When is a gun not a gun? [View all]

I had an interesting discussion with a Gungeoneer recently about the uses of a gun. I made the statement that a gun's (any gun) designed purpose is as a lethal weapon to be used either offensively, or defensively, but it can be used for other (recreational?) purposes.

I was countered with the argument that a gun is simply a device which propels a small object (bullet) at high velocity and is mainly used for "punching holes in paper targets and plinking at tin cans," and is seldom used as a lethal weapon.

That led me to thinking about this common rationalization of the proliferation of guns in this country, and the foundation for the belief that the Second Amendment protects the use of a gun for any "legal" purpose whatsoever.

Some facts:

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

The core holding in D.C. v. Heller is that the Second Amendment is an individual right intimately tied to the natural right of self-defense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia_v._Heller

A weapon, arm, or armament is any device used in order to inflict damage or harm to living beings, structures, or systems. Weapons are used to increase the efficacy and efficiency of activities such as hunting, crime, law enforcement, self-defense, and warfare. In a broader context, weapons may be construed to include anything used to gain a strategic, material or mental advantage over an adversary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapon

It would seem reasonable that shooting at paper targets and "plinking" at tin cans is nothing more than becoming proficient at inflicting the greatest damage or harm possible to a potential adversary through practice and training.

All guns are lethal weapons regardless of how they are used. A gun pointed at a paper target and fired under controlled circumstances is fairly safe. That same gun pointed at a living being and fired is potentially lethal.

Conclusion: The Second Amendment does not protect the "recreational" use of arms, and a gun is always a gun, and is always a lethal weapon regardless of where it is pointed, or the intent of the gunner.