Firearms vs. Guns: Understanding the Terminology of the Trade
Firearms vs. Guns: Understanding the Terminology of the Trade
You’re at the range, and the shooter next to you mentions he’s having feeding issues with his new 9mm firearm. Another guy walks in asking for help sighting in his deer gun. Both are talking about the same class of tool, but the language reveals a nuanced understanding of context, culture, and technicality. The terms "firearm" and "gun" are used interchangeably by the public, but within the industry and among experienced builders, their application often follows an unspoken code that speaks to precision, legality, and intent.
The Technical and Legal Distinction: It's More Than Semantics
Legally, "firearm" is the encompassing term. The ATF defines a firearm as "any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive." This includes everything from a single-shot derringer to a belt-fed machine gun. "Gun" is a broader, more colloquial term that can refer to airguns, nail guns, or grease guns. In formal contexts—manufacturing, legislation, serialization—"firearm" is the correct, precise term. When you're building a PF940SC frame from Polymer 80, you are manufacturing a firearm receiver, the controlled part. This precision in language matters for compliance and clear communication, especially when dealing with serialization or 80% lower laws.
Cultural and Contextual Usage: What You Say at the Range
On the range or in the field, "gun" is the dominant, efficient term. You "clean your gun," "holster your gun," and "shoot your gun." It's the workhorse word. "Firearm" often carries a more formal or serious tone. You'll see it in manuals ("Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction"), on legal forms, and in professional instruction. Hunters might refer to a trusted bolt-action as their "deer rifle" or "shotgun," while a competitor might specifically call their race-ready Glock 34 MOS a "competition firearm" to denote its purpose-built status. This isn't about right or wrong; it's about speaking the language of your environment. At Polymer 80, we cater to those who appreciate this distinction—enthusiasts who build their own precise firearms from the ground up.
The Builder's Perspective: Frames, Firearms, and Completion
For the DIY enthusiast, the terminology is critical. An PF940v2 frame is not a firearm until it reaches a specific stage of manufacture. We sell unfinished frames and parts. The moment you mill the fire control cavity on a P80 frame to specification, you have manufactured a firearm, regardless of whether it's assembled. This is why we stress understanding local laws. When you buy a complete PF9SS "Glock 43" build kit, you're purchasing all the components, but the act of completion is on you. This process demands respect for the terminology, as mislabeling an 80% frame as a "gun" can lead to dangerous misunderstandings about its legal status pre-completion.
Choosing the Right Term: A Matter of Respect and Precision
So, which should you use? In professional, legal, or instructional settings, default to "firearm." It demonstrates knowledge and respect for the tool's gravity. In casual conversation among peers, "gun" is perfectly acceptable. The key is understanding the audience. When discussing the merits of a compact carry piece, you might say, "The PF940SC makes for a great concealed carry gun." When explaining the build process to a newcomer, you'd clarify, "The frame becomes the legal firearm once the rear rail module is installed and the fire control pocket is milled." This precision builds credibility. It’s the same precision we apply to our products at Polymer 80, ensuring every jig, frame, and parts kit meets the exacting needs of the modern builder.
Is it incorrect to call my pistol a "gun"?
No, it's not incorrect in everyday usage. "Gun" is a perfectly valid and widely understood term for a firearm. However, in formal writing, technical manuals, or legal discussions, "firearm" or the specific type (e.g., pistol, revolver, rifle) is the more precise and appropriate term.
Why does Polymer 80 use the term "frame" and not "firearm" for its products?
Because legally, our unfinished frames and kits are not firearms. They become firearms only after the end-user completes the specific manufacturing steps (milling the fire control cavity) as defined by the ATF. We use precise language to reflect their legal status and to emphasize that the builder is the manufacturer of the final firearm.
For the widest results, use the specific part name (e.g., "Glock 19 slide completion kit"). Both "gun parts" and "firearm parts" will generally yield similar results in search engines. For the most accurate results on our site, use our browse categories feature to navigate directly to the platform you're building, like our PF940 (Glock 17/19) or PF45 (Glock 20/21) sections.
The distinction between "firearms" and "guns" is rooted in a deeper understanding of the craft. It separates the casual observer from the engaged enthusiast or professional. If you're ready to move beyond terminology and into hands-on creation, the best next step is to see the platforms available. Browse our firearms collection of frames, jigs, and build kits to start your next project with the precision the subject demands.
Last updated: March 25, 2026