Gun myths are everywhere. Whether they come from movies, television, or old-school advice passed down through generations, misinformation about firearms has shaped public perception in ways that don’t always align with reality. Kevin Michalowski, the Executive Editor of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), and Tom Grieve, a former prosecutor and firearms attorney, recently tackled some of the most persistent gun myths in a USCCA video.
Below, we break down the six myths they discussed, rearranging them for a fresh take while keeping their expert insights at the forefront.
1. Revolvers Never Jam – False
One of the most enduring myths in the gun world is that revolvers are completely jam-proof. Many believe that because revolvers operate mechanically rather than relying on a cycling slide like semi-automatics, they are infallible under all conditions.
Michalowski and Grieve dismantle this idea, explaining that revolvers do malfunction—and when they do, the fix is often not as simple as clearing a jam in a semi-auto. Broken springs, debris under the ejection star, or unseated bullets from powerful loads can render a revolver inoperable. Unlike a semi-automatic pistol, which might be quickly cleared with a tap-rack-bang drill, a revolver failure often requires tools and a gunsmith to correct.
2. Suppressors Make Guns Silent – Not Even Close
Hollywood has done a great job convincing audiences that attaching a suppressor to a firearm transforms it into a whisper-quiet, stealthy assassin’s tool. In reality, suppressors (also known as silencers) only reduce the sound of gunfire – they don’t eliminate it.
Michalowski points out that even with a suppressor, a firearm can still produce noise loud enough to be heard from a significant distance. The degree of suppression depends on factors such as caliber, bullet velocity, and firearm action. For example, subsonic ammunition combined with a bolt-action rifle and a suppressor can be relatively quiet, but a semi-automatic handgun with standard ammo will still generate plenty of sound.
3. One-Shot Stops Are Guaranteed – Absolutely Not
Many people assume that one well-placed shot is all it takes to stop an attacker, a belief largely perpetuated by action movies and TV shows. In reality, stopping a threat is far from guaranteed with a single shot, even if that shot is placed in a vital area.
Grieve explains that there are only a few ways to truly stop an attacker instantly, such as a direct hit to the brainstem. More often, stopping power is psychological rather than physical – some people collapse after being shot simply because they realize they’ve been hit.
Others, particularly those under the influence of drugs or extreme adrenaline, may continue attacking despite multiple gunshot wounds. This is why police and self-defense trainers emphasize shooting until the threat stops rather than relying on the unrealistic idea of a single-shot stop.
4. You Don’t Need to Aim a Shotgun – Big Mistake
A widespread misconception about shotguns is that their wide spread of pellets eliminates the need for precise aiming. Some believe that just pointing the gun in the general direction of a threat is enough to hit the target.
Michalowski calls this belief completely false. While a shotgun’s spread increases over distance, at home defense ranges (typically under 10 yards), the pattern is still quite tight—about 4 inches wide. This means that if you don’t aim properly, you can still miss, and in a self-defense scenario, missing can have catastrophic legal and ethical consequences. Proper shotgun training is just as essential as training with any other firearm.
5. Racking a Shotgun Will Scare Away Intruders – Don’t Count On It
The cha-chunk of a shotgun racking a shell into the chamber is often described as the ultimate deterrent, something that will send intruders running in fear. While this may be true in some cases, Michalowski and Grieve stress that it is far from a universal rule.
Grieve notes that while a large percentage of criminals will flee at the sight of a firearm, some are unfazed by the sound of a shotgun being racked. Worse, relying on this sound as your only defense strategy could put you at a disadvantage.
If you keep your shotgun unloaded and have to rack it to make it ready, you are wasting precious seconds in a life-threatening situation. If it’s already loaded, racking it again ejects a live round—a waste of ammunition in a firearm that is already relatively slow to reload.
6. Machine Guns Are Completely Illegal – Not Quite
A common myth is that civilian ownership of machine guns is outright illegal in the United States. While it is heavily restricted, it is not impossible for private citizens to own fully automatic firearms.
According to Grieve, there are around 170,000 legally registered machine guns in civilian hands today. These firearms are tightly controlled under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Hughes Amendment of 1986, which banned the production of new machine guns for civilian ownership.
This means that only machine guns made before 1986 can be legally owned by civilians, and acquiring one requires an extensive background check, paperwork, and a hefty price tag – often tens of thousands of dollars.
Why Gun Myths Persist
Many of these myths originate from Hollywood, where dramatic gunfights and unrealistic firearm portrayals have shaped public perception. Other myths come from misinformation passed down over generations, often by well-meaning but misinformed gun owners.
The USCCA’s goal, through experts like Michalowski and Grieve, is to educate gun owners on proper firearm knowledge, training, and self-defense laws. Falling for myths can lead to dangerous misunderstandings, both in legal situations and in practical firearm use.
The Importance of Proper Firearm Training
A recurring theme in USCCA’s discussion is the importance of training. Whether it’s aiming a shotgun, understanding ballistics, or learning the realities of self-defense, knowledge and training are far more valuable than hearsay and myths.
Self-defense is a serious responsibility, and gun owners owe it to themselves and their communities to understand their weapons and the laws that govern them. If myths like these continue unchecked, they can create bad habits, dangerous assumptions, and potentially life-altering mistakes.
The Role of Media in Gun Misinformation
One of the biggest drivers of firearm myths is the mainstream media. News outlets, television shows, and movies often misrepresent how guns work, leading to widespread misconceptions. For example, reporters frequently misuse firearm terminology, referring to semi-automatic rifles as “assault weapons” or claiming that fully automatic firearms are readily available to the public, when in reality, they are highly regulated.
Movies and TV shows also create unrealistic expectations – characters effortlessly fire handguns with pinpoint accuracy while running, enemies fly backward after being shot, and silencers reduce gunfire to a mere whisper. These dramatizations reinforce false beliefs that many people take at face value.
The USCCA emphasizes the importance of seeking accurate information from reliable sources like firearm instructors, legal experts, and experienced gun owners rather than relying on sensationalized media portrayals. Understanding the truth behind firearm function and laws is crucial for both gun owners and the general public, ensuring that discussions around gun rights and safety are based on facts rather than fiction.
Know the Truth, Not the Myths
Gun myths persist because they’re simple, dramatic, and easy to believe. However, when it comes to firearms and self-defense, misinformation can be dangerous. The USCCA’s breakdown of these six myths serves as a reminder that firearms knowledge should always be rooted in reality, not legend.
As Michalowski and Grieve emphasize, proper training, critical thinking, and a healthy skepticism of Hollywood gunfights are essential for any responsible gun owner. So, the next time you hear one of these myths – whether it’s about the invincibility of revolvers or the legendary power of racking a shotgun – take a step back and think critically. After all, in self-defense, knowing the truth is just as important as knowing how to shoot.
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.
