When it comes to guns, there’s a lot of misinformation that just won’t seem to go away. Some of these myths have been around for decades, passed along like bad advice at a backyard BBQ. The truth is, believing the wrong thing about firearms can get you into trouble, whether it’s about safety, reliability, or even legal issues. Let’s clear the air on some of the biggest gun myths that people still believe—and why they’re flat-out wrong.
Myth #1: “Racking a Shotgun Will Scare Off an Intruder”
It’s a cool sound in the movies, but relying on it in real life isn’t smart. If someone’s already breaking into your home, they’re likely desperate enough not to care about noise. Plus, giving away your position is never a great tactic. You’re better off being prepared without the theatrics.
A shotgun should already be ready to go when you need it, not waiting on a last-second rack for effect. Assuming the sound alone will fix the situation puts you and your family at risk. Focus on training, not Hollywood tricks.
Myth #2: “Handguns Will Knock Someone Off Their Feet”
Thanks to action movies, a lot of folks think a handgun can send a bad guy flying across the room. Reality check: basic physics says otherwise. Bullets cause injuries by penetrating tissue, not by launching bodies into walls.
The truth is, if a handgun had enough force to knock someone backward, it would knock the shooter back too. Guns are serious tools, but they’re not magic. Expect controlled, deliberate effects—not action movie chaos.
Myth #3: “.22 LR Is Useless for Self-Defense”
Sure, it’s not ideal, but calling .22 LR “useless” for defense is just wrong. While it’s not as powerful as bigger calibers, shot placement matters way more than bullet size in a real-life situation. A well-placed .22 can absolutely stop a threat.
The real downside is reliability—some .22 ammo is finicky. But with good ammo and good aim, a .22 is a whole lot better than nothing. Never underestimate it just because it’s small.
Myth #4: “You Don’t Need to Aim a Shotgun”
Some folks think a shotgun sprays so much shot that you don’t even have to aim. Not true. At typical home-defense distances, the spread of the shot is only a few inches. You still have to point that shotgun exactly where you want it to hit.
Relying on the spread alone can lead to misses or, worse, unintended damage. A shotgun is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic wand. You still need basic marksmanship.
Myth #5: “Revolvers Never Jam”
Revolvers are reliable, but saying they never jam is wishful thinking. They can fail, too—especially if they’re dirty, damaged, or if you’re using ammo that’s out of spec. Timing issues and cylinder lockups happen more often than people realize.
The good news is revolvers are usually easier to diagnose on the spot. But never assume any mechanical device is immune to problems. Regular maintenance matters, no matter what you’re shooting.
Myth #6: “You’ll Rise to the Occasion in a Gunfight”
A lot of people think they’ll just magically perform under pressure. Truth is, you fall back on your training—or your lack of it. Stress does crazy things to your body, and fine motor skills go out the window real fast.
If you don’t train, your chances of reacting properly in a real emergency are slim. It’s not about “rising to the occasion.” It’s about being prepared before the moment ever happens.
Myth #7: “Hollow Points Are Illegal”
Some people believe hollow-point bullets are banned everywhere, but that’s not true for most of the United States. In fact, hollow points are a smart choice for self-defense because they’re designed to expand and stop inside the target, reducing over-penetration.
The confusion comes from places like New Jersey, where there are tighter rules. Always check your local laws, but in general, hollow points are legal and often recommended for personal defense.
Myth #8: “You Can Just Shoot Someone for Trespassing”
The movies love to make it seem like you can shoot anyone who steps onto your property. Real life is way more complicated. In most places, you have to prove there was a threat to your life or serious bodily harm before using deadly force.
Trespassing by itself usually doesn’t justify pulling the trigger. Every state’s laws are a little different, but in general, deadly force is a last resort, not a first reaction to someone wandering onto your land.
Myth #9: “Bigger Caliber Means Better Stop Power”
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. While a larger caliber can cause more tissue damage, it also brings heavier recoil, which can mess up your accuracy. A smaller caliber you shoot well beats a bigger caliber you can barely control.
Stopping power is a mix of shot placement, penetration, and expansion. It’s not just about how big the bullet is. Find what you shoot accurately and comfortably first, then worry about size.
Myth #10: “If You Own a Gun, You’re Automatically Protected”
Just owning a gun doesn’t make you safer. In fact, a gun without the right training, mindset, and storage plan can actually make things more dangerous for you and the people around you.
Self-defense is about preparation, not just possession. Having a gun is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle that includes practice, planning, and understanding the law.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
