If there's one thing Hollywood is good at, it's perpetuating gun myths and improper handling.
Copying any of the firearm behaviors you see in movies or television is a great way to disappoint a responsible, real-life gun owner. The only thing poor handling, marksmanship, and unrealistic firearm functions does is make actual shooters cringe. What makes it worse is that many believe Hollywood's depictions of guns to be the truth, which in turn fuels fear, confusion, or little respect for firearms. We took some time to pick apart a few of the many unrealistic scenarios about firearms that Hollywood needs to put to bed.
Recoil Doesn't Exist
One thing you quickly learn after discharging a rifle, shotgun, or handgun is that there's some powerful energy being expressed both in front and behind a firearm. This is a great way to demonstrate Newton's Third Law of Motion, "For each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Next time you watch an actor fire off a round and their upper body remains locked in place, you know they've had zero experience with live fire.
Law Enforcement and Military Professionals Have No Trigger Discipline
I don't care if you do have a license to kill, Mr. Bond, but that doesn't excuse you from operating your service weapon like a professional. I can't help but feel bad for any cops or military members who watch as actors in law dramas or war films have complete disregard for proper firearm handling. Keeping your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot is a key fundamental to intensive firearm training.
Proper Firearm Grip Doesn't Matter
... unless you're trying to show the audience that you've never had actual firearm education.
No One Experiences the Pain of Hot Brass on Exposed Skin
Until you've had a spent casing go down your shirt, you'll see why it's advised you wear appropriate clothing when shooting. Also, someone get this woman some eye and ear protection!
Aim Is Entirely Optional
Only in Hollywood does a good ol' fashioned spray-and-pray seem to work. You're more likely to ruin a few walls rather than hit your intended target.
Suppressors Mute All Firearm Noise
Contrary to what Hollywood would like you to believe, putting a suppressor onto a firearm does not make it emit a dainty pew pew. While it's true that they dial down the decibel level of a gunshot, it's still loud enough for the neighbors to hear.
Racking a Pump Action Shotgun Is Not the Best Warning
Hopefully, you've got another shell in there now that you've ejected a perfectly good round.
WATCH WHERE YOU POINT THAT THING!
Being mindful of muzzle direction is how many gun accidents can be avoided.