markers? you mean the guns

[Gyroscope]

Does anyone think that the general public is fooled when we say "marker"? It looks like a gun, you shoot stuff from it. Is this just pathetic PC posturing? I mean, maybe we're not giving the non-paintballing public sufficient credit. Thery can tell that nail guns, staple guns, and hot glue guns are not weapons (unless you hold them right). Surely they can sort out a gun meant for non-lethal recreation?

Are we addressing the wrong problem here? Marker as a term is jargon. Say gun and they all know which piece of equipment you mean.

 

[P*O*P*E]

"firearm'' means any--

(a) device manufactured or designed to propel a bullet or projectile through a barrel or cylinder by means of burning propellant, at a muzzle energy exceeding 8 joules (6 ft-lbs);
(b) device manufactured or designed to discharge rim-fire, centre-fire or pin-fire ammunition;
(c) device which is not at the time capable of discharging any bullet or projectile, but which can be readily altered to be a firearm within the meaning of paragraph (a) or (b);
(d) device manufactured to discharge a bullet or any other projectile of .22 calibre or higher at a muzzle energy of more than 8 joules (6 ft-lbs), by means of compressed gas and not by means of burning propellant; or
(e) barrel, frame or receiver of a device referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d),

Heres a definition of a firearm.

 

[Recoil]

for some reason I have always used the term marker... not sure why... maybe I am just getting fed up with being called a "Weekend Warrior" or some such and most people seem to accept my explanation of why it isnt a gun... ie this isnt war, this is a sport.

 

[Tyger]

I just call it my paintgun. Not diffrent than calling the proper tool a nail gun, staple gun, confettii gun, or a t-shirt gun.

Everyhting else is rhettoric.

-Tyger

 

[acsik]

Mmmmm confetti gun!


A threat to the free world!



Cya

 

[Gyroscope]

I guess it seems to me like making the language of our sport alienating and jargon-filled is as much an impediment as the obvious association with firearms. Not all guns are firearms, but all confusing language is something to be overcome when you get into a new pursuit (as a spectator or participant).


PS How many joules in a paintball shot?

 

[D6]

I think calling your marker a marker is a token gesture towards not being associated with all things military- if that makes any sense....

 

[kidzero]

the thing that really blasts paintballs at my opponents and the backs of unlucky team-mates? i call it...my sweetdarling jenna

 

[Mark]

Originally posted by gyroscope
Does anyone think that the general public is fooled when we say "marker"? It looks like a gun, you shoot stuff from it. Is this just pathetic PC posturing? I mean, maybe we're not giving the non-paintballing public sufficient credit. Thery can tell that nail guns, staple guns, and hot glue guns are not weapons (unless you hold them right). Surely they can sort out a gun meant for non-lethal recreation?

Are we addressing the wrong problem here? Marker as a term is jargon. Say gun and they all know which piece of equipment you mean.

Try saying that you have a GUN in your bag next time you try flying to a tournament and see how much of a difference it makes.
Yes it is political correctness, nothing wrong in that, to gain global exceptance being PC "is" required.

 

[jahlad]

im with tyger i tend to refer to it as a paintgun in public and a marker on here or in the company of players