Dang you Bill Horton!
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 5:18 pm
Hey Bill, a couple of years ago you commented about the use of “release” of the shot and how you would rather the term be restricted to archery. Since then, I have noticed that you are correct. There are times it is confusing as in the instance of “release the trigger.” I use that to describe my finger action when I abort a shot and remove the pressure on the trigger so I can start the shot process over. I hear “release the trigger” used to describe the moment when the sear becomes disengaged and the round is fired. I always consider that releasing the shot. So, now that you are driving me crazy, Bill, I thought I would throw out my own set of concerns about the English language. I hope these gripes will drive you crazy, too, Bill! For me, it was a short trip!
I need to preface this. I realize that many shooters on here do not use English as their first language. I am not attacking anyone because they don’t know how to write English, I am only trying to keep the terms pure in the shooting sports that I love.
I went to a free pistol match at Wappingers Falls in 1994. I arrived the night before and, after checking into a motel, I went to the range to make sure I could find it in the morning. There were a couple of guys shooting center fire pistols on a different range so I moseyed over to talk to them and was informed they were testing different “heads.” At the time, I didn’t say anything about the nomenclature; however, later in the conversation I learned they were writing for a Japanese magazine about IPSC. I was on my way home when I realized that this guy was teaching his readers that we don’t shoot bullets, but “heads.” I should have said something as I don’t think English was his first language. I am saying something now. I realize that the TV media as well as many people who should know better call bullets “heads” and call a loaded round a bullet. Let’s promote the correct term and use bullet to refer to the projectile; cartridge case or shell meaning the part left over in the gun after firing a shot. A round or cartridge is the complete loaded unit. {There was a local gun shop that had a “heads” sign posted on their bullet shelf. I think it was there about a year.}
Another term that drives me nuts is NOSE HEAVY. Firearms do not have noses. They have muzzles. The end of the barrel where the projectile(s) exits is the muzzle. The end where the round is inserted into the chamber is the breech. If the forward part of the gun seems heavy to you, it is MUZZLE heavy.
Please do not get offended by this post if you use these terms. This is not an attack on people’s improper use of English as I realize that many on this site do not use English as their first language. I also realize that the incorrect terms are used on TV constantly and if one hears it over and over, it tends to enter ones vocabulary. Also, I do not claim to be an expert in the English language and realize that I make mistakes of which I am unaware. If my screw-ups irritate you, let me know.
Also, what misused shooting terms bug you?
Ben
I need to preface this. I realize that many shooters on here do not use English as their first language. I am not attacking anyone because they don’t know how to write English, I am only trying to keep the terms pure in the shooting sports that I love.
I went to a free pistol match at Wappingers Falls in 1994. I arrived the night before and, after checking into a motel, I went to the range to make sure I could find it in the morning. There were a couple of guys shooting center fire pistols on a different range so I moseyed over to talk to them and was informed they were testing different “heads.” At the time, I didn’t say anything about the nomenclature; however, later in the conversation I learned they were writing for a Japanese magazine about IPSC. I was on my way home when I realized that this guy was teaching his readers that we don’t shoot bullets, but “heads.” I should have said something as I don’t think English was his first language. I am saying something now. I realize that the TV media as well as many people who should know better call bullets “heads” and call a loaded round a bullet. Let’s promote the correct term and use bullet to refer to the projectile; cartridge case or shell meaning the part left over in the gun after firing a shot. A round or cartridge is the complete loaded unit. {There was a local gun shop that had a “heads” sign posted on their bullet shelf. I think it was there about a year.}
Another term that drives me nuts is NOSE HEAVY. Firearms do not have noses. They have muzzles. The end of the barrel where the projectile(s) exits is the muzzle. The end where the round is inserted into the chamber is the breech. If the forward part of the gun seems heavy to you, it is MUZZLE heavy.
Please do not get offended by this post if you use these terms. This is not an attack on people’s improper use of English as I realize that many on this site do not use English as their first language. I also realize that the incorrect terms are used on TV constantly and if one hears it over and over, it tends to enter ones vocabulary. Also, I do not claim to be an expert in the English language and realize that I make mistakes of which I am unaware. If my screw-ups irritate you, let me know.
Also, what misused shooting terms bug you?
Ben