In this installment, we will go over some of the equipment fallacies we still see in the firearms industry. Some information we hear is right, some is wrong, and a lot is right, but only for certain circumstances.
1) Shotguns are better for home defense because they don't penetrate walls.
Yes and no. Here is the full problem: A projectile that will not penetrate an interior wall is not likely to penetrate an attacker to sufficient depth either. So we have to choose if we want the immediate incapacitation the shotgun can provide, or a round that may need to be fired multiple times into the threat, but will not penetrate an interior wall. Truly, your choice.
2) Weapon mounted lights will blind you if you move around with them.
Again, maybe. Weapon mounted lights are useful in that they keep 2 hands on the gun for optimal recoil control. But the belief that you will blind yourself with your own light when it reflects off glass or a mirror (or even white walls) is predicated on the belief that you will be pointing directly at any of these things. Using the ceiling to illuminate a room, or even the floor, not only gives you enough usable light, but it also keeps your muzzle from pointing at any non threat that surprises you (like your kids). Getting some training on modern light techniques is very... illuminating.
3) Handguns are only accurate out to _____ yards.
Choose a distance. The problem with this statement is that, like many unqualified statements, it lacks enough information to be true or false. What caliber? What sighting system? What size is the target? What terminal performance do we need on said target?
For instance, a red dot can outperform a set of iron sights on a handgun simply by reducing the portion of the target the sights cover. A magnified scope out performs a red dot, by enlarging the target and allowing more precise placement. How about bullet construction and velocity? So many factors go into this equation, but the biggest factor is the shooter. Practice makes for a better, more capable shooter at any distance you decide to work at. Work to extend your maximum effective range, and you will see how truly capable you are with a handgun.