Top 24 Slang For Pistol – Meaning & Usage

Whether you’re a fan of action movies or just curious about the world of firearms, it’s always cool to know the slang terms for pistols. From old-school gangster jargon to modern-day slang, we’ve got you covered. So, lock and load as we take you on a thrilling linguistic journey through the world of pistol slang. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!

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1. Piece

A colloquial term often used to refer to a pistol or any type of firearm. It can be used to describe any type of gun, from a small handgun to a larger rifle.

  • For example, a gangster in a movie might say, “I always carry a piece for protection.”
  • A police officer might radio in, “Suspect is armed with a piece, proceed with caution.”
  • A gun enthusiast might say, “I just bought a new piece for my collection.”

2. Heater

This term is often used to refer to a pistol, particularly one that is used for self-defense or in criminal activities. It implies that the pistol has the ability to generate a significant amount of heat or firepower.

  • For instance, a detective in a crime novel might say, “The suspect was carrying a concealed heater.”
  • A criminal might brag, “I always keep a heater in my waistband, just in case.”
  • A person discussing gun control might argue, “We need stricter regulations to keep heaters out of the wrong hands.”

3. Iron

A slang term used to refer to a pistol or any type of handgun. It is derived from the fact that pistols are typically made of metal, giving them a solid and sturdy feel.

  • For example, a police officer might say, “Drop your iron and surrender.”
  • A gang member might boast, “I always carry my iron with me, ready for action.”
  • A firearms instructor might say, “Learning how to properly handle an iron is essential for self-defense.”

4. Roscoe

This term is often used to refer to a pistol or any type of firearm. Its origin is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century.

  • For instance, a character in a noir film might say, “I had my trusty roscoe hidden in my coat.”
  • A gangster might threaten, “Don’t make me pull out my roscoe.”
  • A historian might explain, “The term ‘roscoe’ was popularized during the Prohibition era to refer to illegal firearms.”

5. Gat

A slang term used to refer to a pistol or any type of firearm. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is often associated with criminal activities or gangster culture.

  • For example, a gang member might say, “I always carry my gat, just in case.”
  • A police officer might report, “The suspect was armed with a gat.”
  • A person discussing gun violence might argue, “Easy access to gats contributes to the high crime rate in this city.”

6. Rod

This term is a slang for a pistol or firearm. It is often used to refer to a long, cylindrical object, similar to the shape of a handgun.

  • For example, in a crime novel, a character might say, “He pulled out his trusty rod and pointed it at the intruder.”
  • In a discussion about gun control, someone might argue, “We need stricter regulations on the possession of rods.”
  • A gangster movie might feature a line like, “He’s always got his rod by his side, ready for action.”

7. Blaster

This slang term is used to describe a pistol or firearm. It implies a sense of power and force, as if the weapon has the ability to blast or shoot with great impact.

  • For instance, in a futuristic sci-fi movie, a character might say, “Get your blaster ready, we’re going into battle.”
  • A gun enthusiast might refer to their collection and say, “I have a variety of blasters, each with its own unique features.”
  • In a discussion about self-defense, someone might argue, “A blaster is an effective tool for personal protection.”

8. Piece of iron

This slang term refers to a pistol or firearm. It emphasizes the solid and heavy nature of the weapon, comparing it to a piece of iron.

  • For example, in a crime novel, a detective might say, “The suspect was found with a piece of iron in his pocket.”
  • A gun collector might discuss their collection and say, “I have a rare piece of iron from the 1800s.”
  • In a conversation about gun safety, someone might emphasize, “Always treat a piece of iron with respect and follow proper handling procedures.”

9. Smoke wagon

This slang term is used to describe a pistol or firearm. It invokes imagery of a weapon that produces smoke when fired, adding to its mystique and power.

  • For instance, in a Western film, a cowboy might say, “I’ll draw my smoke wagon and settle this.”
  • A gun enthusiast might use the term when discussing their favorite firearms and say, “The smoke wagon is a classic design that never goes out of style.”
  • In a conversation about historical firearms, someone might mention, “The smoke wagon played a significant role in the Old West.”

10. Peacemaker

This slang term specifically refers to a type of revolver, often associated with the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It is called a “peacemaker” due to its prominent use during the American West and its role in settling disputes.

  • For example, in a Western movie, a sheriff might say, “I’m the peacemaker in these parts.”
  • A gun collector might discuss the historical significance of the peacemaker and say, “The Colt Single Action Army is often referred to as the peacemaker.”
  • In a conversation about gun history, someone might mention, “The peacemaker revolutionized the firearms industry with its reliability and versatility.”

11. Boomstick

This term is often used to refer to a shotgun, which is a type of firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder and uses shells containing multiple projectiles, typically pellets or buckshot. The term “boomstick” emphasizes the loud and powerful sound produced when a shotgun is fired.

  • For example, in the movie “Evil Dead,” the protagonist famously says, “This is my boomstick!” while brandishing a shotgun.
  • In a conversation about home defense, someone might suggest, “A boomstick is a reliable choice for protecting your property.”
  • A hunting enthusiast might say, “I always bring my trusty boomstick when I go duck hunting.”

12. Nine

This term is a shortened version of “nine millimeter,” which refers to the caliber of the ammunition commonly used in pistols. The term “nine” is often used informally to refer to a 9mm pistol, which is a type of semi-automatic handgun.

