Common Gun Myths to Ignore

7 Myths About Guns You Need to be Aware Of

Over the years, I have heard many common gun myths to Ignore. Unfortunately, these myths can lead to bad habits and unsafe practices. In this blog post, We will discuss some of the most common shooting and gun myths and why they should be ignored.

Common Gun and Shooting Myths That Should Be Ignored

Media, popular culture, and misinformation often perpetuate firearms myths, leading to dangerous misunderstandings and injuries. Ignoring these myths and focusing on the facts regarding firearms is important. Believing in firearm myths can create a false sense of security or a lack of understanding about firearms’ risks and safety protocols. This can lead to accidents and injuries.

We must approach firearms respectfully and educate ourselves and others about proper firearm safety protocols and responsible ownership.

My Guns Not Loaded

If you’ve been around other people and guns for any period of time, one day, someone will hand you a firearm and say, “It’s not loaded.” Assuming that a firearm is not loaded is a dangerous assumption that can lead to serious injuries or even death, even if you’ve been told it isn’t.

This assumption can lead people to handle firearms unsafely.

Firearms should always be treated as if loaded, even if the person handling the firearm believes it is unloaded. This means keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction, keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to fire, and ensuring it is unloaded and cleared before handling or storing it. By assuming that a firearm is not loaded, individuals are putting themselves and others at risk of injury or death. It is important always to exercise caution and follow proper firearm safety protocols to prevent accidents and promote responsible firearm ownership.

You Don’t Need to Aim at Close Range

Another common myth is that you don’t need to aim when shooting at close range. This is not true. Even at close range, you should always aim at your target. Firing blindly or without aiming can lead to unintended consequences and endanger yourself and others.

Always remember to use proper sight alignment and aim for center mass. If you want to take your shooting skills to the next level, consider learning to shoot with both eyes open when sighting in.

You Should Shoot to Wound

Another myth is that you should shoot to wound instead of shooting to kill. This is not true. In a self-defense situation, you should always shoot to stop the threat. Shooting to wound is ineffective and can put you and/or your loved ones in greater danger. The goal is to stop the threat quickly to prevent further harm.

It is not something we like to think about, but it is something you should address with yourself if you plan to have firearms for self-defense or concealed carry. As you take inventory of your thoughts of whether you could defend yourself or your loved ones with lethal force, be honest with yourself. Carrying a firearm is bad if you have reservations or know you cannot.

Guns are More Dangerous than Other Weapons

There is a common myth that guns are more dangerous than other weapons, such as knives or blunt objects. This is not true. While guns can be deadly, any weapon can be deadly if used improperly. It’s important to remember that the operator, not the tool, is responsible for safety. Guns can be used safely and effectively with proper training and safety practices.

You Should Always Shoot Until the Gun is Empty

Another myth is that you should always shoot until the gun is empty. This is not true. In self-defense, you should shoot until the threat has been neutralized. Firing blindly or continuing to shoot after the threat has been eliminated can put yourself and others in danger. Always remember to use proper judgment and only shoot as much as necessary.

Recoil is Always Bad

Many shooters believe that recoil is always bad and should be avoided. This is not true. Recoil is a natural part of shooting and can improve accuracy and control.

With proper grip, technique, and training, recoil can be managed and used to your advantage.

You Don’t Need Eye or Ear Protection

Another dangerous myth is that you don’t need eye or ear protection when shooting. This is a big myth and one that can cost you dearly. Most shooters know someone who believed that myth, which cost them. In particular, hearing loss is something that is not uncommon.

Eye and ear protection are essential when shooting to protect your senses from the loud noise and debris from the gun. Failure to wear proper protection can lead to serious injury or permanent damage.

Common Gun Myths to Ignore Conclusion

In conclusion, many shooting myths should be ignored. These myths can lead to bad habits and unsafe practices that can endanger yourself and others. It’s important always to seek proper training and safety practices to ensure safe and effective shooting.

Lastly, It’s my feeling that not only should we be practicing safety fundamentals, but we have a responsibility to teach by example. You will find when you’ve been shooting enough that people will ask why you do certain things because they also want to be responsible and safe gun owners.

Common Shooting and Gun Myths to Ignore FAQs