Definitely not a companion. But "tool" doesnt capture it.
For me, varying levels of "tool" I guess? Of course I treat all my tools with respect and maintain them, but to me there is a very different level of satisfaction and "pride of ownership" (maybe not the right phrase, but...) in a well-made gun that shows true quality of materials, finish and craftsmanship, versus one that is clearly made to a price point, complete with molded plastic, shoddy "bluing", parts that fit together with visible gaps, rattling parts, rough-feeling or binding actions, etc. Also, I appreciate some honest wear on an old gun that reflects both a lot of use as well as being well-maintained and cared for. I appreciate functional tools that are reliable and accomplish what I need despite gnarly weather, mud, snow, freezing rain, etc...there is a place at my table for my stainless tikka with a composite stock. But give me the choice and I'll reach for an old gun with worn bluing, a walnut stock that someone clearly put some thought and effort into shaping, fitting, finishing and checkering, and I'll reach for that one every time.
I no longer have it, but a while ago I had an old German guild sidelock shotgun. It was kind of a basket case, the stock had been broken into a dozen pieces at the wrist, and I bought it for next to nothing and restocked it. When I tore it down I found that the hand-cut checkering was not only on the action and side plates, but also INSIDE the action--the under side of the trigger guard tang was not only finely polished but also engraved, the inside of the side plates was also finely polished and engraved, all with sparse but pretty well done hand-cut scroll engraving. Someone took enough time and enough pride when making this "tool" to embellish the INSIDE of the gun. I compare that to a modern gun where anything that isnt visible is likely not polished at all, you can see daylight through the action of many guns becasue of how poorly fitted they are, major parts are simply molded plastic...and when you open the action and feel it grind or bind or just listen to it rattle or feel it flex, it just reinforces my appreciation for not just any functional tool, but one that exhibits real pride in craftsmanship. That's the sort of thing I appreciate. I like old tools too for the same reasons. I dont think this makes my appreciation for guns any less in the "tool" category, but it also fits squarely into the "appreciation of craft" category. I own a glock, but I appreciate a slicked-up 1911. I would think nothing of selling some guns that I have a lot of miles with and have been using for many decades...at the same time I own a few guns that are more or less irreplaceable in that they've struck my "appreciation of craft" and my wondering about who used them and where they've been...guess I'd think a lot harder about just selling those short of true necessity.
edit: And, if
@Mojave says this is gay...so be it!
