It’s a fact—everyone has their own opinion about gun ownership. Unfortunately, there are quite a few myths floating around that can make things a bit confusing and it’s about time we set things straight. So, let’s look at seven common myths about gun ownership and the truth behind them. We’ll learn about the facts behind these beliefs and maybe even surprise you with what’s actually true!
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Gun Shows Don’t Follow the Same Rules as Gun Stores
You might’ve heard of the “gun show loophole,” which apparently means that gun shows don’t have to follow the same rules as gun stores. But it’s a bit misleading. Licensed dealers at gun shows have to run the same background checks as they do in their shops. The real issue? Private sales that can happen anywhere because these don’t always require checks.
Gun Owners Hate Gun Control
Despite what you might think, not all gun owners are against gun control. In fact, many firearm owners support measures like background checks & rules to prevent the mentally ill from getting guns. They’re pretty supportive of keeping guns in the right hands. If anything, gun owners are a lot more open to reasonable controls than they get credit for.
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Only Men Own Guns
For whatever reason, there’s a stereotype that gun owners are predominantly male. However, surveys show that an increasing number of women are purchasing guns. Some women are doing it to protect themselves, while others are getting involved in recreational shooting. Either way, gun ownership isn’t a man’s world anymore!
The Second Amendment Only Applies to Militias
Many people who are against firearms argue that the Second Amendment is for militias and not individuals. However, as part of the District of Columbia v. Heller decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the law protects an individual’s right to own a gun for personal use. This includes self-defense at home. As such, every American essentially has the right to bear arms instead of just historical militias.
Stricter Gun Laws Would End Gun Violence
You’ve probably heard people claiming that “stricter gun laws would stop gun crime.” If only it were that simple. Even places with tough gun laws can have high levels of violence because the issue is greater than merely the law. In fact, poverty and social issues also play huge roles, meaning that while laws are part of the solution, they can’t stop gun violence on their own.
Owning a Gun Automatically Makes You Safer
Just buying a gun doesn’t mean that you’re a lot safer, as responsible gun ownership involves a lot more than that. You have to go through all kinds of training to be safer and you also need to store your guns safely. But that’s not all—having a real understanding of the laws and responsibilities is also important. Instead of just owning a gun, you need to know how to use it safely and effectively.
Trigger Locks Make Guns Completely Safe
There’s no denying that trigger locks are a great safety tool, although you should remember that they’re not foolproof. Rather, trigger locks are part of a wider safety plan that should include proper gun storage and handling education. To really keep things safe, especially around kids, you need to follow safe storage solutions and have some good old-fashioned vigilance. There’s no such thing as “too safe” when firearms are involved.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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