Must be location. My Granddad had beachfront property on Copalis since the 30's and they never called them a gun. They called them shovels, and never heard any of the old timers call them guns. But, they did call the others tubes. But of all the old guys I knew called them shovels.

I was trained on the shovel in the early 70's. I can usually outdig a tube/piper easily. Plus, alot less broken shells/disected clams. I surf dig, and usually have my clams either scooped out with my initial dig or have clam completely exposed for an easy grab.