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Top 6 Lies Made By The Media About Guns

Media About Guns

February 12th, 2018   |   Updated on April 22nd, 2024

The average American gets most of their information about the world through the media. From Facebook to CNN, the media can seriously influence what viewers think, even if this information is false.

Care to take a stab at one of the most lied about topics in mainstream media? You got it—guns and ammo. Most of it comes from lack of education.

When you hear something too good to be true, it probably is. If the news anchor tells you the newest .30-06 shoots 9mm ammo, look the other way.

Always research these huge claims and consider the sources. Make sure you get to the bottom of the argument and look for sound logic. You’ll be surprised when you do your homework—the media tends to stretch the truth more often than not.

Here’s a list of six lies about guns told to you by the media:

1. The Famous “Gun Show Loophole”

To be perfectly blunt, there is no such thing as a gun show loophole.

No matter where you buy a gun, whether from a gun show or from Walmart, you need to pass a background check. All federal firearms licensees (FFL) are required by law to confirm you are legally allowed to own a firearm.

 

2. Guns Can’t Stop Mass Shootings

Whenever a news outlet says this, stop watching. This is a little like saying seat belts don’t work when talking about car crashes that used no seat belts. Doesn’t make much sense, does it?

Citizens who carry guns loaded with a couple of 9mm ammo can respond much quicker than law enforcement officers with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), unless law enforcement is already on the scene prior to the event.

Armed, law-abiding citizens can put an end to a potentially huge mass shootings or, at least, deter some collateral damage until the police arrive.

No matter where you buy a gun, whether from a gun show or from Walmart, you need to pass a background check. All federal firearms licensees (FFL) are required by law to confirm you are legally allowed to own a firearm and purchase the things you need to use it, such as bulk shotgun ammo, holsters, etc.

 

3. More Guns Equal More Violence

With gun sales on the rise, the media loves to tell you that gun violence is through the roof. In actuality, gun violence is down almost 50 percent according to the Pew Research Center.

Perhaps the media is only looking at data from 2014 to 2016, wherein the FBI reported a 7 percent increase in violent crime. The rate dropped again by 2017.

Remember, the media likes to look at an issue from a certain, narrow angle, which will make it seem terrible than it is. They do that to gain more viewership or sell more papers. They are, after all, in the business of selling sensationalized stories.

 

4. Gun-Free Zones Prevent Gun-Related Crimes

Seriously? Criminals intend on breaking the law in the first place. Why would they care about a little sign telling them to leave their guns outside?

When you ban guns in a space with a large crowd, you’re just creating an easy target for a murderer. And criminals won’t think twice about breaking in a house, because they will no longer have to worry about homeowners packing heat.

 

5. Over 31,000 Americans Die Each Year from Gun Violence

The amount of fact stretching in this statistic is incredible. Most of those deaths are suicides.

About 7,500 of those deaths are actual human-on-human homicides. That is just 0.002 percent of the US population. Yes, 7,500 deaths is too many, but the world is not perfect, and it is filled with people who need mental help.

 

6. Guns Kill

Yeah, and the local teens’ spray paint can tagged up the supermarket.

A firearm is a tool, and the use of a tool is up to its owner. A gun can also protect; it can save someone’s life. It all depends on how it is used.

 

In The End

Hopefully you can see how fast the media can lead you down a rabbit hole. From stockpiling bulk ammo to recreational shooting, the media seems to shine a bad light on our guns. Their stories are just exacerbating the debate on gun control.

But as long as the United States has the Constitution, responsible gun owners will always prevail. Remember—shoot straight, shoot true, shoot responsibly.