Further, I disagree with the idea of nerfing yourself, even if just in language, as if to win some sort of linguistic battle.
It is an observable fact that there are a lot of bad people in this world. I may, one day, run across one in a situation that does not allow me the luxury of calling and waiting for a government sponsored rule enforcer. In that situation, faced with someone that needs killing, you should kill them. And don't shy away from that responsibility. Weapons make that job safer all around.
As far as firearms, I own a bunch. Some are sporting arms that I wouldn't consider "weapons" (like my 1858 Navy, ironically) because I didn't aquire them, nor do I intend to ever use them that way. I could use them as a weapon, much like I could a 2x4. I also have a bunch of legitimately "military grade" firearms, because I collect old guns. Is my Garand, Arisaka, SMLE, or Colt M1911A1 a "weapon"? They certainly were at one time, but again I did not acquire them as, nor do I intend to use them as, weapons. They are historical artifacts.
And then I have my "serious use" guns. Instruments I bought, or built, with the express purpose of defending mine or someone else's life. I train with them on human shaped targets, and they are, without a doubt, weapons. I hope good ones. Why shy away from that fact?