Guns are surrounded by a lot of misinformation, and it’s not hard to see why. Misconceptions about firearms are everywhere, in movies as well as social media debates. Whether it’s myths about how guns work, who owns them, or what they can do, these falsehoods often cloud discussions on this important topic. Let’s clear the air by addressing 18 common myths people believe about guns and the facts that prove them wrong.
Guns Fire on Their Own
One of the most persistent myths is that guns can “go off” without anyone touching them. Modern firearms are built with multiple safety features to prevent this. Mechanisms like trigger safeties, drop safeties, and firing pin blocks ensure that a gun won’t discharge unless the trigger is intentionally pulled.
If a firearm fires unexpectedly, it’s often due to mishandling, wear and tear, or tampering, not the gun’s design.
More Guns Mean More Crime
It’s a common assumption that higher gun ownership automatically leads to more crime, but the reality is more nuanced. While some studies link guns to violent crimes, others show no direct correlation or even indicate that increased gun ownership coincides with lower crime rates in certain areas. Factors like law enforcement presence, socioeconomic conditions, and local culture often play a bigger role in determining crime levels than the sheer number of guns.
Silencers Make Guns Completely Silent
Movies and TV shows often depict suppressors (commonly called silencers) as rendering gunshots nearly inaudible. In reality, suppressors only reduce the decibel level of a gunshot to a less harmful range, comparable to a loud clap or a car door slamming.
While this makes shooting safer for the ears, the sound is still loud enough to be heard from a distance, debunking the myth that suppressors allow criminals to fire guns unnoticed.
You Don’t Need Training to Use a Gun Safely
The belief that guns are easy to handle without training is misleading and dangerous. Proper handling, aiming, and firing require instruction to ensure safety. Training also covers critical topics like safe storage, clearing jams, and understanding a firearm’s mechanics. Without these skills, accidents like negligent discharges are far more likely, highlighting the importance of formal education for gun owners.
Semi-Automatic Guns Are Fully Automatic
Many people confuse semi-automatic firearms with fully automatic ones. A semi-automatic gun fires one bullet per trigger pull, while a fully automatic weapon continues firing as long as the trigger is held down. Fully automatic guns are heavily restricted and rarely owned by civilians in the U.S..
Guns Are Only Owned by Men
The stereotype that guns are primarily owned by men is outdated. Women are one of the fastest-growing demographics in gun ownership, often purchasing firearms for self-defense, sport shooting, or hunting. Organizations and training programs specifically geared toward female gun owners have become increasingly popular, reflecting a shift in the traditional narrative.
Carrying a Gun Will Always Keep You Safe
While carrying a firearm can offer a sense of security, it’s not a guarantee of safety. Effective self-defense requires not only having a gun but also being trained to use it under stress. Situational awareness, de-escalation skills, and understanding the legal implications of self-defense are just as important as carrying a weapon.
Guns Are Easy to Buy Without Background Checks
A common myth is that anyone can walk into a store and buy a gun without any oversight. In reality, federal law requires licensed firearm dealers to perform background checks on buyers.
Private sales and gun shows may have different rules depending on state laws, but even in these cases, many states impose background check requirements to close loopholes.
Hollow-Point Bullets Are Designed to Cause Extra Pain
Hollow-point bullets are often misunderstood as being unnecessarily cruel or designed to cause excessive pain. In fact, these bullets are engineered to expand on impact, reducing the risk of over-penetration and collateral damage. This makes them a safer option for self-defense in populated areas, as the bullet is less likely to pass through the target and harm bystanders.
Police Can Instantly Trace Any Gun Used in a Crime
The belief that law enforcement can instantly trace any firearm used in a crime is largely a Hollywood invention. While the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) maintains a tracing program, the process is manual and time-consuming.
There’s no central database of gun ownership in the U.S., which means tracing often requires piecing together records from manufacturers, dealers, and registration systems.
All Gun Owners Are Against Gun Control
Not all gun owners oppose gun control. Many support common-sense measures like background checks, safe storage requirements, and restrictions on access for individuals with a history of violence. The diversity among gun owners reflects a wide range of opinions on how to balance gun rights with public safety.
Guns Are the Leading Cause of Death in America
While firearms are a significant cause of death in certain categories, like homicides and suicides, they are not the leading cause of death overall. Heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions account for far more fatalities each year.
However, firearm-related deaths remain a serious issue that sparks ongoing debates about prevention and regulation.
Handguns Are More Dangerous Than Rifles
This myth oversimplifies the issue. Handguns are involved in more crimes because they are compact, easier to conceal, and more widely owned. However, rifles, including semi-automatic models, can cause more severe injuries due to their higher velocity.
Guns Are Banned in Other Countries
While some countries have stricter gun laws than the U.S., very few have outright bans. Nations like Canada, the UK, and Australia allow gun ownership but impose strict regulations on licensing, storage, and the types of firearms permitted. This myth often exaggerates the differences in global gun policies.
You Can Tell How Dangerous a Gun Is Just by Looking at It
The appearance of a firearm, such as whether it looks “military-style,” doesn’t determine its lethality. Many guns with similar designs have vastly different capabilities. For example, a hunting rifle may be more powerful than an AR-15, despite the latter’s intimidating appearance. Understanding a gun’s specifications is more important than judging it based on looks alone.
“Smart Guns” Are Foolproof
So-called “smart guns,” which use fingerprint scanners or other tech to restrict who can fire them, are often promoted as a solution to gun accidents and theft. However, these systems are not foolproof. They can fail in critical moments due to technical malfunctions, battery issues, or environmental conditions. While they show promise, they are not yet a guaranteed solution for gun safety.
Guns Are Indestructible
Firearms are durable but not invincible. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and proper storage are essential to keep a gun functioning safely and reliably. Corrosion, wear and tear, and neglect can cause even the best-made firearms to malfunction. Treating a gun like it’s indestructible can lead to dangerous situations.
Owning a Gun Guarantees Home Defense
Having a gun for home defense can provide peace of mind, but it’s not a guarantee of safety. Without proper training, quick access, and a solid plan, a firearm may not be effective in a real-life situation. Alarm systems, locks, and good situational awareness are all critical components of home defense that complement firearm ownership.