I have to say I do not like looking at my guns as weapons as, as I say to my sons, they are tools but one mans tool is another mans weapon. In the shooting world we perceive our tools as not being weapons but it is like the law says "a kitchen knife is no longer a kitchen knife when it is put into ones pocket and used as a weapon on the street", where the definition of weapon comes from is when an object is then used for lethal intent so unfortunately your Firearms lady is right as unless you are target/clay shooting then we do use our tools for lethal intent, do we not?
I know the use of the word weapon is used by anti's to attack up but they have no other words that can be used to describe our tools. I had a pair of gloves once that had to be proved in court that it was for safety use and not as a weapon and I often hear (in court) some of the strangest things being termed as a weapon including a sock that was used to attempt to strangle someone one night.
I think it is something we just have to live with or are we looking for way to defend ourselves against the antis at every step instead of getting on with what we do. Don't get me wrong I know some people come across antis on a regular basis but I for one find no hassle from them as I just get on with my day to day without worrying about the thoughts of others. I think we have to be a little less sensitive on the small things when there is so many big things that effect our sport and way of life. I do not disagree for many of us attitudes should change but that has to be said on both sides.