My impression is that this pedantry -- see also terminology disputes about rifles, assault rifles, long guns, magazines, clips, etc. -- is often gun enthusiasts finding a pretext for mocking anyone outside the group who expresses an opinion.
In many cases, as in this one, the meaning was perfectly clear and raising the terminology issue is just a distraction.
In many cases, as in this one, the meaning was perfectly clear and raising the terminology issue is just a distraction.