I see the point, then I don't see the point.
I see no harm in using the word weapon at all. I think it's us hunters and shooters that seem to have an issue with it because we're knowledgeable and know all the various kinds.
BUT, how do you cover them all? The word gun is kind of blan, shotgun, rifle, pistol, revolver, muzzleloader narrow it down, then you go to type of action, pump, auto, break open, etc.
When I want to cover them all with one word I use weapon, don't have a problem with it, and see no issue. Gun just seems like a kindergarten type of word and just sounds 'funny' to me. I don't see this as an issue, really, Waidmannsheil, Dom.
P.S. When I went thru Basic in the military, a couple years ago at least, if you used gun, you're entire platoon low crawled at 2 A.M. in the rain around the barracks for an hour. Guess it's stuck with me because I still cringe when I hear 'gun' . . .
And they even let us sing!! This is my weapon this is my gun, one is for fighting the other for fun.