The phrase “any gun is better than no gun” is often tossed around in firearms circles like it’s gospel. On the surface, the idea makes sense: a gun, even a tiny or less effective one, still gives you a fighting chance in a self-defense scenario. But when you take a closer look at the logic behind that statement, it starts to fall apart. The truth is, not all guns are created equal when it comes to real-world defensive capability – and leaning on this phrase can lead to poor decisions that put people at risk.
The Reality Behind the Phrase
People often invoke this saying under the assumption that someone has no other option. Maybe it’s a beginner, a senior citizen, or someone with physical limitations. They figure a .22 LR tucked in a pocket is better than nothing at all. But this thinking skips over the biggest factor in firearm effectiveness: training. Just because someone isn’t comfortable with a 9mm right now doesn’t mean they can’t be. And with the right training, most people can shoot far more capable calibers safely and accurately.
When It’s Not About Skill, It’s About Assumptions
Too often, we assume someone can’t handle a “real” self-defense round because of size, experience, or gender. A husband walks into a gun store with his wife and picks out the smallest, lightest handgun he can find. Why? Because it looks cute and will “fit in her purse.” But he’s not thinking about how difficult that gun will be to shoot, how painful the recoil might be, or how much harder it is to aim accurately with minimal grip. What started as a well-meaning purchase becomes a liability.
Training Translates Across Platforms
Here’s the truth: most people can be trained to handle a 9mm pistol competently. Start with a .22 LR, build confidence, and graduate to something more appropriate for defense. A full-size 9mm has mild recoil, manageable weight, and often better ergonomics than smaller options. Instructors and training partners can help bridge the gap, and with time and effort, almost anyone can shoot a 9mm well enough to be effective in a high-stress scenario.
Not All Calibers Are Equal in a Fight
Yes, a .22 LR can kill. But the important question isn’t whether a caliber can kill – it’s whether it can stop a threat in time to save your life. Defensive gun use is about stopping an attacker quickly, not about hoping they die later. A larger caliber with reliable expansion, higher velocity, and better penetration gives you a significantly better chance of ending a violent encounter before it ends you.
Capacity and Confidence Matter
The other piece people forget in the “any gun is better than no gun” myth is magazine capacity. A six-shot .380 with no grip might seem easy to carry, but it’s far from ideal. A larger compact 9mm pistol like a Shield Plus or P365 gives you more capacity, a better grip, and a much more shootable platform. Those extra rounds could mean the difference between survival and tragedy – and they give the shooter confidence, too.
Deep Concealment Isn’t Always the Goal
Some guns are designed purely for deep concealment. That’s fine – if that’s what you truly need. But small, snappy handguns are usually poor choices for new or occasional shooters. They’re hard to control, less accurate, and offer fewer rounds. The assumption that “it’s better than nothing” often comes at the cost of functionality. Just because a gun is tiny and easy to carry doesn’t make it the right tool for self-defense.
The Problem With “Better Than Nothing” Thinking
The danger in accepting this myth is that it allows people to settle. Instead of striving to carry the best tool for the job, they carry something they can barely shoot because it’s convenient or less intimidating. This mindset undermines the entire purpose of carrying a firearm – to protect life effectively. If a gun is so uncomfortable, unreliable, or hard to control that you don’t practice with it, it’s arguably worse than no gun at all.
The Value of Honest Self-Assessment
Before choosing a defensive firearm, you have to ask: can I shoot this well under stress? Can I manipulate the controls, manage the recoil, and get back on target quickly? If the answer is no, you need to reassess your setup. Carrying a gun is a responsibility. It’s not enough to simply have one – you need to know how to use it. And that takes time, effort, and often stepping outside your comfort zone to choose a firearm that performs, not just one that fits in your pocket.
Don’t Let Ego Get in the Way
Sometimes the issue isn’t knowledge or options – it’s pride. Some people refuse to admit they can’t teach a loved one how to shoot effectively. Others cling to bad habits or poor choices because it’s what they’ve always done. But when lives are on the line, ego has to take a backseat. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to get professional training. What’s not okay is putting yourself or someone else in danger because of stubbornness.
It’s About Survivability, Not Sentiment
Ultimately, the goal of carrying a firearm is to survive a lethal encounter. It’s not about proving a point or carrying what looks good on Instagram. The right gun for self-defense is the one you can shoot well, consistently, and confidently. “Any gun is better than no gun” is a phrase that ignores nuance, training, and reality. If we really care about protecting life, we need to do better than slogans.
Choosing Intentionally
Carrying a gun is a serious responsibility that requires thought, preparation, and the humility to admit when something isn’t working. A poorly chosen gun, given to a poorly trained person, can be a false sense of security – or worse, a danger to themselves and others. The better approach? Choose with purpose. Train with dedication. And carry a firearm you can actually use when it counts.
Focus on What Actually Works
“Any gun is better than no gun” might sound reassuring, but it’s a shortcut through a much more important conversation. Instead of clinging to feel-good phrases, gun owners should focus on what actually works. With time and training, most people can handle a more capable self-defense platform. So let’s stop settling for “just okay” and aim for equipment and skills that truly protect the ones we love. In the end, it’s not just about carrying – it’s about carrying right.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.