In my opinion if some of the greatest 18th century frontiersmen like Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton, Davy Crockett, Lewis Wetzel, and others would name their rifles it isn't silly or childish.
They properly named their rifles not because they think it's human or has some kind of spirit but properly out of respect because it's a good shooter or very reliable, or named it after something or someone they respected or loved. Or they do it because it's funny and entertaining and amusing.
The U.S Navy still puts names on ships and submarines, and planes ( hornet, super hornet, and lightening ).
The Airforce has names for planes ( mustang, specter, falcon, warthog, etc. ), the Army has put names on tanks ( Sherman, Abrams, Patton, etc ) and helicopters ( Cobra, Blackhawk, Apache, Iroquois, etc. )
If you think it's silly to name a rifle then don't. But if you get a chuckle and a laugh at giving your rifle a funny name, or give it a name out of respect for someone you knew who is gone now then name it. I had a friend for 42 years his name was Don Parsons but when we were kids his nickname was Neater. He died September 12, 2012 ( he was 54 years old ) of throat cancer after a three year battle. I think I'll name my new Early Virginia rifle Neater.
Life is to short. If doing something like naming a rifle, a car, a truck, a mountain, or what ever makes you happy and puts a smile on your face then do it.
