Nomenclature

[Aguila Blanca]

..what about "pocket-battleships"?

The term "pocket battleship" was applied to the WW2 German warship, the Admiral Graf Spee. She was actually a heavy cruiser.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_cruiser_Admiral_Graf_Spee

 

[Gunplummer]

Military memories: "This is my rifle, this is my gun, this ones for ............".

 

[xandi]

So which ones for fun?

 

[Cheapshooter]

pistols-revolvers
Cartridges-bullets
Magazines-clips
I bet no mater what "currently correct" (like politically correct but about guns) term somebody uses, I bet you know exactly what they mean!
"How many bullets will the clip for a ???? Hold?"
"I inherited an old pistol from my dad. I think it's a S&W 38"
Be honest, you would know what they meant.

 

[HiBC]

Now,just to be ornery...(with a smile) OP,Since you seem to care about getting it right,Count the flats on your "hex" barrel.

 

[Jim Watson]

I get kind of twitchy when I read about "bore diameter." Most times the number given is groove diameter.

 

[darkgael]

Terms

I get kind of twitchy when I read about "bore diameter." Most times the number

Same happens to me every time some one uses caliber when they mean cartridge.
When was the last time you put six calibers into your revolver?

 

[Chaz88]

That said, if you nailed me down and forced me into taking a side I'd use the above quote and go with 'frigate'.

You can generally get away with calling a ship anything that is close to its class. But unless you are or have been in the Navy do not call a ship a boat around a bunch of Sailors. It is one of those things you can only do if you are in the club. landlubbers and wogs must tread carefully!

EDIT: By the way the Navy is also fairly particular about what you call a gun. As in the 16" 3000 pound projectile launching device on a battle ship is a gun. Shoulder fired small arms can generally collectively be referred to as rifles.