  • For instance, a police officer might say, “I carry a nine as my duty weapon.”
  • In a discussion about concealed carry, someone might ask, “What’s the best compact nine for self-defense?”
  • A firearms instructor might explain, “The nine is a popular choice due to its manageable recoil and high magazine capacity.”

13. Forty-five

This term is a shortened version of “forty-five caliber,” which refers to the caliber of the ammunition commonly used in pistols. The term “forty-five” is often used informally to refer to a .45 caliber pistol, which is a type of semi-automatic handgun.

  • For example, a military veteran might say, “I carried a forty-five during my time in the service.”
  • In a conversation about stopping power, someone might argue, “Nothing beats a good old-fashioned forty-five.”
  • A gun collector might proudly display their collection and say, “Check out my vintage Colt forty-five.”

14. Chopper

This term is often used to refer to an automatic pistol, which is a type of handgun that is capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. The term “chopper” emphasizes the rapid and continuous firing capability of these pistols.

  • For instance, in gangster movies, a character might say, “I got a chopper in my waistband.”
  • In a discussion about self-defense, someone might suggest, “A chopper can give you an advantage in close-quarters combat.”
  • A firearms enthusiast might explain, “Choppers are regulated differently than semi-automatic pistols due to their fully automatic capability.”

15. Popper

This term is often used to refer to a semi-automatic pistol, which is a type of handgun that uses the energy from the fired cartridge to automatically cycle the firearm and load the next round. The term “popper” is derived from the sound produced when a round is fired from a semi-automatic pistol.

  • For example, a competitive shooter might say, “I prefer shooting poppers with my semi-auto.”
  • In a conversation about concealed carry, someone might ask, “What’s your go-to popper for everyday carry?”
  • A firearms instructor might explain, “Semi-automatic pistols are popular due to their ease of use and magazine capacity.”

16. Banger

This term refers to a pistol or firearm. It is often used in urban slang or by individuals involved in criminal activities.

  • For example, in a rap song, the lyrics might say, “I keep a banger in my waist.”
  • A character in a crime novel might say, “He pulled out his trusty banger and threatened the witness.”
  • In a discussion about personal safety, someone might mention, “It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and carry a banger for protection.”

17. Strap

This slang term is used to describe a pistol or firearm. It is commonly used in urban settings or by individuals involved in illegal activities.

  • For instance, in a crime movie, a character might say, “I always carry my strap for protection.”
  • A person discussing gun control might argue, “We need stricter regulations to prevent criminals from getting their hands on straps.”
  • In a conversation about personal safety, someone might say, “It’s important to know how to handle a strap responsibly.”

18. Burner

This term refers to a pistol or firearm that is intended to be used once and then discarded. It is often associated with illegal activities or individuals involved in criminal behavior.

  • For example, in a crime TV show, a character might say, “I need a burner for this job.”
  • A person discussing gun violence might mention, “The use of burners in gang-related crimes is a major concern.”
  • In a discussion about illegal firearms, someone might say, “Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on the sale and possession of burners.”

19. Piece of hardware

This slang term is used to describe a pistol or firearm. It emphasizes the mechanical nature of the weapon and its function as a tool or piece of equipment.

  • For instance, in a military movie, a character might refer to their gun as a piece of hardware.
  • A person discussing self-defense might say, “A reliable piece of hardware is essential for personal protection.”
  • In a conversation about gun enthusiasts, someone might mention, “Collecting and maintaining pieces of hardware is a hobby for many firearm enthusiasts.”

20. Hand cannon

This term is used to describe a particularly powerful or large-caliber handgun. It emphasizes the strength and impact of the weapon.

  • For example, in a Western movie, a character might say, “He pulled out his hand cannon and fired a warning shot.”
  • A person discussing firearms might mention, “Hand cannons are popular among enthusiasts who enjoy shooting with high recoil.”
  • In a conversation about personal protection, someone might say, “A hand cannon can be intimidating to potential attackers.”

21. Piece of steel

This term refers to a pistol, highlighting its construction material as steel. It is often used to emphasize the durability and strength of the firearm.

  • For example, a detective in a crime novel might say, “He never leaves home without his trusty piece of steel.”
  • In a discussion about firearm preferences, someone might say, “I prefer a piece of steel for its reliability.”
  • A gun collector might proudly display their collection of antique pieces of steel.
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22. Sidearm

A sidearm is a firearm that is carried on the side, typically in a holster. It is a term commonly used to refer to a pistol or handgun, especially when it is used as a secondary weapon alongside a primary firearm.

  • For instance, a police officer might say, “My sidearm is always within reach.”
  • In a military context, a soldier might mention, “Every soldier is equipped with a sidearm as a backup.”
  • A character in a spy movie might say, “I never leave home without my trusty sidearm.”

23. Rosy

This slang term refers to a pistol and is often used to describe a weapon that appears attractive or appealing.

  • For example, a gangster in a crime movie might say, “Check out my rosy, it’s a beauty.”
  • In a discussion about firearm aesthetics, someone might comment, “I love the look of a rosy pistol.”
  • A gun enthusiast might show off their collection of rosy firearms.

24. Blammer

This term is slang for a pistol, emphasizing its loudness or noise when fired. It is often used to describe a firearm with a powerful or attention-grabbing sound.

  • For instance, a character in a novel might say, “The blammer went off, startling everyone in the room.”
  • In a conversation about firearms, someone might mention, “I prefer a blammer for its intimidation factor.”
  • A shooter at a firing range might comment, “The blammer definitely gets everyone’s attention.”