Armed Polite Society
Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Perd Hapley on September 26, 2013, 11:16:01 PM
-
I called a semi-auto pistol an "automatic." Somebody corrected me.
Whaddyallthink?
-
My impression is that it is more common among old dudes than among Gun Culture 2.0. I personally reserve the term "automatic" for when I am talking about fully-automatic firearms. If it shoots once per trigger pull I prefer to use "semi-automatic."
-
I was talking mainly about pistols.
Don't people also refer to them as "autopistols"?
-
Yes, sadly, I have to agree that it is an "old dude" thing, at least in gun culture. "Automatic" is mostly before my time. When I first got into guns, you heard some (older) guys say "automatic", but most of us younger guys just said "revolver" or "auto". In F2F conversation, at least with other intelligent people, I still refer to semi-autos as "autos" and they know what I mean. When I'm talking about fully automatic weapons, I usually specify "full-auto". So I definitely think there is a generational component. When writing I am more inclined to specify "semi-auto".
Antis and idiots of course, call everything "automatic".
-
My previous post is my usual terminology both for pistols as well as long guns. Glock 18 = automatic. Glock 19 = semi-automatic. I can't say that I've ever (until now) heard them called "autopistols."
-
I can't say that I've ever (until now) heard them called "autopistols."
Maybe auto-loader is the term I was thinking of.
I can't quite see limiting "automatic" to guns that fire more than once per trigger pull. A Glock/1911/10-22 doesn't require any manipulation of its mechanism in order to load the next round. It reloads its chamber automatically. So there's really nothing wrong with saying that it's automatic, is there?
-
Dad was a pin shooter back in the day, his cohorts called them automatics and revolvers. I think its a older or regional saying. Also pistol=automatic, pistol did not equal revolver. I still call semi automatic handguns, automatics.
Shotguns were either "pump", "automatic or autoloader", "double" or "single shot"
-
I think it comes back from the time they were called autoloading handguns/shotguns/rifles by the manufactures ages ago.
-
I see "automatic" for something like a 1911 or BHP very often in fiction and nonfiction. Mostly used by pre-1950's authors or those that tell period pieces set pre-1950.
I play the pedant often enough to accept "automatic" as an appropriate term for a semiautomatic handgun even though modern culture seems to have abandoned that term. I sometimes even use the term myself. Though that's usually after fixin' to reckon on something y'all done told me.
-
I'm not opposed to using the term "automatic," it just doesn't come as naturally to me as "semi-auto."
My terminology preference is probably the result of my early exposure to firearms discussion. I grew up in a suburban household without guns and didn't grow up hearing them called automatics. When I first started hanging around gun culture on the Internet back in 2005-2006 some classification pedantry (probably inspired by memories of the recently-expired AWB and the attempt of politicians and the media to conflate fully-automatic NFA firearms with their semi-automatic variants) made a significant impression on me regarding classifying automatic-type firearms based on "shots per trigger pull" rather than on the loading action. Also, by this time, I'm pretty sure most manufacturers of pistols were using the term semi-automatic instead of automatic, so that's what I internalized.
-
I talk a lot about firearms to the general public that isn't as familiar with them.
Using "automatic" is just confusing to such peeps when you are trying to instill in them the fact that ARs, Glocks, AKs, etc are not full autos as the media loves to portray.
I've always called them "semi-autos" myself.
I do not use cutesy terms such as "bottom feeder", "shotty", "auto-chucker" and so on.
-
I do not use cutesy terms such as "bottom feeder", "shotty", "auto-chucker" and so on.
I only say shotty when I'm rollin' wit' my homies in my hoody.
-
I don't think I've ever called a pistol an automatic, actually I don't think I use the term automatic for semi or full-auto pistols or rifles.
-
As suggested, it is from before there was an Old School. Back then the full name was automatically loading pistol, and shortened to automatic by just about everybody because there were only revolvers, shotguns, Tommyguns, machineguns, and those automatically loading pistols. While a bunch of folks had/carried around Tommyguns, almost nobody owned, let alone carried a Lewis gun and only an idiot would even admit to owning a Chauchat. BARs were generally dumped in with machine guns but everybody knew they really weren't.
More recently (1970s?) and possibly in response to one of the many anti-gun laws folks seem to have gotten bitten by the automatic = machinegun bug and making a stink over pistols being semiautomatic as being important. With the advent of the gamers the distinction seems to have become even more important so folks will know they are not death-dealing rampages just waiting for someone to leave the gate open so they can go out and shoot up the nearest mall.
I usually get all pedantic about the distinction only when the context indicates that some distinction needs to be made. Being a wheelgun kind of person, that distinction comes up less often than someone wondering where the safety is on my hawgleg.
stay safe.
-
I do refer to them as automatics, simply because it's easier to get my mouth around especially during a conversation with frequent references thereto.
