RE: When did they become weapons?
I have no interest in being "Politically Correct"
Atool used to kill something to put food on my table is a weapon and a friend.
A tool used to protect my country, my family, and myself from any and all harm is a weapon and a friend.
A weapon in american english means anything used to injure or kill.
I think the concept of hunting with a non-camera instrument is to KILL.