How is a gun a 'tool'?

[Ryantology]

A common trait among the pro-gun crowd is to refer to a gun as a 'tool', as if they are no different from hammers or socket wrenches. In light of the nature of this debate, it seems intentionally misleading to do this.

The dictionary does not seem to provide a single example, other than the first (which is vague and can apply to pretty much anything) which accurately describes a gun.

I think of a tool as an object used in the repair or construction of something else, as most people do. What does one build or repair with guns?

[Welsh cake]

Yeah, Merriam Webster is unreliable like that.

A tool is a device, instrument or implement that is used to carry out or perform a particular function or achieve a desired effect.

Firearms therefore, belong in that category.

[Anomalocaris]

A common trait among the pro-gun crowd is to refer to a gun as a 'tool', as if they are no different from hammers or socket wrenches. In light of the nature of this debate, it seems intentionally misleading to do this.

The dictionary does not seem to provide a single example, other than the first (which is vague and can apply to pretty much anything) which accurately describes a gun.

I think of a tool as an object used in the repair or construction of something else, as most people do. What does one build or repair with guns?

An nuclear weapon is also a tool. Therefore it ought to be liberally distributed, trusting the fact that we can focus on the convincing the people who lust after them to not detonate them.

[Violet]

Cauterize your wounds in a pinch, use the stock as a hammer in a pinch, assist in the killing of an animal for whatever purpose (preferably by shooting it), walking stick in a pinch, assist in threatening a person, use for extra sound effects.

How is a *device* that assists a person in killing something not a tool?

[Ryantology]

Yeah, Merriam Webster is unreliable like that.

A tool is a device, instrument or implement that is used to carry out or perform a particular function or achieve a desired effect.

Firearms therefore, belong in that category.

(which is vague and can apply to pretty much anything)

Nobody ever uses the term 'tool' to describe cars, or skyscrapers, or candy, or cigarettes, or books, or paintings or cat gifs, yet they all fit that description, too.

The whole point of calling a gun a 'tool' is to make it sound like it has uses other than killing and maiming, hence why the pro-gun people compare guns to wrenches, hammers and so forth. You know, objects which everyone considers 'tools' without consulting the dictionary for extra meanings.

It is deliberate sidestepping.

[Minimalist]

A common trait among the pro-gun crowd is to refer to a gun as a 'tool',

Well, they are "tools" themselves so....

1. tool 15680 up, 4653 down

January 13, 2005 Urban Word of the Day
One who lacks the mental capacity to know he is being used

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=tool

[fr0d0]

Heroin, depleted uranium, <insert dangerous substance here> could all legitimately be called tools. There's a line drawn where said tool is not accepted by society as eligible for unrestricted consumption.

I agree with the op the term is a clear attempt to trivialise the risk

[5thHorseman]

It's a tool because it can be used as an axe. You can shoot a tree down without using as much energy.

[Anomalocaris]

It's a tool because it can be used as an axe. You can shoot a tree down without using as much energy.

It's a tool because republicans use it to make Americans stupid.

[jonb]

I think referring to the gun as a tool comes from the military. Certainly the big problem is with recruits, who often think of a gun as some sort of toy.
Waving the things about, and not following the strict way you have to use a gun.
If you listen to Rhythm who is pro gun you hear a respectful attitude to the gun, no doubt from his military background in being taught how to use the tool. This is why he can tell you in what situations he would or would not use a gun.
But most of the pro gun lobby are just boys with toys. Who want a gun to show off, and occasionally take it out to feel like big strong men and blow a hole in a tree. These people actually deep inside realise they are fools, showing off their jewellery. So they use military style terms to make it seem they are not total wankers.