10 Myths About Guns

Sen. Chuck Grassley /

This week, President Barack Obama announced executive actions related to guns. Here are 10 common myths about firearms. 

Myth No. 1: Firearm purchases at gun shows do not require a background check due to the “gun show loophole.”

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Myth No. 2: Gun shows lack any law enforcement presence and are a free-for-all for felons and other prohibited individuals to obtain firearms.

Fact:

Myth No. 3: Individuals who purchase firearms on the Internet are not subject to background checks.

Facts:

>>> What Obama Got Wrong on Guns

Myth No. 4: The president’s Jan. 5 executive action on gun control represents landmark change regarding gun control.

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Myth No. 5: The Obama administration has made firearms enforcement a priority.

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Myth No. 6: Mental health has nothing to do with gun control.

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Myth No. 7: Obama’s executive action on gun control will thwart criminals’ ability to obtain firearms.

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Myth No. 8: There is a general consensus in America that greater gun control is needed to prevent mass shootings in the United States.

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Myth No. 9: The terrorist “no-fly” list is a proper mechanism to bar Americans from purchasing firearms. —Obama, Jan. 5

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Myth No. 10: Gun retailers need to step up and refuse to sell semi-automatic weapons. —Obama, Jan. 5

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