so... define a weapon... if a gun isnt a weapon, neither is a knife, bat, grenade, bomb,stick, spear, arrow, sling shot, dart gun, boomerang, ax, hatchet, sword, dagger, or anything else for that matter... if fact, a gun isnt a gun, it is a devise for directing an object ,varying in size, that has been accelerated by the ignition of some sort of accelerant, usually in powder form. A gun is a weapon, the problem here is an incorrect definition of the word weapon-"any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting; 'he was licensed to carry a weapon.'"
last I checked, guns were used by some for hunting and fighting... whether or not this is your use is irrelevant; however, the fact that it can be used in such a way makes it a weapon... denying this FACT is a step in the wrong direction.
but i absolutely must ask, if you are to respect a gun and treat it like a weapon, what are you treating it like? if not a loaded gun!!!!!?