Media Misinformation: Military Style
This one goes hand in hand with “assault rifles,” but the mainstream media loves to add the adjective “military style” in front of assault rifles. As we noted with assault rifles, it is a matter of looks being deceiving. Can anyone say what “military style” even means?
To ban military style rifles would be akin to banning military style clothing. No tall leather boots, no camouflage, no uniforms, etc. That sounds downright silly, doesn’t it? But the truth is that it is just as silly to talk about banning “military style” weapons because the word “style” actually says a lot. Read more
Media Misinformation: Automatic
The idea that anyone can own “automatic” weapons must be downright frightening to the uniformed. Even with the modifier “semi” in front of it, an automatic weapon sounds like something only the military or police should possess, yet time and time again there are stories of criminals, terrorists and gang members with “automatic” weapons. Read more
Media Misinformation: Sniper Rifle
Ever since the tragedy involving the “DC Sniper,” there has been a great deal of media misinformation on exactly what is and what is not a sniper rifle. To hear some in the mainstream media talk, a sniper rifles is some sort of magical weapon that makes it easier to shoot people.
While it is actually correct that a true “sniper rifle” is a finely made firearm that is more accurate than a normal off-the-shelf rifle, the truth is that the weapon itself doesn’t enhance the skills of shooting. In fact, a novice shot with a sniper rifle could actually be even less accurate because of the complexity of the firearm. Knowing how to use a scope takes a great deal of practice and understanding on various factors. Thus the bullet doesn’t magically hit where the cross hairs are aligned like in video games. Read more
Media Misinformation: High-Powered
Over the past year and a half since we launched FirearmsTruth.com, we’ve noted that the media misinformation often contains the same statements, words and other questionable points time and time again. For that reason we’ve decided to start a new feature that calls out these points and take a closer look.
To get the ball rolling, we’re going to cover the topic of “high-powered,” as this one seems to crop up time and time again. The media loves to use the term, “high-powered” as in “high-powered assault rifles” and “high-powered weapons.” The problem with this use of the adjective “high-powered” is that it isn’t being accurately used. Read more
