal thing that comes out of the bottom of a pistol’s grip or the bottom of a rifle – the thing that holds ammunition inside of it – that is a magazine. It is not a clip. A clip is something completely different. A clip holds the back end of the ammunition and is used to feed the ammunition either into a rifle directly or into a rifle’s magazine. Television and movie script writers do not know the difference.

An assault rifle is used by the military. Assault rifles are not sold to civilians. Civilian rifles that happen to look like assault rifles are not the same thing, despite what various government representatives say. An assault rifle is capable of firing multiple shots when the trigger is pulled once. Civilian rifles will not do that.

A handgun is a firearm that is designed to be fired with one hand (of course), the term “handgun” does not specify any particular type. In most cases, a handgun is either a revolver (which holds its cartridges in a cylinder) or a pistol (which holds its cartridges in a magazine). Revolver and pistol are not interchangeable terms, nor does “pistol” mean any handgun.

A firearm is something that can discharge a bullet or, in the case of a shotgun, a number of projectiles at once. In common usage, “gun” is often used in place of “firearm.” Both of these are considered innocuous terms. But, a “weapon” conveys something that is intended to be used to harm others. Some think that using “weapon” puts firearms in a negative view. The government will often use “assault weapons” when referring to civilian rifles, for example, attempting to entrench the thought that these firearms are inherently evil. Personally, I’d suggest ignoring what view might be conveyed and just use the appropriate words as needed. The small 22 caliber revolver that I sometimes shoot targets with is a firearm. It works very well for the purpose I have assigned it but the revolver would be somewhat inadequate in a gunfight – and I don’t intend to use it in a fight, either. The pistol that I carry every day is a weapon. I fully intend to harm others with it if the need presents itself.

If one wants to discuss guns, at least have the most basic understanding of what they are called. Hollywood, the media and the government don’t know. Do you really want to appear as stupid as they are?