You see a lot of stupid stuff on Facebook about guns. Actually, you see a lot of stupid stuff on Facebook about everything. Some come in the form of posts but most are found in the comments section. Here are five of my favorites that have become Internet clichés. Don’t let the trolls post them on your page.
1: “The 223 is illegal for deer hunting in most states.”
Um…not true. In fact the 223 Remington is legal for deer – big game – hunting in more states that it is not. It is also very effective on deer when the right bullets are used. Then of course someone will say, “But with a 223 shot placement is very important.” Um…dude…shot placement is always important. Another argument is that the 223 will work for small deer but not big 200-pound northern deer. If you think a 200-pound deer is twice as hard to kill as a 100-pound deer; well, you’ve not killed very many deer.
2: “The 9 is fine but the 45 is final.”
The difference in the wounding afforded by the 9mm and 45 is so slight, trauma surgeons cannot tell the difference. The difference in bullet diameter is after all only 1/10 of one inch. (Some Doritos are thicker than that!) 9mm pistols have more capacity and velocity, 45s shoot a heavier bullet, and the 40 splits the difference. You don’t want to get shot with any of the three.
3: “It’s an answer to a question nobody asked.”
This usually comes up with the introduction of a new firearm and is often the argument presented when a new cartridge is invented. What the person is really, most likely saying is that, “I do not have the intelligence or know enough about guns to formulate a question that addresses the advantages the new cartridge offers.” And then too, maybe the question was, “Let’s make something fun to shoot.” There’s never anything wrong with that.
4: “Laser sights are a gimmick.”
Proudly spoken by folks who have never been trained in the use of a laser on a defensive handgun. Their advantages are many once you open a closed mind and become skilled in their application. They will help you shoot faster and more accurately, and they are very valuable at times when you cannot get the handgun between your eyes and the target. Shoot a bench rest group at 50 yards with your pistol using sights and a laser, and compare the difference. Laser sights are also a great training tool.
5: “I’ll just stick with my 30-06.”
First, nobody cares if you have a 30-06. Second, this is often another way of saying, you don’t have the money to purchase a new gun you secretly really like, or that you don’t understand the mechanical and ballistic advantage a new cartridge offers. And third, nobody cares if you have a 30-06. Really, nobody cares!
