There’s no shortage of misinformation floating around when it comes to firearms and gun myths. From internet forums to Hollywood movies, gun myths have a way of spreading like wildfire — and sticking around far longer than they should.
Whether you’re new to gun ownership or a seasoned carrier, you’ve likely heard some of these. Let’s debunk the most ridiculous gun myths people still believe — and set the record straight with facts and logic.
Understanding the truth behind gun myths is essential for responsible gun ownership.
Gun myths can lead to dangerous misconceptions about firearms and their usage.
Understanding Gun Myths
These misconceptions, or gun myths, can have serious implications for safety and legality.
The most common gun myths can often mislead new gun owners into making uninformed decisions.
Recognizing these gun myths is the first step toward debunking them.
Addressing gun myths helps to create a safer environment for everyone.
Understanding the realities behind gun myths can prevent misinformation from spreading.
1. “Racking the Slide Will Scare Off an Intruder”
This one comes straight from the movies: the hero racks a shotgun or pistol slide, and the bad guy runs for the hills.
Many gun myths can be easily dispelled with a little research and education.
The truth? If you’re relying on the sound of a gun to deter someone, you’re already in a bad spot. You’ve just revealed your position, wasted precious time, and—worse—admitted your gun wasn’t chambered to begin with.
A home defense gun should be ready to go, not waiting for dramatic effect.
It’s important to read credible sources to combat the gun myths you encounter.
2. “Hollow Points Are Illegal”
Nope. This myth might come from confusion around certain states like New Jersey, where hollow point laws are more restrictive.
Reality check: Hollow point ammunition is completely legal in most states and preferred for self-defense because it expands on impact, reducing the chance of over-penetration and hitting unintended targets.
3. “You Can Shoot Someone for Trespassing”
This is one of the fastest ways to get yourself locked up. Property crime does not justify deadly force in most jurisdictions.
Self-defense laws are about protecting life, not just protecting property. Unless there’s an immediate threat to your safety or someone else’s, pulling the trigger could put you on the wrong side of the law.
4. “Caliber is All That Matters”
People love to argue about 9mm vs. .45 ACP like it’s a sports rivalry. But the truth is…
Shot placement > caliber. Every. Single. Time.
A hit to a vital area with a small caliber is far more effective than a miss with a larger round. Modern defensive ammunition has also made smaller calibers like 9mm incredibly effective when used properly.
5. “Glocks Don’t Have Safeties”
Yes, they do. Just not the external, thumb-operated kind.
Glocks use a triple safety system: a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. These are all internal and work automatically — but calling a Glock “unsafe” because it doesn’t have a manual safety is inaccurate and misleading.
6. “You’ll Go to Jail No Matter What if You Shoot Someone”
A lot of folks believe that no matter what, using your gun will land you behind bars. But that’s not how the law works.
If you’re justified under self-defense law — meaning you faced a reasonable and imminent threat of death or great bodily harm — your actions can be legally protected. That said, you should still expect to be investigated, and it’s smart to have legal protection (like carry insurance) just in case.
7. “You Have to Warn an Attacker First”
There is no law in most states that says you must verbally warn an attacker before defending yourself with a firearm.
Becoming educated about gun myths can enhance your safety and confidence as a gun owner.
If the threat is real, immediate, and deadly, you’re allowed to act — not negotiate. That said, de-escalation is always ideal when possible, but it’s not a legal requirement in a life-threatening moment.
8. “A Shotgun is Better Because You Don’t Have to Aim”
We’ve all heard it: “Just point it in the general direction and pull the trigger.” Completely false.
Don’t let gun myths dictate your understanding of firearms; seek out the truth instead.
At typical home defense distances (think 7-15 feet), the spread of a shotgun is minimal — maybe 1-3 inches depending on the choke and load. You still need to aim, and missing is absolutely possible.
9. “More Gun Laws Will Stop Criminals”
This myth is often thrown around in political debates, but the reality is simple:
Criminals don’t follow laws. That’s why they’re criminals.
Gun laws tend to impact the law-abiding, not the people who already ignore legal boundaries. Background checks, magazine bans, and waiting periods don’t deter someone with a stolen firearm and criminal intent.
10. “You Don’t Need to Train If You’ve Got a Gun”
Owning a gun doesn’t magically make you safe — just like owning a guitar doesn’t make you a musician.
If you carry or keep a firearm for protection, you have a responsibility to train — on how to shoot, when to shoot, and how to make legally sound decisions. Regular range time and scenario-based training can save your life — and keep you out of court.
Final Thoughts
Gun ownership comes with rights — and responsibilities. Knowing the truth behind these myths can help you be a more informed, safer, and more confident gun owner.
Which myths have you heard before?
Let us know in the comments, and feel free to share this with a friend who still believes any of them…
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