The Top 5 MYTHS About Gun Ownership

By Ready to Fire News Last updated Jun 7, 2019

People who don’t own firearms have a ton of preconceived notions about gun owners that just in most cases aren’t true. For the most part, people that exercise their Second Amendment rights are responsible with their weapon choices, go through the right channels to obtain them, and store them in the right way. They have these firearms to protect their homes or participate in the sport of hunting. But there are still some myths that persist about firearm ownership that should be looked at.

Here are 5 myths about firearm ownership that you should know.

Myth #5: Everyone Owns Assault Weapons

The number of “assault” rifles that are owned by private citizens is actually very rare. These are military grade weapons that are fully automatic that use ammunition from an attached magazine. According to the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives) there are only around 638,000 machine guns in the United States in circulation. That includes rifles like M16s, and specialty weapons such as the Uzi. Most gun owners stick to the basics in firearms for home defense and hunting for sport. They don’t seek out illegal firearms.

Myth #4: Gun Owners Are All Men

This is definitely not true. You may think of your grandfather or older uncle as the gun owners in America, but more and more young people, including millennials are taking gun safety courses to become responsible gun owners. This also includes a larger number of women than ever before who are taking the steps to protect themselves with a proper weapon. It’s estimated by the Pew Research Center that 22 percent of women own guns. Many gun stores and shooting ranges also offer special classes to women designed to them more comfortable and confident with handling a firearm for protection.

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Myth #3: You Can Buy a Gun at a Gun Show Without a Background Check

The last thing that reputable gun sellers want is a hassle at gun shows. This is definitely a place where they will do a background check. Most of the vendors that set up shop at these shows either own gun shops or ranges all around the US. They are well aware of how to sell a gun legally.

Myth #2: Gun Ownership Increases Suicide Rates

Once again, this is just not true. For example, Japan doesn’t allow legal gun ownership, but their suicide rates are very high — more than twice the rate of people in the US.

Myth #1: You’re More Likely to Get Killed With Your Own Gun in a Self Defense Situation

The fact is that in most self defense situations, statistics show that the gun in the home isn’t even fired around 92 percent of the time. Plus, keep in mind that most police response times clock in at around 10 minutes after you call. That’s a ton of time to be waiting around if you are subjected to a home invasion. Having the right self defense situation in place could save your life or the lives of your family.

~ Ready to Fire News