Semantics.
A firearm is a weapon by design. That we claim it to be a tool to counter the media does not make it less a weapon. Again, though, not that I give a shit, people can call it whatever they want.
Same thing with the guys that would jump on you for calling firearms a hobby. I understand both arguments and they can make sense, they just don't to me in my personal experiences. Firearms are largely a hobby to me in that I don't make a living off of their use yet I keep collecting and tinkering and building. Ie a hobby. I do personally feel a civic duty to be prepared for anything, and I take self defense extremely seriously, but outside of that . . .
Now if we're talking about the phrase assault weapon then I get ya. Because assault is a very specific word. But a firearm is a weapon and should be treated respectfully as such imho.