Skip to Content

14 Gun Myths That the Media Doesn’t Want You to Question

When it comes to firearms, misinformation runs rampant. Between Hollywood’s dramatization of gun use and biased reporting, it’s no wonder that myths about guns are so widespread. These myths often lead to confusion, unnecessary fear, and misinformed opinions about firearms. Here, we tackle 14 of the most common gun myths, separating fact from fiction and offering some clarity on these highly debated topics.

1. Machine Guns Are Completely Illegal

1. Machine Guns Are Completely Illegal
Image Credit: Survival World

Contrary to popular belief, machine guns are not entirely illegal in the United States. While highly regulated, they can be owned under specific conditions. Pre-1986 machine guns are transferable to civilians if they meet federal requirements, including an extensive background check and a tax stamp.

However, due to the limited supply, they are incredibly expensive – often costing tens of thousands of dollars. Post-1986 machine guns are restricted to individuals with special licenses, such as Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders with a Special Occupational Tax (SOT).

2. Silencers Make Guns Completely Silent

2. Silencers Make Guns Completely Silent
Image Credit: Survival World

Hollywood often depicts suppressors (commonly called silencers) as devices that make guns whisper-quiet, but this is far from reality. Suppressors reduce the noise level to protect hearing but do not eliminate sound entirely.

For example, a suppressed firearm is still louder than a jackhammer. Suppressors are popular among hunters, home defenders, and sport shooters for their ability to make firearms safer to use without damaging hearing.

3. The “Gun Show Loophole” Allows Anyone to Buy Guns Without a Background Check

3. The “Gun Show Loophole” Allows Anyone to Buy Guns Without a Background Check
Image Credit: Survival World

This myth is a common talking point, but it oversimplifies the truth. Licensed firearms dealers at gun shows must follow the same background check procedures as they do in their stores. Private sales between individuals, which occur in some states without background checks, account for a small fraction of overall firearm transactions. Most gun owners strongly oppose selling firearms to individuals who cannot legally own them.

4. You Can Order Guns Online and Have Them Shipped to Your Door

4. You Can Order Guns Online and Have Them Shipped to Your Door
Image Credit: Survival World

Buying firearms online doesn’t bypass the law. When purchasing a gun online, it must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer, where the buyer completes the required background check before taking possession of the firearm. The only exceptions are antique firearms and replicas made before 1898, which are not subject to modern gun laws.

5. The AR in AR-15 Stands for “Assault Rifle”

5. The AR in AR 15 Stands for “Assault Rifle”
Image Credit: Survival World

The “AR” in AR-15 stands for “Armalite Rifle,” named after the company that designed it. Despite common misconceptions, an AR-15 is not an “assault rifle” because it does not have the capability for fully automatic fire. It is a semi-automatic firearm, meaning one trigger pull equals one shot – just like most modern handguns.

6. Assault Weapons Are the Most Common Guns Used in Crimes

6. Assault Weapons Are the Most Common Guns Used in Crimes
Image Credit: Survival World

Rifles, including AR-15-style firearms, are rarely used in crimes. Statistics consistently show that handguns account for the majority of firearm-related crimes, while rifles, including so-called “assault weapons,” are involved in fewer than 3% of firearm-related homicides. In fact, fists and knives are used in more homicides than rifles.

7. Smaller Guns Are Easier for Beginners to Shoot

7. Smaller Guns Are Easier for Beginners to Shoot
Image Credit: Survival World

While smaller guns are often marketed to new shooters, they are harder to control due to their lighter weight and increased recoil. Heavier firearms, such as full-size pistols, are typically easier for beginners to handle because they absorb more recoil, making them more stable and accurate.

8. Gun Laws in the U.S. Are Weak Compared to Other Countries

8. Gun Laws in the U.S. Are Weak Compared to Other Countries
Image Credit: Survival World

U.S. gun laws are often misunderstood. The federal background check system, known as NICS, has conducted over 300 million background checks since its inception in 1998. Moreover, the process to obtain items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, or machine guns involves months of waiting, additional taxes, and extensive background checks.

9. Concealed Carry Permits Lead to More Crime

9. Concealed Carry Permits Lead to More Crime
Image Credit: Survival World

Studies consistently show that concealed carry permit holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in the United States. Many concealed carriers invest significant time and resources into training and equipment to ensure they can responsibly defend themselves and others if necessary. Far from contributing to crime, these individuals often deter it.

10. Assault Weapons and Semi-Automatic Firearms Are the Same

10. Assault Weapons and Semi Automatic Firearms Are the Same
Image Credit: Survival World

“Assault weapon” is a term often used to describe semi-automatic firearms with certain cosmetic features, such as collapsible stocks or pistol grips. However, these features do not affect the firearm’s functionality. Semi-automatic firearms, which require one trigger pull per shot, are fundamentally different from military assault rifles capable of fully automatic or burst fire.

11. Gun Owners Oppose Background Checks

11. Gun Owners Oppose Background Checks
Image Credit: Survival World

The vast majority of lawful gun owners support background checks and do not want firearms in the hands of criminals. However, the debate often lies in the specifics of proposed legislation, especially when it could impose undue burdens on law-abiding citizens or fail to address existing issues in the current background check system.

12. Full-Auto Firearms Are Used Frequently in Crimes

12. Full Auto Firearms Are Used Frequently in Crimes
Image Credit: Survival World

Fully automatic firearms are rarely used in crimes. They are heavily regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and are prohibitively expensive for most people. Criminals typically prefer handguns because they are easier to conceal and obtain illegally.

13. Gun Owners Don’t Care About Safety

13. Gun Owners Don’t Care About Safety
Image Credit: Survival World

This myth is one of the most damaging. Most gun owners prioritize safety above all else, investing in secure storage solutions, proper training, and regular practice. Firearm safety is a cornerstone of responsible gun ownership, and organizations dedicated to firearms often offer free resources and courses to promote safe practices.

14. Guns Are the Leading Cause of Violent Crime Worldwide

14. Guns Are the Leading Cause of Violent Crime Worldwide
Image Credit: Survival World

While firearms are involved in violent crime, they are far from the sole cause. Many countries with strict gun laws experience high rates of violent crime involving other weapons, such as knives or blunt objects. Violence is often tied to factors like poverty, lack of education, and systemic inequality, not just the availability of guns.

The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture
Image Credit: Survival World

The myths surrounding firearms often stem from a lack of understanding or intentional fear-mongering. Whether someone is pro-gun or anti-gun, the conversation should be rooted in facts rather than emotions or misconceptions.

Understanding the reality behind these myths is not just important for gun owners but for everyone. It ensures that debates about firearms and public safety are based on evidence, not propaganda. At the end of the day, a well-informed discussion benefits all sides.