Definition

Noun (informal, slang): A firearm, especially a handgun. The term "shooting-iron" is a colloquial and somewhat humorous or rustic way to refer to a gun, emphasizing its function as a tool for shooting.

Usage Examples

• (He took out his firearm and pointed it.)
• (The cowboy carried his gun in a leather holder.)
• (Do not bring that gun to the gathering; it is dangerous.)

Advanced Usage

• "to clean one's shooting-iron": to maintain or polish a firearm.

  • After the hunting trip, he spent an hour cleaning his shooting-iron. (He spent time maintaining his gun.)

• "to draw one's shooting-iron": to pull out a firearm quickly, typically in a threatening manner.

  • The outlaw drew his shooting-iron when the sheriff approached. (The criminal pulled out his gun as the law officer came near.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shooting (n): the act of firing a gun.
  • The shooting at the range was loud. (The firing of guns at the practice area was noisy.)
• Iron (n): a metal; also, a slang term for a firearm.
  • He carried a piece of iron for protection. (He carried a gun for self-defense.)

Synonyms

• Firearm: a portable gun.
• Handgun: a small gun designed to be held in one hand.
• Pistol: a type of handgun.
• Revolver: a handgun with a revolving cylinder.

Phrasal Verbs

• Shoot off: to fire a gun, often carelessly or as a signal.
  • He shot off his shooting-iron to celebrate the victory. (He fired his gun to mark the win.)

Related Idioms

• "shoot from the hip": to act or speak impulsively, without careful thought.
  • He tends to shoot from the hip when giving advice, just like using a shooting-iron without aiming. (He reacts quickly without planning.)

Note on Register

"Shooting-iron" is considered very informal and somewhat dated. It is often used in Western films, historical fiction, or humorous contexts. Avoid using it in formal or academic writing.