Top 88 Slang For Guns – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to discussing firearms, there’s a whole world of slang and terminology that can leave even the most seasoned gun enthusiasts scratching their heads. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Our team at FluentSlang has scoured the internet to bring you a list of the top slang terms for guns. Whether you’re a gun enthusiast or just curious about the language surrounding firearms, this listicle is sure to educate and entertain. So lock and load, and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of gun slang!

Generate Slangs

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Piece

“Piece” is a slang term for a firearm. It is commonly used to refer to a handgun, but can also be used to describe any type of firearm.

2. Heater

A “heater” is a slang term for a gun. It is often used to describe a handgun, particularly one that is carried concealed.

3. Iron

The term “iron” is slang for a gun. It is commonly used to refer to any type of firearm, but is especially associated with handguns.

4. Gat

A “gat” is a slang term for a firearm, particularly a handgun. It is derived from the word “gatling,” which refers to a type of early machine gun.

5. Rod

A “rod” is a slang term for a gun. It is often used to describe a handgun, but can also refer to any type of firearm.

6. Blaster

This term is often used to refer to a firearm, especially one that is powerful or impressive. It can also be used to describe futuristic or sci-fi weapons that emit energy blasts.

7. Shooter

This is a general term for a portable weapon that expels one or more projectiles, either through an explosion or other form of combustion. “Shooter” is a slang term often used to refer to a gun, especially in informal or casual conversations.

8. Smoke wagon

This term is specifically used to refer to a revolver, which is a type of repeating handgun with a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. “Smoke wagon” is a slang term often associated with old western films and cowboy culture.

9. Boomstick

This term is commonly used to refer to a shotgun, which is a type of firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder and typically fires a shell containing numerous small pellets called shot. “Boomstick” is a playful and informal term often used to describe the sound and power of a shotgun.

10. Roscoe

This term is a slang term used to refer to a firearm, typically a handgun. The origin of the term is unclear, but it has been used in various contexts, including in old crime novels and films.

11. Banger

This term is often used to refer to a firearm, particularly in urban slang. It can also imply a powerful or impressive weapon.

12. Popper

A popper is a slang term for a small handgun, typically one that is easily concealed. It can also refer to a firearm that is used for quick, rapid-fire shooting.

13. Peacemaker

The term “peacemaker” is often used as a slang term for a revolver, particularly one with a reputation for resolving conflicts. It can also refer to a person who helps to calm or mediate disputes.

14. Equalizer

The term “equalizer” is often used to refer to a gun, implying that it can level the playing field or provide a sense of fairness in a dangerous situation. It can also suggest that a firearm can bring justice or balance.

15. Hardware

Hardware is a slang term often used to refer to a firearm. It can also imply that a firearm is a tool or piece of equipment.

16. Long Tom

This term refers to a gun with an exceptionally long barrel. It is often used to describe artillery pieces or large firearms.

17. Lead dispenser

This slang term humorously refers to a gun as a device that dispenses lead projectiles. It is often used in a lighthearted or sarcastic manner.

18. Hand cannon

This slang term refers to a large, powerful handgun. It is often used to describe handguns with significant recoil or stopping power.

19. Smoke pole

This term refers to a type of firearm that is loaded from the muzzle (or front) of the barrel. It is often used to describe early firearms that used black powder and a lead ball or bullet.

20. Thunderstick

This term humorously refers to a gun as a device that produces a loud and powerful sound when fired. It is often used to emphasize the noise and impact of a firearm.

21. Hog leg

This term refers to a large and heavy handgun, often with a long barrel. The term “hog leg” is derived from the idea that the gun is as thick as a hog’s leg.

22. Boom stick

This term is commonly used to refer to a shotgun, which is a long-barreled firearm that is designed to fire a large number of small projectiles, typically used for hunting or self-defense.

23. Smokehouse

This term refers to a gun range, which is a designated area where people can safely shoot firearms. The term “smokehouse” is derived from the smoke that is produced when guns are fired.

24. Heat

This term is a slang term used to refer to a firearm. It is often used in urban settings or in crime-related contexts.

25. Gats

This term is a slang term used to refer to handguns. It originated in the early 20th century and is often associated with gangsters and the criminal underworld.

26. Cannon

This term is often used to refer to a large, powerful firearm, typically a heavy artillery gun or a large caliber weapon. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is extremely powerful or impressive.

27. Chopper

This term is slang for a fully automatic firearm, typically a machine gun or submachine gun. It refers to the chopping sound made by the rapid firing of the weapon.

28. Strap

This term is slang for a firearm, especially a handgun. It refers to the act of strapping on a weapon, typically in a concealed manner.

29. Tool

This term is slang for a firearm, typically a handgun. It is used to emphasize the weapon’s function as a tool for self-defense or offense.

30. Burner

This term is slang for a firearm that is intended to be used once and then discarded or destroyed. It is often associated with illegal activities and is used to avoid detection by law enforcement.

