Myths About Gun Control

Texas A&M University
and

NCPA Policy Report No. 176
ISBN 0-943802-99-7
December 1992

Executive Summary
Introduction
Fifteen Myths about Gun Control
Myth No. 1: Guns cause crime.
Myth No. 2: Gun control laws reduce crime.
Myth No. 3: Guns are of little help in defending against criminals.
Myth No. 4: Killing someone is the only reason to buy a handgun.
Myth No. 5: People who buy guns are more prone to violence and crime than are other people.
Myth No. 6: Criminals mainly have guns in order to commit crimes.
Myth No. 7: Killings and other violent crimes were prevalent in the Old West because guns were so plentiful.
Myth No. 8: Gun control laws keep criminals from obtaining guns.
Myth No. 9: Required waiting periods would prevent some of the most vicious crimes.
Myth No. 10: Most murders are committed by people killing friends or family members.
Myth No. 11: The availability of guns contributes to crimes of passion.
Myth No. 12: Automatic rifles and so-called assault weapons are too dangerous to be left in private hands.
Myth No. 13: Gun control laws are especially needed to prevent the purchase of "Saturday Night Specials."
Myth No. 14: People don't need guns for self-protection because they can rely on the police.
Myth No. 15: Gun ownership is not a constitutional right.
Conclusion