Raw beginner mistaking a file for a weapon! (5)
I believe the answer is:
rifle
'for a weapon' is the definition.
(rifle is a kind of weapon)
'raw beginner mistaking a file' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'beginner' could be 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car) and 'l' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'rife' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rifle that I've seen before include "shoot?" , "Author of report" , "Winchester" , "Gun; sack" , "Carbine" .)