I don’t remember the context now but someone took me to task on here a few years ago for use of the word ‘weapon’. I try to say exactly what I mean but there aren’t a great number of alternatives and it is sloppy writing to use the same expression repeatedly. I considered myself vindicated when I dipped into ‘ Gas, Air and Spring guns of the World ‘ to find Mr. Smith used that very word in the introduction.

‘ Rifle’ is possibly imprecise.
‘ Firearm ‘ is even further from the truth.
‘ Long gun ‘ seems clumsy.
‘ Airgun ‘ is adequate but, to me, has connotations of Diana Model 1s.

So, where does that leave us? IMD may be assumed ( on here, at least ) to stand for Improved Model D and Mk II Service for Webley’s finest but anything else needs to be a specific.

Where’s Suzy Dent when I need her?
ATB, Mick