How Did Firearms Become Platforms??

[Absalom]

If a Mauser 98 is a "platform," I hereby resign all further discussion

Too late

This from a 2006 promotional text by Remington:

“A survivor of two world wars and over one hundred years of service, the widely popular, classic Model 98 Mauser action has served faithfully as the platform of choice for many successful bolt action rifles and is sought after by today’s hunters and shooters.”

And an 1999 Mitchell’s manual:

“So, your rifle was recently ‘honorably discharged’ from the military and is now a civilian! The Model 48 rifle is a very strong rifle, originally designed for the rigors of combat. As such it provides you with an excellent platform for sporterizing or you can use it for hunting just as it is (but please leave the bayonet at home).”

 

[eveled]

Both of those are using platform as a starting point to build on. It’s used differently today. I think it snuck into the gun vernacular from the computer world. It’s not a word I’ve ever used in a gun conversation.

 

[steelslaver]

I guess you could call frames or receivers platforms.

A AR lower is the platform on which I can attach a variety of other parts to make it a 5,56, a 6.5 Grenel, a pistol a carbine or a rifle.

I bought a beat up Mohawk 600 in 308 and used it as a "platform" to built a bull barreled 6.5 Creedmoore on a thumb hole stock

I have ordered 4 model 10s missing barrels from J&G sales as gunsmith specials. One was the "platform" which I attached a 4" heavy barrel to make a nice 38 special, another got a nickel model 13 barrel and recessed cylinder to become a 357. The 3rd "platform" has a 4" Python barrel screwed into it as itt is on its way to becoming a Smolt 357. The parts are on their way to make the 4th "platform" into a 327 Federal.

Mostly I call my "platforms" receivers or frame. But, when I built something I usually do start out with a foundation or "platform"

Just another interesting word usage built off the "platform" we call the English language

You guys need to get more like operators

 

[bigwheelzip]

I wouldn't use "Platform" to describe our firearms generally, perhaps with the exception of firearms with integral mounting rails or specific D&T locations. Those might fit a "Platform" category, as a platform for mounting optics or illumination.

 

[Telecaster]

As a group we seem obsessed with correct terminology. Call a magazine a clip, or a cartridge a bullet, and all heck breaks loose. But when a firearm is called a platform it's just the evolution of language?

 

[jeffrefrig]

Does a tree stand count as a platform? Kinda like a diving platform, only there's no water to break your sudden downward motion. Just rocks, dirt, roots, and, if you're lucky about 3 feet of snow. If you're South of the Mason-Dixon Line, no 3' of snow.

 

[mike from st pete]

Platforms?

A tacticool operator that writes articles for firearms magazines decided that to be tactical a firearm had to have a platform.

 

[Drm50]

It aggravates me to engage in conversation with anybody who is into tactical, platforms, cans,ect. The worst is the “build”, baby talk and cute nick names.

 

[smoothshooter]

I always have found the term “ platform “ annoying when used in reference to firearms. Probably started by someone in a firearms marketing department trying to sound “ cool “ in an ad or sales presentation. What’s wrong with just saying “ system” ?

“ Gifted “ is another one. Too cutsie for me.
What’s wrong with just saying “ gave “?

Some of you guys here that use “ gifted “ explain why the more commonly used “ gave “ doesn’t get the point across?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have you noticed - The Platform people usually wear those Tactical Pants,
Sometimes Camo.

 

[UncleEd]

So use of the word "platform" seems
to be controversial.

Be that as it may, it's important to know
what the date of birth is for the "platform."

 

[Ziggy2525]

For me the AR-15, the Glock 19, and 1911s meet the definition of a platform.

They provide a functional foundation to build out a more sophisticated (or not) weapon. RDS, light/laser, aftermarket sights, triggers, etc. For the Glock and 1911, aftermarket sights, slides, and barrels.

That seems pretty platform'ish.

 

[Ziggy2525]

...
Some of you guys here that use “ gifted “ explain why the more commonly used “ gave “ doesn’t get the point across?

"Gifted" implies a value to the thing given. The word "gave" may not. I've seen and have used the phrase "This soldier gifted his life to his country and his fellow soldiers."

In that context, I think the word "gifted" expresses the sentiment better than the word "gave."

 

[Absalom]

As a group we seem obsessed with correct terminology. Call a magazine a clip, or a cartridge a bullet, and all heck breaks loose. But when a firearm is called a platform it's just the evolution of language?

Maybe some get a bit “obsessed”. But all areas of specialization develop their own vocabulary to talk about the whatchamacallits that are their focus.

Most of that language is useful and generally accepted, some isn’t, so we discuss it. That can get contentious.

There are issues with precision and definitions. Some people use the terminology to sound more knowledgeable than they are, others to identify themselves as members of the in-group. Specialty businesses push “cool” terms to sell stuff. Some words even have political implications. And old guys just complain about words they didn’t use to use back whenever.

But since there is no “gun language pope”, we’ll have to live with gun terms we’d rather not hear.

 

[LVSteve]

"Gifted" implies a value to the thing given. The word "gave" may not. I've seen and have used the phrase "This soldier gifted his life to his country and his fellow soldiers."

In that context, I think the word "gifted" expresses the sentiment better than the word "gave."

"Gifted" is an abominable non-word, an affront to the English language used by the lazy. JMNSHO.

 

[Ziggy2525]

"Gifted" is an abominable non-word, an affront to the English language used by the lazy. JMNSHO.

A very professorial, very elitist view of the English language.

 

[16thVACav]

I don't refer to guns as "platforms", nor do I know anyone who does so.

 

[G-Mac]

I hate when people call firearms "platforms". Other terms that irritate me are "minty" and "price point". Oh yeah, and "prolly" when trying to spell "probably". Those people are really idiots.

 

[Tilheyra]

Words, as with all symbols, have no inherent meaning. Thus, any current meaning was derived from a process of negotiation via human interaction. As the meaning of symbols comes from a process of negotiation, meaning is also subject to a continual process of renegotiation through the aggregate of our interactions. Dictionaries provide us with a great reference to current and past meanings of words, but may eventually be out of date by the continuing evolution of meaning.

The term platform is an excellent example to illustrate shifts in meaning. Another is the term decimate. Previous and current dictionaries define decimate as "reducing by 10 percent". However, this term is now often used as a synonym for devastate, which is why some dictionaries have started including this new definition.

 

[VaTom]

Furniture on the platform��