Did you know that about a third of adults in the US say that they own a gun? Possessing a firearm is a significant responsibility that requires following the law.

Unfortunately, most people have negative perspectives about gun ownership due to common myths. Others barely understand all the laws regulating possession and usage.

If you want to get a gun for either safety or recreational purposes, it’s essential to learn different facts about them.

Here, we debunk common myths about gun ownership existing in society. We’ll also provide some safety and precaution tips you should take when handling these weapons to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Guns Are Always Dangerous

One common misconception about guns is that they are always dangerous. This is the main reason why most people feel uncomfortable living in a home with guns or hanging around people owning them.

Gun possession doesn’t have to be a dangerous practice as long as you take the necessary precautions. For example, ensure that you unload your firearm until the subsequent use.

Besides, when living in a home with children, keep the guns and ammo separately. If possible, get a lockable drawer or store the items beyond kids’ reach. Other safety measures to ensure gun ownership safety are:

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction
• Only put your finger on the trigger when ready to shoot
• Use correct ammunition
• Don’t modify your gun

Observing these firearm safety practices can help you avoid danger when handling a firearm. It also prevents accidents and ensures you enjoy the benefits of gun ownership.

2. You Can Only Handle the Gun You Bought

When interested in learning how to shoot, you may wonder if you can use a firearm you don’t own. Gun ranges that teach people this skill allow everyone above 18 years to handle firearms as long as they present a government-issued ID.

Besides, if your spouse or family member owns a gun, you can carry it as long as the law allows you. Still, avoid concealing the weapon unless you have a valid license that allows you to do so.

3. Increased Gun Ownership Means More Deaths

Another common myth about gun ownership is that as more people buy them, homicide rates will also rise. It is vital to note that most guns involved in crimes are obtained illegally.

People who use the proper channels when buying firearms are highly likely to practice safety measures. Apart from that, most states have strict laws to limit gun ownership and usage. Such include requiring gun dealerships to perform background checks to ensure all buyers are fit for ownership.

Due to these regulations and facts, it’s safe to say that a rise in gun ownership doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in homicides.

4. You Can’t Own a Gun if You Live With Someone Banned to Possess One

The law can restrict gun ownership under various circumstances. For example, if someone has a mental illness, they may not have the right to possess a firearm.

If you live with someone banned from owning a firearm, you may assume that you are also not allowed to get one. Luckily, such a situation doesn’t affect your rights of possession.

Still, it’s crucial to ensure that you store the weapon safely to prevent unauthorized people from accessing it. This measure will enhance safety and protect your loved ones from getting into trouble with the law.

5. You Only Need a Gun and Ammunition

Most people believe that you need a gun and ammunition to have a fully functioning firearm. While this may be partly true, it’s crucial to note that you also require other items to care for your weapon.

For instance, you should have clothes and a barrel cleaning brush to remove debris from the interior and exterior. It’s also good to get containers for placing different parts when you disassemble your firearm for maintenance.

Other gun essentials you need are:

• A muzzle lock
• Ammunition can
• Concealment furniture
• Cleaning solvent
• Gun oil

When shooting a gun, it’s always vital to observe physical safety. Put on pants and long sleeve shirt to protect your skin from hot shell parts. Besides, wear a hat and glasses to safeguard your head and eyes from debris and excess powder.

It’s also advisable to get earbuds for guns to block out the shooting noise and prevent damaging your eardrums. More essentials needed when buying a firearm or using one are sturdy shoes, holsters, and recoil pads.

6. All Guns Are the Same

When in the market for your first gun, you may perceive that all firearms are the same. This may happen if you’ve never handled these weapons or researched them. The gun industry has a broad range of firearms with unique functioning.

Each type also uses special bullets then fires at different rates and ranges. The most common types of guns you’ll find in the market today are:

• Rifles
• Handguns
• Shotguns
• Pump suction firearms
• Semi-automatic firearms

Before buying a specific firearm, it’s essential to research the most suitable one for your needs. For example, get a shotgun if you are looking for one to improve your shooting skills at the range. On the other hand, buy a handgun when you need a weapon for safety purposes.

7. A Small Child Cannot Shoot a Gun

Some parents and guardians with small children think that kids can’t shoot a gun. However, research proves otherwise since a kid as young as three years has enough strength to pull a trigger.

The most effective way to keep kids safe when owing a gun is by ensuring you don’t place your storage cabinet keys in a place they can easily access.

Moreover, avoid using guessable safe combinations like birthdays and anniversaries. Another way to enhance safety is by ensuring you don’t leave children unsupervised in a home with guns.

Get More Facts About Gun Ownership

Gun ownership myths can misguide you and make possessing a firearm feel like a scary experience. Discovering more facts and debunking common misconceptions allows you to handle these devices more comfortably.

You can also determine the most suitable firearm for your needs and understand how to observe safety precautions.

Are you interested in learning more about ammunition, guns, and different laws about them? Browse this page now to discover other articles like this one.