-
Automatics for a semi-automatic pistol is more an "old guy" thing around here and pretty rare at that. If you say that, most folks will think you mean full-auto. Revolvers are called revolvers, near always. Only time I hear different is from revolver owners who call them wheel guns or six shooters. Semi-auto for when you are trying to make it clear you are referring to a semi-auto pistol.
Most kids today refer to "semi-automatic pistols" as "pistols", "handguns", or specific manufacturer (which leads to near all self-auto pistols being called Glocks by idiots). Revolvers are pretty much dying out in popularity.
-
.... Revolvers are pretty much dying out in popularity.
Well, so am I - but I aint there yet.
I've never heard the equivalent of "Because you suck. And we hate you" or seen the equvalent of homeboy sights applied to a wheelgun. And that tap/rack/bang stuff? Just give the trigger another pull and there you are. And while a cylinder-full and two moon clips may just add up to what you have stuffed in the handle, I'm not planning on fighting the Battle of Faluja all by myself and wonder why you are. (If I am expecting to run into a riot, I'm bringing all my guns, and all my friends with all their guns. But mostly if there is a chance of a riot I'll be going away instead to towards that area - something about not doing stupid things with stupid people in stupid places.)
None of this means I do not like bottom-feeders. Heck, I even own a few myself. :angel:
stay safe.
-
.45 ACP
;)
-
.45 ACP
;)
That's because it was named by an old dude. :P
-
At 56, he was only semi-old :P
-
Word usage shifts. We don't want to be rambling like Grandpa Simpson talking about what things were called in 1930.
I've heard them all, used most.
"Shotty" for shotgun is annoying. "Semi" (or worse "simi") for an autoloading handgun is doubly so. It tells me I'm in the presence of someone both an idiot, and a poseur.
-
Well, so am I - but I aint there yet.
I've never heard the equivalent of "Because you suck. And we hate you" or seen the equvalent of homeboy sights applied to a wheelgun. And that tap/rack/bang stuff? Just give the trigger another pull and there you are. And while a cylinder-full and two moon clips may just add up to what you have stuffed in the handle, I'm not planning on fighting the Battle of Faluja all by myself and wonder why you are. (If I am expecting to run into a riot, I'm bringing all my guns, and all my friends with all their guns. But mostly if there is a chance of a riot I'll be going away instead to towards that area - something about not doing stupid things with stupid people in stupid places.)
None of this means I do not like bottom-feeders. Heck, I even own a few myself. :angel:
stay safe.
;/ If you like revolvers, then carry one (or three). Why y'all so prickly about it?
-
"Shotty" for shotgun is annoying. "Semi" (or worse "simi") for an autoloading handgun is doubly so. It tells me I'm in the presence of someone both an idiot, and a poseur.
On the first bit, I agree. "Shotty" saves you no syllables. "Semi" saves you four syllables. I don't use that term, but it doesn't seem idiotic or poseur-ish to me.
-
Word usage shifts. We don't want to be rambling like Grandpa Simpson talking about what things were called in 1930.
I've heard them all, used most.
"Shotty" for shotgun is annoying. "Semi" (or worse "simi") for an autoloading handgun is doubly so. It tells me I'm in the presence of someone both an idiot, and a poseur.
Yeah, "shotty" just sets my teeth on edge for some reason. Don't really care about the rest of it. Never heard anybody say "simi"
-
I think the new gun culture crowd are way too particular about naming things. Kind of like new money and old money crowds. New money is all about showing off how rich they are and old money is like, meh whatever. So the new gun folks are all uppity about proper terms (and open carrying in Starbucks =) ) and the old school multi generation firearm enthusiasts are meh, whatever.
-
Well, so am I - but I aint there yet.
I've never heard the equivalent of "Because you suck. And we hate you" or seen the equvalent of homeboy sights applied to a wheelgun. And that tap/rack/bang stuff? Just give the trigger another pull and there you are. And while a cylinder-full and two moon clips may just add up to what you have stuffed in the handle, I'm not planning on fighting the Battle of Faluja all by myself and wonder why you are. (If I am expecting to run into a riot, I'm bringing all my guns, and all my friends with all their guns. But mostly if there is a chance of a riot I'll be going away instead to towards that area - something about not doing stupid things with stupid people in stupid places.)
None of this means I do not like bottom-feeders. Heck, I even own a few myself. :angel:
stay safe.
Except when a revolver DOES jam, it often means a trip to a gunsmith instead of a tap and rack. =D
18 or so rounds of 9mm is handy at the range, or if attacked by multiple debarked Chihuahuas aggressors. Na, seriously, I prefer higher number of rounds because of the concern of a high number of attackers. It's not extremely rare for attackers to go in packs rather than solo. You might be the best gunman in the world, but that doesn't magically put 7 rounds in a six cylinder wheel gun. Reliability is about equal these days.
Not trashing wheelguns. They're much better platform for larger caliber rounds. For small caliber, I prefer the higher volume of rounds. I'm pondering a revolver for larger animals when I'm out hiking.
