Gun Myths Busted – Separating Fact from Fiction
Hey there! Gary here with Concealed Carry Academy, and welcome to Episode 11 of our Gun Myths Busted series!
One of the most common and misleading myths we hear is that semi-automatic guns are the same as fully automatic guns. This misconception fuels misunderstandings about firearms, leading to misguided debates, misinformation, and unnecessary fear.
Today, we’ll set the record straight on the differences between semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms, their uses, and the strict regulations surrounding them. Whether you’re interested in self-defense, hunting, or general firearm knowledge, understanding these distinctions is essential.
Let’s break it down!
Understanding Semi-Automatic vs. Fully Automatic Guns
📌 The Myth: Some people believe that semi-automatic firearms function like machine guns, continuously firing bullets with a single trigger pull.
📌 The Reality: Semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms operate very differently.
🔹 A semi-automatic firearm fires ONE round per trigger pull.
🔹 A fully automatic firearm continues firing as long as the trigger is held down.
🔹 Fully automatic firearms are highly restricted and rare for civilian use.
💡 Key Takeaway: Semi-automatics are NOT machine guns. They require the shooter to pull the trigger for every shot fired.
What is a Semi-Automatic Firearm?
A semi-automatic firearm fires one round per trigger pull and automatically loads the next round into the chamber.
✔ Key Features:
✅ Fires one bullet per trigger pull
✅ Automatically cycles the next round into the chamber
✅ Popular for self-defense, hunting, and competitive shooting
🔹 Common Examples of Semi-Automatic Firearms:
✔ Handguns: Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, Smith & Wesson M&P9
✔ Rifles: AR-15, Ruger 10/22, Mini-14
✔ Shotguns: Benelli M4, Mossberg 930
📌 Fact: Most modern firearms used for self-defense and sport shooting are semi-automatic.
What is a Fully Automatic Firearm?
A fully automatic firearm (also called a “machine gun”) continues firing as long as the trigger is held down.
✔ Key Features:
✅ Fires multiple rounds per trigger pull
✅ Used primarily by military and law enforcement
✅ Highly restricted for civilian ownership
🔹 Common Examples of Fully Automatic Firearms:
✔ M4 Carbine – Standard military rifle capable of automatic fire
✔ AK-47 (military variant) – Often confused with the civilian semi-automatic AK-style rifles
✔ M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) – Machine gun used by military forces
📌 Fact: Civilians cannot walk into a gun store and buy a fully automatic firearm—strict federal laws heavily regulate them.
Regulatory Differences Between Semi-Automatic & Fully Automatic Firearms
📌 Understanding firearm laws is crucial for responsible ownership.
✔ Semi-Automatic Firearms (Easier to Own, But Still Regulated)
✅ Readily available for civilians under federal law
✅ Requires a background check and legal purchase process
✅ Subject to state-level restrictions in some areas
✔ Fully Automatic Firearms (Highly Restricted)
🚫 Regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934
🚫 Requires extensive ATF background checks, fingerprinting, and tax stamps
🚫 Civilians can ONLY purchase machine guns made before 1986 (Hughes Amendment)
🚫 Extremely expensive and rare – Often costing tens of thousands of dollars
💡 Key Takeaway: Fully automatic guns are NOT easy to own, and they require special federal approval.
👉 Want to learn more about responsible firearm ownership?
🔗 Check out our online concealed carry training today!
The Common Uses of Semi-Automatic Firearms
Semi-automatic firearms are widely used for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
✔ Self-Defense
🔹 Many people choose semi-automatic handguns and rifles for personal protection.
🔹 They offer quick follow-up shots, making them ideal for home defense.
✔ Hunting
🔹 Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns allow hunters to take quick follow-up shots if needed.
🔹 Common hunting rifles include the Ruger 10/22 (small game) and the AR-10 (.308 for big game).
✔ Competitive & Recreational Shooting
🔹 Many shooting sports involve semi-automatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
🔹 Popular in 3-Gun competitions, USPSA, and precision shooting events.
📌 Fact: Semi-automatic firearms are versatile and widely used across different disciplines.
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Dispelling the Myth: Semi-Automatics Are NOT the Same as Fully Automatic Firearms
🚨 Let’s set the record straight:
🔹 Truth: Semi-automatic firearms fire ONE bullet per trigger pull.
🔹 Truth: Fully automatic firearms continue firing when the trigger is held down.
🔹 Truth: Fully automatic firearms are heavily restricted and require extensive legal approval to own.
🔹 Truth: Semi-automatics are widely used for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
🔥 Not all guns are the same. Understanding firearm mechanics and laws is crucial for responsible ownership.
Knowledge is Power
If you’re a gun owner or interested in firearms, understanding the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons is essential.
✅ Know your firearm and how it functions.
✅ Understand and follow firearm laws.
✅ Educate others to dispel misinformation.
🔥 Misinformation about firearms leads to unnecessary fear and confusion—let’s set the record straight with facts!
Join the Conversation!
What’s the most common gun myth you’ve heard? Do people you know misunderstand the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic guns?
💬 Drop a comment below!
💡 Like, comment, and subscribe for more gun education and safety tips! Stay tuned for Episode 12 of Gun Myths Busted!