31. Lead Slinger

This slang term refers to a firearm or pistol. It implies that the weapon is capable of slinging or shooting lead bullets.

32. Six Shooter

This term specifically refers to a revolver with a revolving cylinder that holds six rounds. It is often associated with the Old West and cowboy culture.

33. Tackle

This slang term is a general reference to a gun or firearm. It is often used in casual conversation or urban settings.

34. Wheel Gun

This slang term is another way to refer to a revolver. It derives from the revolving cylinder in the firearm, which resembles a wheel.

35. Firestick

This slang term is a playful way to refer to a gun or firearm. It likens the weapon to a stick that produces fire when triggered.

36. Hogleg

Hogleg is a slang term used to refer to a large handgun, typically a revolver. The term originated from the Old West era when cowboys carried large revolvers on their hips, resembling the leg of a hog.

37. Pea Shooter

Pea shooter is a term used to describe a small caliber gun, typically a pistol or a low-powered firearm. The term “pea shooter” suggests that the gun is not very powerful and may not be effective for self-defense or combat situations.

38. Street Sweeper

Street sweeper is a slang term used to refer to an automatic shotgun. The term “street sweeper” suggests that the weapon is capable of firing multiple rounds rapidly, similar to a broom sweeping the street.

39. Widowmaker

Widowmaker is a slang term used to describe a gun that is considered extremely dangerous or capable of causing death. The term “widowmaker” suggests that the weapon has the potential to leave someone’s spouse a widow.

40. Biscuit

Biscuit is a slang term used to refer to a handgun. The term “biscuit” is often used in urban settings and may imply that the gun is small or easy to carry.

41. Glue Gun

This term refers to a toy gun that shoots adhesive, similar to a glue gun used for arts and crafts. It is often used in playful or non-threatening contexts.

42. Hammer

In slang terms, “hammer” is used to refer to a gun. It is often used to emphasize the power or impact of the weapon.

43. Jammy

This term is used to refer to a firearm, particularly a handgun. It is often used in informal or colloquial contexts.

44. Llama

In slang, “llama” is used as a code word for a gun. It is often used to discreetly refer to firearms in conversations where the topic may be sensitive or illegal.

45. Mop

This term is used to refer to a firearm, particularly a submachine gun. It is often used in urban or street slang.

46. Ratchet

This term is often used to refer to a semi-automatic handgun, specifically one that is inexpensive and of low quality. The term “ratchet” is associated with a cheap or poorly made firearm.

47. Slammer

This term is a slang for a handgun or any type of firearm that is used for close-quarters combat and self-defense. It is often used to refer to a small, easily concealable weapon.

See also Top 42 Slang For Discriminate – Meaning & Usage

48. Toot

This term is slang for a shotgun, a type of long-barreled firearm that is designed to fire a shell containing multiple pellets or a single slug. “Toot” is often used in urban settings to refer to a shotgun.

49. Uzi

This term refers to a specific type of submachine gun, originally developed in Israel. The Uzi is known for its compact size and high rate of fire. It is often used in action movies and by military or law enforcement personnel.

50. Wesson

This term is often used to refer to a revolver manufactured by the Smith & Wesson company. Smith & Wesson revolvers are known for their reliability and durability. “Wesson” is a shorthand way of referring to a Smith & Wesson revolver.

51. Zip Gun

A zip gun is a makeshift firearm that is typically made from readily available materials. It is often associated with improvised weapons that are not manufactured by professional gun makers.

52. Boom Tube

Boom tube is a slang term for a shotgun. It is derived from the loud sound that shotguns make when fired, resembling a booming noise.

53. Cracker

Cracker is a slang term for a shotgun. It is believed to have originated from the loud cracking sound that shotguns produce when fired.

54. Derringer

A derringer is a small, compact pistol that is designed to be easily concealed. It typically has a single or double barrel and a low ammunition capacity.

55. Flintlock

A flintlock is an early type of firearm that uses a flint to strike a spark and ignite the gunpowder. It was commonly used during the 17th and 18th centuries.

56. Gatling

The Gatling gun is a type of rapid-fire machine gun that uses multiple barrels to rotate and fire rounds. It was one of the earliest machine guns and was commonly used in warfare during the late 19th century.

57. Jigsaw

“Jigsaw” is a slang term used to refer to a semi-automatic pistol. It is derived from the puzzle-like mechanism of the gun’s slide and barrel assembly.

58. Lugger

A “lugger” is a slang term used to refer to a handgun. It is commonly used in urban settings and is often associated with illegal firearms.

59. Musket

A musket is a type of long gun that was used by infantry soldiers in the 16th to 19th centuries. It is a muzzle-loaded firearm with a smoothbore barrel and was commonly used in warfare before the advent of more advanced rifles.

