Common Firearm Myths That Persist (and What Responsible Owners Should Know)

Walk into any gun shop, range lounge, or comment thread and you’ll hear confident “rules” about firearms—some grounded in truth, others repeated so often they feel true. Misconceptions aren’t just annoying; they can lead to unsafe handling, poor purchasing decisions, or unrealistic expectations about what equipment can and can’t do.

This article tackles a handful of common myths with a practical, safety-forward lens. It’s not legal or medical advice, and it avoids tactical instruction. The goal is simple: help you separate folklore from facts so you can make more informed, responsible choices.

At-a-Glance: Myths We’ll Clear Up

• “If it has a safety, it’s safe.”
• “Modern guns never malfunction.”
• “More accessories always means better performance.”
• “Bigger caliber always means more ‘stopping power.’
• “Shotguns don’t require precise aiming.”
• “Certain ammo ‘can’t’ overpenetrate indoors.”
• “Used guns are risky; new guns are worry-free.”

Myth #1: “If it has a manual safety, it’s safe.”

A mechanical safety is a helpful feature—not a substitute for safe handling. Safeties can be inadvertently disengaged, misunderstood, or simply not engaged when you think they are. Different firearms also have different safety designs and controls, which means “muscle memory” from one platform may not translate to another.

Responsible takeaway: Treat every firearm as if it can fire if the trigger is pressed. A safety is one layer in a larger safety system that includes secure storage, safe handling habits, and good decision-making.

Myth #2: “Modern firearms are so reliable they never malfunction.”

Reliability has improved dramatically over the decades, but no mechanical device is perfect. Malfunctions can come from many sources: ammunition variability, magazine issues, maintenance neglect, environmental debris, or worn parts over time. Even reputable brands can experience occasional issues, especially if a firearm is new and still being “broken in,” or if it’s fed inconsistent ammunition.

Responsible takeaway: Expect that malfunctions are possible and plan your range time accordingly: use eye/ear protection, follow posted range procedures, and if anything seems abnormal (odd sound, unusual recoil, failure to cycle), stop and ask a range officer or qualified instructor for guidance.

Myth #3: “More accessories always makes a firearm better.”

Accessories can add functionality, comfort, or fit—but they can also add complexity, weight, snag points, and new failure modes. A common consumer trap is turning a simple setup into a “project” that’s harder to transport, harder to store responsibly, and harder to maintain.

Some accessories can also change how a firearm interfaces with a holster or storage solution, which may create safety concerns if the combination isn’t compatible. (When in doubt, consult a reputable instructor, gunsmith, or the accessory manufacturer about fit and safe use.)

Responsible takeaway: Choose accessories for a specific purpose (comfort, visibility, durability, compatibility) and prioritize reliability and safe handling over trend-driven add-ons.

Myth #4: “Bigger caliber always means better results.”

It’s easy to reduce caliber discussions to a single number, but real-world performance depends on many variables—platform reliability, shooter proficiency, recoil management, ammunition design, and consistency. Bigger or faster isn’t automatically “better,” and it can bring tradeoffs like increased recoil, slower follow-up shots, higher cost, or reduced capacity depending on the platform.

This is also where internet debates often slip into overconfident claims about outcomes. In reality, responsible ownership focuses on safe handling, competence, and choosing a setup you can control and shoot accurately under stress—rather than relying on a caliber to “do the work.”

Responsible takeaway: If you’re choosing a caliber for a lawful purpose, focus on controllability, reliability, and availability—and seek instruction so you’re building skill rather than chasing myths.

Myth #5: “Shotguns don’t need precise aiming.”

At typical indoor or close outdoor distances, shotgun patterns are usually tighter than many people expect. The idea that you can simply “point in the general direction” is a recipe for misses and unsafe outcomes. Pattern size varies widely based on ammunition type, barrel, and distance—so assumptions are risky.

Responsible takeaway: Any firearm requires deliberate aiming and muzzle discipline. If you own a shotgun, consider doing supervised range work to understand how it patterns with your chosen ammunition (following all range rules and using appropriate targets and backstops).

Myth #6: “This ammo won’t overpenetrate in a home.”

Overpenetration is a complex topic influenced by construction materials (drywall, studs, doors), angles, and the type of projectile. Marketing phrases like “reduced penetration” can be misunderstood as “safe to miss,” which is never true. Even loads designed to reduce risk can still pass through typical household barriers under certain conditions.

Rather than hunting for a “magic bullet,” a safer mindset is to plan around preventing misses: prioritize secure storage, safe handling, and training with a qualified instructor. Also consider non-shooting safety steps like better lighting, clear family plans, and communication—without assuming equipment can replace judgment.

Responsible takeaway: There is no ammo that makes misses “safe.” Choose reputable, purpose-appropriate ammunition and focus on prevention, accountability, and safe storage.

Myth #7: “New guns are worry-free, and used guns are risky.”

New firearms come with warranties, known parts history, and typically less wear. Used firearms can be excellent values and may have proven track records—if they were maintained and not abused. Either can have issues. A new firearm may still need function checks and familiarization; a used firearm may need inspection for wear, corrosion, or questionable modifications (and if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a qualified gunsmith can help).

Responsible takeaway: Buy based on condition, support, and intended lawful use—not simply “new vs. used.” Always follow safe handling practices during inspection and ensure transfers comply with all applicable laws and store policies.

Myth #8: “If it’s popular online, it must be the best choice.”

Trends move fast. Influencer setups may prioritize aesthetics, sponsorship compatibility, or niche competition use. What works for someone with thousands of rounds of experience per month might not be the right fit for a casual range shooter, a collector, or someone focused on home safety planning.

Responsible takeaway: Treat online content as ideas to research, not instructions to copy. Ask: Is this reliable? Is it supported by reputable manufacturers? Is it compatible with my storage and transport plan? Does it increase or reduce handling complexity?

A Brief Note on Where These Myths Come From

Many misconceptions have understandable origins:

• Old information lingering: Advice from decades ago may not reflect modern manufacturing or contemporary ammo designs.
• Context collapse: A claim true in a narrow context (certain distance, certain load, certain platform) gets repeated as a universal rule.
• Marketing shortcuts: Product descriptions can oversimplify real tradeoffs.
• Story bias: A single dramatic anecdote can outweigh boring but accurate data.

Staying grounded means seeking reputable instruction, reading manufacturer manuals, and asking careful questions—especially when a claim sounds absolute (e.g., “always,” “never,” “guaranteed”).

Common-Sense Checklist for Evaluating Firearm Claims

• Look for specificity: Does the claim include conditions (platform, distance, ammo type), or is it vague?
• Prefer primary sources: Manuals, manufacturer guidance, and established training organizations beat hearsay.
• Watch for “one weird trick” advice: Safety and competence are usually built through consistent, supervised practice—not shortcuts.
• Consider your environment: Storage constraints, family considerations, and local range availability matter.
• When uncertain, ask a pro: A qualified instructor or gunsmith can help you avoid unsafe assumptions.

Conclusion: Replace Folklore with Responsible Habits

Firearms are mechanical tools used by humans—so reliability, outcomes, and safety depend on a chain of choices: selection, maintenance, supervision, secure storage, and ongoing education. The healthiest mindset is to trade “myth certainty” for “responsible curiosity.” If you’d like to keep learning, browse more educational resources and gear support from Gas & Brass Armory.