A Gun’s Name

posted on October 2, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

In the movie “Full Metal Jacket,” marines named their rifles as a symbol of closeness with the one thing that could save their lives. Of course, they also slept with their guns, which is a completely different issue that I’m not going to touch. But the act of naming a firearm can provide a familiarity with a specific firearm, and it can be a lot of fun. A gun's name can be serious, lighthearted or downright ludicrous.

I’ve known a lot of hunters and shooters who have given their guns names like Black Thunder, Thumper and Old Painless. I’ve also heard names like AT&T, because of the slogan “Reach out and touch someone.” Of course, there are many that can’t be used in polite company, but that is part of the fun of naming a gun.

So far, I’ve only named two of my firearms—my Kimber Ultra Carry and my Ruger LCP. I call my Kimber “baby” to remind me to treat it right and it will always take care of me, and my LCP is named “Peanut,” mainly because the name irritates my wife. What can I say, I’m a guy.

Naming a gun can be a very personal issue that involves showing respect to the gun, as well as others if you’re so inclined, and it usually makes a great story. Share your gun’s name and story behind that name, and the best one will receive a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster that fits most .38 snubbies.

Latest

Is 2025
Is 2025

Firearm Industry Companies Consolidate, Others Close Doors In 2025

This year has already seen some big changes in the firearm industry. They don’t quite reach the tectonic shift in 2020, when legendary firms owned by Remington Outdoor were auctioned off, but there have still been some notable shifts within the industry in 2025.

Preview: Uni-Loader

The easy-to-use Uni-Loader can save high-volume shooters a lot of time and finger pain.

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.