Top 5 Firearms Myths – Busted!

When it comes to firearms, myths and misconceptions spread faster than the latest viral video. Some of these ideas come from Hollywood’s dramatic portrayals, others from outdated advice passed along at the range, and a few from misinformation shared online. The problem is, these myths can influence how people handle, store, and even think about firearms—sometimes with dangerous consequences. Whether you’re a new gun owner still learning the ropes, a seasoned shooter refining your skills, or simply curious about firearm facts, understanding what’s true and what’s not is essential. By separating fact from fiction, we can promote safety, encourage responsible ownership, and foster informed discussions in our communities.

Let’s break down the top 5 firearms myths and set the record straight.

1. Myth: A Handgun Will Always Stop an Attacker Instantly

Reality: Movies and TV often show a single shot dropping an attacker immediately, creating the illusion that handguns are guaranteed to stop a threat with one well-placed round. In reality, while handguns can be effective defensive tools, they are not magic wands. Even when a shot strikes a vital area, the attacker may remain physically capable of continuing their actions for seconds—or even minutes—depending on factors like adrenaline, substance use, mental state, or sheer determination. The type of ammunition used, its penetration and expansion characteristics, and the shooter’s accuracy under stress all influence the outcome. This is why defensive shooting emphasizes controlled, accurate follow-up shots and maintaining awareness until the threat is clearly stopped. Proper training, realistic expectations, and a deep understanding of your firearm’s strengths and limitations are critical to responsible self-defense. Even the most skilled shooter may need more than one shot to stop a threat to their life. In the real world, self-defense encounters are dynamic and unpredictable—preparation, not overconfidence, is your greatest advantage.

2. Myth: You Don’t Need Training – It’s Just Point and Shoot

Reality: Safe and effective firearm use requires skill that goes far beyond simply pulling a trigger. Mastering fundamentals such as stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, breathing control, and trigger discipline is essential for accuracy and safety. Training also prepares you to handle malfunctions, reload efficiently, and make quick, sound decisions in high-stress situations—skills that are difficult to acquire without professional guidance and regular practice. Shooting at a static target on a calm day at the range is vastly different from reacting under pressure when it matters most. Real-world defensive scenarios may involve low light, moving targets, multiple threats, and obstacles that force you to adapt instantly. Even experienced shooters can develop bad habits over time, which is why refresher courses, scenario-based training, competitive shooting events, and consistent range time are invaluable for maintaining and improving your skills. Training isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment to competence and safety.

3. Myth: A Shotgun Doesn’t Need to Be Aimed

Reality: While a shotgun’s spread is wider than a rifle’s, it’s still essential to aim. The idea that a shotgun can be “pointed in the general direction” and still hit the target is misleading and dangerous. At typical home defense ranges—often 7 to 15 feet—the spread of the shot is minimal, usually only a few inches. That means you could easily miss a vital hit zone or, worse, strike something or someone you didn’t intend to. Aiming ensures you place your shots exactly where they need to go, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage. In defensive situations, every pellet that misses the target is a potential liability, both ethically and legally. This is especially true in urban or home defense settings where walls, doors, or furniture may conceal loved ones or bystanders. Understanding your shotgun’s pattern, practicing aimed fire, and choosing the right ammunition for the situation all play a role in responsible use. Regardless of firearm type, sighting your target before you pull the trigger is a fundamental rule of safe gun handling.

4. Myth: Guns Go Off on Their Own

Reality: Modern firearms are engineered with multiple redundant safety mechanisms, including firing pin blocks, trigger disconnects, and drop safeties, making an uncommanded discharge virtually impossible when the gun is functioning properly. Nearly all so-called “accidental” discharges are actually negligent discharges caused by improper handling—most commonly keeping a finger on the trigger before being ready to fire or failing to follow the basic safety rules. Factors like improper holstering, careless cleaning, improper maintenance, or ignoring manufacturer guidelines can also lead to preventable incidents. Following core firearm safety principles—such as keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until sights are on target, and treating every firearm as if it’s loaded—creates multiple layers of protection against mishaps. In short, guns don’t just “go off”—people make them go off, whether intentionally or through negligence.

5. Myth: Bigger Caliber = Always Better

Reality: A larger caliber can mean more stopping power, but it also brings more recoil, muzzle rise, and potentially slower follow-up shots, all of which can reduce effectiveness for some shooters—especially in high-stress situations. Heavy recoil can cause flinching, poor shot placement, or even hesitation to practice regularly. Conversely, a smaller caliber that you can control well allows faster, more accurate follow-up shots and better overall performance. The “best” caliber is highly personal—it should balance power with controllability, comfort, and confidence. Ballistic performance, ammunition availability, firearm size, and your intended use (self-defense, hunting, competition) all factor into that choice. Additionally, advancements in bullet design—such as bonded hollow points and improved jacketed projectiles—have made many smaller calibers far more effective than they were decades ago, narrowing the gap in real-world performance. Environment and mission also matter: what works well for hunting large game may be excessive for concealed carry, and vice versa. Ultimately, shot placement, proficiency, and consistency matter far more than sheer size or energy on paper—because a well-placed shot from a manageable caliber will always outperform a missed shot from something “bigger and better.”

Final Thoughts

Dispelling myths helps promote responsible firearm ownership and safety by encouraging people to base their decisions on facts, not assumptions or hearsay. Misinformation can lead to unsafe handling, poor equipment choices, or false confidence in a firearm’s capabilities—all of which can have serious consequences. Whether you’re carrying for self-defense, hunting in the backcountry, competing in shooting sports, or simply enjoying recreational target practice, knowledge is as important as marksmanship. True proficiency means understanding how your firearm works, respecting its potential dangers, and continuously improving your skills. Train regularly, seek out credible instruction, stay informed about evolving best practices, and always handle every firearm with the respect it deserves. Safety isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a lifelong discipline.

Which firearm myths have you heard that need busting? Share them in the comments!