-
"Semi" (or worse "simi") for an autoloading handgun is doubly so. It tells me I'm in the presence of someone both an idiot, and a poseur.
What if they're a truck driver?
=D
-
What about a double action semi-revolving automatic ???
-
What about a double action semi-revolving automatic ???
Want!
-
What if they're a truck driver?
=D
Kind-a my point. "Semi" what?
-
What if they're a truck driver?
In that case, "automatic" probably refers to a type of transmission.
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmHEe-bjd54
-
I terms I generally use are:
Semi auto/pistol
Revolver
Full auto/select fire (as applicable)
I almost never use "automatic" as a stand alone discriptor, and only in referance to fully automatic weapons.
And I will specify it as a semi auto shotgun, too. And the cutsy term for shotguns is "scatter guns". If you call one a "shotty" in my presence, I might hit you.
I never use the term "automatic" to discribe a semi auto pistol and my Dad doesn't either (he's 61, so there's a number for your old fart scale)
Most my conversations are with Dad and we have the same vernacular and w generally are discussing the types of firearms for which such specifics is nessasry.
The other conversations are with none gunnies, so I tend to stress the diffrence between semi auto and automatic.
-
I never use the term "automatic" to discribe a semi auto pistol and my Dad doesn't either (he's 61, so there's a number for your old fart scale)
:sniff: Young whippersnapper :snort:
Have him call me when he grows up (if I live that long)
-
Never heard anybody say "simi"
Seen it in gunfora.
-
Learned something here - I had no idea it was an old-timer thing and for a reason.
For years it's driven me nuts to see an author use auto or automatic in reference to a semi-auto pistol - as in they didn't do their research.
-
Our worshing machine is only semi-automatic because you still have to put the clothes in and take them out yourself :lol:
-
Considering the official term used on their invention was "automatic loading firearm", I prefer the term "autoloader". "Semi-auto" just never sounded right.
Besides, calling them "bottom-feeders" kinda puts STEN's and Sterlings in an awkward place....
-
Well, not that I am that old...<opens gate for arguments>.
Handgun, was "generic" and when was being more "specific" the term revolver or semi-automatic was used.
Even though there was the .45 ACP (1911) or similar offerings, folks back then knew, the darn gun would not fire unless a finger was on the trigger and tripped it. Yes, even the <yikes> media knew the differences, and there were in fact firearms, that were "automatic" meaning they fired a burst with one trigger pull.
Then again back in my day Coke meant a Coca-Cola[tm].
Oh and these were 6.5 ozs and only cost a nickel...
Today...well I ain't ever had time for stupid people, especially those whom do harm to the USA that I was born and raised in...
I am just going to refer to everything as evil assault, Glocks, AK-47...etc. I don't care if is a Daisy BB Gun, Honda Civic, or Orek vacuum cleaner.
Can't think of a faster way to get stupid folks (anti's) to run away like little girls, hands in the air, screaming.
Getting old has its perks...*grin*
-
Our worshing machine is only semi-automatic because you still have to put the clothes in and take them out yourself :lol:
I figgered you just worshed yer clothes down at da crik!
-
I figgered you just worshed yer clothes down at da crik!
No, ya idjit. That's wimmin's work.
-
No, ya idjit. That's wimmin's work.
Then when would they find the time to make sammiches?.....
-
Then when would they find the time to make sammiches?.....
They got all kinds o' time, bein' at home whilst we men are out working. They can shut off the soaps long enough to make sammitches.
-
No, ya idjit. That's wimmin's work.
My bad! =D
-
Y'all are skating on thin ice.
-
Y'all are skating on thin ice.
Agree with MrsSmith completely. A good woman can make a sammich while watching her "stories" and still make pretty designs in the mustard, all while ironing your boxers with the other hand.
stay safe.
-
Agree with MrsSmith completely. A good woman can make a sammich while watching her "stories" and still make pretty designs in the mustard, all while ironing your boxers with the other hand.
stay safe.
I laughed.
That's not funny.
:lol:
-
Agree with MrsSmith completely. A good woman can make a sammich while watching her "stories" and still make pretty designs in the mustard, all while ironing your boxers with the other hand.
stay safe.
I laughed.
That's not funny.
:lol:
I laughed too. He's right, we can do all those things and more. But do we choose to do them for someone else or just for ourselves ...
-
<thread_drift>
Y'all are skating on thin ice.
yes dear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTKu-L1b--o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTKu-L1b--o)
</thread_drift>
-
I laughed too. He's right, we can do all those things and more. But do we choose to do them for someone else or just for ourselves ...
Speak for yourself.
If it was me, a guy would end up with mustard stains on his boxers. :P
-
I say auto because it takes clips that shoot big bullets.
My favorite gun store is in the hood.
You gotta know how to excommunicate.
-
Speak for yourself.
If it was me, a guy would end up with mustard stains on his boxers. :P
That image could go so many ways..... ;)
-
That image could go so many ways..... ;)
:rofl:
My thoughts didn't go there no siree... :angel: