9 Old Shooting Myths That Too Many Hunters Still Believe

For generations, hunters have passed down wisdom—and misinformation—about firearms and shooting techniques. Many of these beliefs, while seemingly logical, are simply untrue and can hinder a hunter’s accuracy and effectiveness in the field. Let’s debunk nine common shooting myths that persist among hunters today, drawing from insights originally published in 1976 by Outdoor Life and updated with modern understanding. At BT Gun Company, we’re committed to providing accurate information and quality firearms to responsible gun owners.

Myth 1: The Crook of Your Elbow is a Perfect Measuring Tool

Many hunters use the crook of their elbow to estimate the length of pull on a rifle or shotgun. This is wildly inaccurate. Length of pull, the distance from the trigger to the shoulder stock, varies significantly from person to person. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable and accurate shooting. A general guideline is that the eye should be directly over the barrel when the stock is firmly in the shoulder pocket. Relying on the elbow is a recipe for discomfort and missed shots.

Myth 2: Balance is All About the Hinge Pin

The concept of a perfectly balanced shotgun, particularly those from renowned English makers, often centers around the gun’s balance point being precisely at the hinge pin. While this was once a widely held belief, modern understanding recognizes that balance is more nuanced. While a balanced shotgun feels lighter and allows for faster handling, the ideal balance point can vary. The Winchester Model 59, with its glass-barreled design, demonstrated that a butt-heavy shotgun could still be a lightning-fast field gun. Some competition skeet guns are even deliberately muzzle-heavy to smooth out the swing. Ultimately, a well-balanced shotgun simply handles smoothly, regardless of its precise balance point. As a trusted 2nd Amendment news source, we stay abreast of the latest developments in firearms technology and technique.

Myth 3: A Horizontal Barrel Means Immediate Bullet Drop

A persistent myth claims that a bullet fired from a perfectly horizontal barrel immediately begins to drop due to gravity. While it’s true that gravity acts on the bullet the instant it leaves the muzzle, the bullet’s spin, imparted by rifling, creates rotational drift. This drift is minimal, especially at shorter ranges. A .30/06 bullet, for example, might drift only six inches at 1,000 yards. The primary factor affecting a bullet’s trajectory is gravity, but the spin helps stabilize it.

Myth 4: Bullets Fall as Fast as They Go Up

The idea that a bullet fired straight up returns with the same velocity it left with is a misconception. Atmospheric resistance significantly slows the bullet’s descent. A .22 rimfire slug fired straight up will hit the ground at roughly 200 feet per second, while a No. 5 pellet falls even slower. This clarifies that the danger of a bullet fired straight up isn’t its return speed, but rather the potential for injury from a falling projectile.

Myth 5: Pump-Action Rifles Blowing Open are Dangerous

Some shooters experience their pump-action rifles, like the Remington Model 760, opening during shooting from a bench rest. This is often due to the shooter’s grip and support, where the forearm is held firmly while the elbows rest on a solid surface. The recoil causes the rifle to move forward faster than the hand holding the forearm, momentarily pumping the action. This is a normal function and not inherently dangerous. It’s a result of the rifle’s mechanics, not a malfunction.

Myth 6: Arrows and Bullets Have Equal Penetration

The demonstration of an arrow passing through a bag of sand while a .30/06 bullet doesn’t fully penetrate is a common trick. This difference arises from energy transfer. The arrow’s energy is distributed throughout the sand, while the bullet’s energy is concentrated, often causing it to expand or disintegrate before fully penetrating. The sandbag’s size also plays a crucial role; a larger bag absorbs more energy.

Myth 7: All Balance is Created Equal

The idea that a specific balance point is universally ideal is false. Different shooting styles and disciplines require different balances. What works for a trap shooter might not be suitable for a deer hunter. Understanding your personal preferences and the intended use of the firearm is key to finding the right balance.

Myth 8: A Heavy Trigger Pull Improves Accuracy

While a consistent trigger pull is essential for accuracy, a heavy trigger pull can actually hinder it. A heavy trigger requires more force, increasing the likelihood of disturbing the rifle’s sight picture and introducing errors. A lighter, crisp trigger pull, properly adjusted, allows for a smoother and more precise release.

Myth 9: Barrel Crowning Doesn’t Matter

An uneven crowning at the muzzle can cause deflection of the bullet, impacting accuracy. While modern manufacturing processes have improved barrel crowning, it’s still a critical factor. A properly crowned barrel ensures a straight and consistent bullet trajectory.

Debunking these myths is crucial for responsible gun ownership and improved shooting performance. At BT Gun Company, we strive to be your trusted firearms dealer and source for accurate information and quality firearms. We are a licensed FFL dealer dedicated to upholding the Second Amendment and providing a wide selection of firearms for sale, including the option to buy guns online.