Gun Myths That Just Won’t Die: What Every Shooter Should Know

Even experienced gun owners still receive bad information passed around like fact. Some myths started decades ago. Others came from TV, movies, or viral videos. These stories often stick because they sound convincingly true or they simplify complex issues. However, real firearm safety, accuracy, and reliability depend on facts and not fiction.

This breakdown tackles the most common gun myths still being repeated today and explains why each one misses the mark.

Myth 1: “Knockdown Power” Stops Threats Instantly

The phrase “knockdown power” suggests that one shot can stop a threat with pure force. But this idea ignores basic physics. If a bullet had the power to knock someone down, it would push the shooter backward just as hard.

What stops a threat is penetration into vital structures or disruption of the central nervous system. In other words, shot placement and not caliber determines the outcome. Ballistics 101 provides helpful breakdowns on impact forces and projectile behavior.

Myth 2: Racking a Shotgun Scares Intruders Away

The sound of a shotgun being racked is recognizable. However, relying on noise to scare an intruder is not a good plan. If nothing, doing so gives away your location, removes the element of surprise, and assumes the intruder will make a rational decision.

Home defense should involve preparation, not theater. A loaded and secured shotgun, training, and situational awareness offer more security than sound alone.

Myth 3: Handguns Are Easy to Shoot in a Crisis

Many assume that pistols are the most manageable choice for self-defense. In reality, handguns require strong fundamentals and repetition. Under stress, even experienced shooters can struggle with trigger control and target acquisition.

Short barrels and small sights limit margin for error. Proper drawing, firing, and reholstering training makes a bigger difference than comfort alone.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need to Aim with a Shotgun

Shotguns fire multiple pellets, but they do not spread as widely as some believe. At close range, most buckshot stay within a tight group. This means that aiming remains essential, especially in confined spaces.

A defensive shotgun still demands accuracy, awareness of backstops, and knowledge of how different loads perform. The NSSF shares resources on responsible shotgun handling and training.

Myth 5: Bigger Caliber Means Better Stopping Power

Larger calibers offer more energy, but that doesn’t make them more effective in every case. A miss with a .45 does less than a well-placed shot with a 9mm. Accuracy, recoil control, and shot placement all matter more than caliber size alone.

In addition, advancements in bullet design have improved performance across the board. Today, modern 9mm loads meet FBI standards for penetration and expansion.

Myth 6: Semi-Autos Are Less Reliable Than Revolvers

This belief comes from older firearm designs. Modern semi-automatics are highly reliable when maintained properly and if you use quality ammunition. Malfunctions often result from poor magazines or user handling, not flaws in the design.

Revolvers can fail too. Timing issues, dirt buildup, or ejector problems can render them inoperable. No matter the platform, all guns require care.

Myth 7: Carrying Without a Round Chambered Is Safer

Some carry guns with an empty chamber, thinking it reduces risk of accidental discharge. While it may feel safer, it also introduces a delay during emergencies. Racking a slide under pressure, especially one-handed, is difficult and can produce inconsistent results.

Modern firearms with internal safeties and secure holsters are built for chambered carry. Safety comes from proper handling, not through additional steps.

Myth 8: You Can Learn Everything from YouTube

Online content can be helpful, but it cannot replace in-person instruction. Videos show techniques, but they cannot correct grip, stance, or timing errors in real time.

Live-fire instruction, dry-fire practice, and feedback from qualified instructors develop safe habits. A digital library should support but not replace hands-on experience.

Know the Facts, Not the Gun Myths

Gun myths often offer quick answers, but they ignore how firearms actually perform. Reliable handling, consistent training, and critical thinking matter more than what someone heard at the range.

Which myth have you seen repeated the most? Let us know in the comments and help clear up the confusion for others.

FAQs About Common Gun Myths

Why do so many gun myths still spread?
They often come from movies, outdated advice, or secondhand stories. Some myths simplify complex ideas, making them easier to repeat but harder to correct.

Is “knockdown power” ever a real factor in stopping threats?
No. The concept ignores basic physics. Stopping a threat relies on shot placement and disruption of vital functions, not force alone.

Is it ever smart to rack a shotgun as a warning?
No. It gives away your position and assumes the threat will back down. A better approach is to be prepared with training, a plan, and a secured firearm.

Are revolvers always more reliable than semi-automatics?
No. Modern semi-automatics are very reliable when maintained properly. Revolvers can still fail due to mechanical issues, dirt, or worn parts.

Can I carry safely with a round in the chamber?
Yes. Modern handguns with internal safeties and proper holsters are built for safe chambered carry. The key is training, not avoidance.

Can I become proficient just by watching online videos?
No. Videos are helpful, but they don’t replace live feedback. In-person training builds habits that videos cannot reinforce or correct.