60. Nailer

A “nailer” is a slang term used to refer to a shotgun. It is derived from the gun’s ability to “nail” or hit targets with a spread of pellets or slugs.

61. Ordnance

Ordnance refers to military equipment, including firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. It is a broad term that encompasses various types of weaponry.

62. Pepperbox

A pepperbox is a type of multi-barrel handgun that features multiple barrels arranged in a circular pattern around a central axis. It was popular in the 19th century and was known for its unique design.

63. Quaker

In the context of slang for guns, “Quaker” refers to a silencer or suppressor. It is a device that is attached to the barrel of a firearm to reduce the noise and muzzle flash produced when the weapon is fired.

64. Automatic

In the context of firearms, “Automatic” refers to a firearm that is capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. It is often used as a shorthand for “full-automatic” or “fully automatic.”

65. Blicky

Blicky is a slang term for a handgun. It is commonly used in urban settings and is often associated with street culture and rap music.

66. Boom Stick/Boomstick

This term refers to a shotgun, a type of long-barreled firearm that is designed to fire a large number of small projectiles, such as pellets or buckshot, in a dispersed pattern.

67. Cuete

This term is a general slang for a firearm, typically used in Latino communities.

See also Top 5 Slang For Desert – Meaning & Usage

68. Fire Stick

This term is a slang for a firearm, comparing it to a stick that shoots fire.

69. Fireball

This term refers to a handgun, a small firearm that can be held and operated with one hand.

70. Forty-Five/ 45

This term refers to a .45 caliber pistol, a type of handgun that fires .45 caliber ammunition.

71. Strapped

This slang term refers to someone who is carrying a gun or weapon, usually concealed. It implies that the person is prepared for a potential threat or confrontation.

72. Toolie

This term is often used to refer to a handgun, particularly in urban or street slang. It can also imply that the gun is illegal or associated with criminal activity.

73. Piece of artillery

This slang term refers to a large gun or cannon typically used in military or warfare. It implies a powerful and destructive weapon.

74. Piece of iron

This slang term is a general reference to a gun, often implying a firearm made of metal. It can be used to describe any type of gun, from handguns to rifles.

75. Lead launcher

This slang term refers to a gun, emphasizing its ability to launch or fire bullets made of lead. It can be used to describe any type of firearm.

76. Iron horse

This slang term refers to a gun, specifically a rifle or shotgun. It is derived from the idea that the gun is as powerful and reliable as a steam locomotive, which was often called an “iron horse”.

77. Long iron

This slang term is used to refer to a long gun, particularly a rifle. The term “long iron” emphasizes the length and power of the firearm.

78. Blunderbuss

This slang term refers to a type of firearm called a shotgun. The term “blunderbuss” often conveys a sense of power and impact, as shotguns are known for their wide spread and stopping power.

79. Six-shooter

This slang term specifically refers to a revolver, which is a type of handgun with a rotating cylinder that typically holds six rounds of ammunition. The term “six-shooter” emphasizes the revolver’s capacity for six rounds.

80. AR

This slang term is derived from the initials of “ArmaLite Rifle,” a brand that originally designed and developed the AR-15 rifle. It has since become a widely used term to refer to any rifle in the AR-15 family or similar rifles with similar features.

81. AK

The AK, short for “Avtomat Kalashnikova,” is a widely known assault rifle that was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is known for its reliability and durability, and has become a symbol of armed resistance and warfare.

82. Tommy

The “Tommy” is a nickname for the Thompson submachine gun, which was invented by John T. Thompson in the early 20th century. It is a fully automatic firearm that gained popularity during the Prohibition era and was commonly used by gangsters and law enforcement.

83. Glock

Glock is a renowned brand of firearms, particularly known for its polymer-framed handguns. The term “Austrian Perfection” is often used to describe Glock firearms due to their reliability, simplicity, and popularity among law enforcement and military personnel.

84. Lead Spitter

The term “Lead Spitter” is a slang term used to describe a firearm that has a high rate of fire or is capable of firing a large number of rounds quickly. It emphasizes the weapon’s ability to unleash a barrage of bullets.

85. Firearm

A general term for any portable device that is designed to expel one or more projectiles. “Firearm” encompasses a wide range of weapons, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and more.

86. Tommy Gun

The Tommy Gun is a nickname for the Thompson submachine gun, which is an automatic firearm that was widely used by criminals during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 1930s. It is known for its distinctive drum magazine and rapid-fire capabilities.

87. Bang Stick

A bang stick is a specialized firearm designed for underwater use. It is typically used by divers for self-defense against aggressive marine life. The bang stick is a simple and compact device that fires a single shot when it comes into contact with the target.

88. Trench Broom

The Trench Broom is a nickname for the Winchester Model 1897 shotgun, which was commonly used during World War I and World War II. It earned the name “Trench Broom” due to its effectiveness in close-quarters combat, particularly in trench warfare.