i did a bit of lexicographical research (i broke open my webster's new world) and found that loony has nothing to do with lunatic, which comes from lune/lunar, as in the moon. loony instead comes from the ancient scottish word loon (lown, loun), which means, in order, 1) a clumsy, stupid person, 2) crazy person, 3a) a boy, 3b) a harlot and 4) [archaic] a) a person of low rank b) a rogue.
so i suppose those who support "rifle ho" or "gun ho" should be satisfied with the continued use of "rifle loony" and such based on the harlot referance. those who think themselves a bit roguish should find satisfaction as well in the term "loon."
i certainly find no problem with "rifle loon." but if one had to come up with an alternative, i would suggest "rifle fan." this would go along with sports fan, racing fan, etc., as suggestive of someone who appreciates and follows the nuances of one's chosen sporting interest(s).
what fun ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
