I propose replacing the term "gun nut" with "gun geek" or "gun nerd". Thoughts?

[jlbraun]

I'm a gun geek, and likely so are you.

Think about it. If you know what striker-fired versus hammer-fired is, you know what the proper load data for a 5.56x45 FMJBT is, and you know the difference between a 2nd and 3rd gen Glock, you're not a "nut", you're almost certainly a "geek".

I don't like the term "gun nut", it's deragatory, loaded, and threatening. "Gun geek" and "Gun nerd" are much more neutral and friendly.

Thoughts?

 

[Glockman17366]

I prefer gun enthusiast, but your suggestions are good ones.

I also dislike the term gun nut since the anti-rights people use it in such a derogatory way. Anytime I read in or hear it in the media, I contact that media to correct their error.
Since Cho, mental health is going to be more in the picture (and probably one heck of a lot of malpractice lawsuits against mental health workers)...time to eliminate such a racist remark such as gun nut...now.

 

[Justin]

You Gun Nut!

Oh, no no, it's cool, I'm taking it back.

/Clerks 2

 

[Technosavant]

Gun nail?

Gun bolt? No, that's taken.

Gun screw? Wait... that won't work at all...

Gun glue?

Gun tape?


I admit, I'm having a hard time figuring out what needs to go on the other side of a threaded fastener.

What? You're meaning in reference to us? (Ahem.) I also like "Firearm enthusiast."

 

[HUMONGO]

+1 for gun geek

 

[MinnMooney]

"Gun Nut" is out Shooting (or Gun) enthusiast is accurate

I definately agree with Glockman... and get a little steamed when a supposedly unbiased newspaper or any other media says "Gun Nut". They're trying for ratings and sensationalism.
Gun entusiast fits some people who like to own, collect and look at guns but I'm into SHOOTING those guns (& arrows & BB's in a sling or slingshot). I think that I'm a "Shooting Enthusiast". Yeah, that's what I am.

 

[jlbraun]

I prefer gun enthusiast, but your suggestions are good ones.

"Gun Enthusiast" is too many syllables. "Gun geek" is nice and friendly.

 

[svtruth]

I like gun nut

By using it we can defuse its negative connotations.
Much the way Quakers have defused the derogatory nature of that nickname.

 

[SkiLune]

If someone would create a homosexual gun owners group, called something like "Gays with Guns," the liberals would steer clear.

 

[mxbob]

If you have ever been around old time carnys (carnival workers) you might not like the term "Geek" so much. The term usually referred to the usually alcaholics that would do most anything in front of a crowd for their next drink, biting off live chickens heads, swallowing live mice,, etc. I would rather not be called any kind of a geek.
Bob

 

[cambeul41]

SkiLune

Try "Pink Pistols" http://www.pinkpistols.org/

 

[SkiLune]

Cambeul41

Excellent! I shoulda knowed it.

I will cite this site to the liberals I know that disapprove of me wanting to be able to defend myself.

 

[Crunker1337]

I prefer weapons enthusiast. Or hoplophile.

 

[Josh Aston]

Gun nut is already too thoroughly entrenched in the American vocabulary. There is no replacing it. Personally I never considered it all that derogatory.

 

[mnrivrat]

Well, Being a bit older, I don't realy relate to being called a geek or a nerd, so I guess if anyone wants to continue to use the "nut" thing , I think it - as not a big deal. Nor a problem.

Labels !

 

[RNB65]

I'm very happy being a Gun Nut. Screw political correctness.

 

[Mannlicher]

jlbraun

I'm a gun geek, and likely so are you.

How about you call it what you want, and just leave the rest of us to our own devices?

 

[Caimlas]

My take is that "gun nut" is self-depreciating humor. It goes well with the fact that we (well, at least I am) are able to remain calm in the face of a raving liberal, or a potentially threatening situation. Yeah, we might go off while talking politics with family, but that's only natural. We're fervent about our cause, but we're really not "nuts", like the guy who rides his bike around town talking about aliens and government conspiracies.

Are you from one of the Coasts? Coastal Americans don't seem to understand self-depreciating humor.

IMO, a "gun geek" is osmething distinctly different than a gun nut. A gun nut is someone who is political. A gun geek may or may not be political; but they do like their guns for technical reasons, not just aesthetic ("I like the bling on my gun") or social perception (Glocks are the coolest!) reasons. Me, personally? I'm both a gun nut and a gun geek. If I'd gotten into firearms in my teens instead of early adult years, I'd likely also be a gunsmith right now.

If those stick in your maw and won't come out, how about "shootist"?

 

[1911Tuner]

Gun

I vote for none of the above. They all have negative connotations. I would prefer to be called "Shottist" or "Shootist." Or...Just plain "Shooter" will do.

 

[GunNut]

I agree.

I've actually been thinking about changing my user name, just so people don't think i'm a gun crazy guy.

Steve - stmcelroy most other places.

 

[CountGlockula]

I'll just stick with gun nut.

Putting anything with "...geek" or "...nerd" makes me fall in this category:

 

[jlbraun]

I'll just stick with gun nut.
Putting anything with "...geek" or "...nerd" makes me fall in this category:

Hey, I'm in that category! The point is that people consider Star Wars geeks "inoffensive", "harmless", and maybe a little "odd" - but they're nothing to be scared of.

 

[CountGlockula]

jlbraun Quote:The point is that people consider Star Wars geeks "inoffensive", "harmless", and maybe a little "odd" - but they're nothing to be scared of.

That's another whole can of worms to open up! But nothing wrong with Star Wars freaks...I was there this past weekend.

 

[Im283]

I must be a "Gun Nut" as I have no idea the difference between Glocks, I dunno proper load data for a 5.56x45 FMJBT. I do understand striker and hammer so I guess only one of your three qualifers leaves me as a gun nut.

Proud to be one too!

Yeah I am a gun nut!

 

[runfrumu]

how about "firearm aficionado".