How to Sign "Gun"

To sign "gun," start by forming your dominant hand into a shape where your index and middle fingers are extended forward and kept together. Point your thumb straight up, while curling your ring and pinky fingers into your palm. With your palm facing sideways, bend your thumb down toward your fingers twice. This movement mimics the action of cocking the hammer of a handgun.

Examples Using "Gun" in a Sentence

1

The police officer carries a gun.

Start by signing 'police' by tapping a 'C' handshape on your chest, then sign 'carry.' Finish with the sign for 'gun,' making sure to clearly extend both your index and middle fingers while bending your thumb down twice.

2

He bought a new gun for hunting.

Point to indicate 'he,' then sign 'buy' and 'new.' Follow this with the sign for 'gun.' Finally, sign 'hunting' by using both hands in 'H' handshapes, bringing them back and forth near your shoulders.

3

Is that gun loaded?

Sign 'that' and 'gun,' followed by the sign for 'full' or 'loaded.' Because this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows, widen your eyes, and lean forward slightly while holding the final sign to prompt a response.

How to Sign "Gun"
To sign "gun," start by forming your dominant hand into a shape where your index and middle fingers are extended forward and kept together. Point your thumb straight up, while curling your ring and pinky fingers into your palm. With your palm facing sideways, bend your thumb down toward your fingers twice. This movement mimics the action of cocking the hammer of a handgun.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the physical shape and mechanics of a handgun. Your extended index and middle fingers act as the long barrel of the pistol. Meanwhile, your thumb pointing up and bending downward perfectly mimics the real-world action of a person cocking the hammer of a revolver.
Signing Tips
When signing 'gun,' focus on keeping your index and middle fingers perfectly straight and pressed together to represent the barrel. Make sure your wrist and arm remain completely still; the only part of your hand that should move is your thumb. Bending the thumb twice with a crisp, deliberate motion makes the sign look clear and natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving their entire hand or wrist up and down, as if experiencing recoil. Remember that the sign for the noun 'gun' only requires moving the thumb. Another frequent error is using only the index finger; while sometimes understood in context, the standard sign uses both the index and middle fingers.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gun" in a Sentence
1

The police officer carries a gun.

Start by signing 'police' by tapping a 'C' handshape on your chest, then sign 'carry.' Finish with the sign for 'gun,' making sure to clearly extend both your index and middle fingers while bending your thumb down twice.

2

He bought a new gun for hunting.

Point to indicate 'he,' then sign 'buy' and 'new.' Follow this with the sign for 'gun.' Finally, sign 'hunting' by using both hands in 'H' handshapes, bringing them back and forth near your shoulders.

3

Is that gun loaded?

Sign 'that' and 'gun,' followed by the sign for 'full' or 'loaded.' Because this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows, widen your eyes, and lean forward slightly while holding the final sign to prompt a response.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign apply to all types of guns?

This specific sign is primarily used for a handgun, pistol, or revolver. If you are talking about a larger firearm, like a rifle or a shotgun, you would use a different, two-handed sign that mimics holding a long barrel against your shoulder.

Can I use just my index finger instead of two fingers?

While you might occasionally see someone use just the index finger in very casual signing or slang, using both the index and middle fingers is the standard, most accurate way to sign 'gun' in ASL.

Should I move my hand back to show the gun shooting?

No, you should keep your hand steady for the noun 'gun.' If you move your hand back to mimic recoil or push it forward with a single thumb drop, it changes the word from a noun (the gun itself) to a verb (the action of shooting).

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!