Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Believing

When it comes to home defense, there’s a lot of bad advice floating around—stuff that sounds good but falls apart in real life. At Fortress Firearms Training, we’ve heard it all from students, and we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s bust some myths so you can protect your home the right way.

Myth 1: A Shotgun’s Spread Means No Aim Needed

I’ve had folks tell me, “I’ll just grab my shotgun and blast—it’ll hit everything.” Not true. At close range, a 12-gauge spread is only a few inches—you still need to aim. Buckshot isn’t a magic wall of lead. Practice your aim, or you’re just making noise.

Myth 2: Any Gun by the Bed Works

Keeping a firearm in your nightstand doesn’t make you safe—it’s a start, but without training, it’s a liability. I’ve seen students freeze in drills because they never practiced under stress. Our home defense courses teach you to retrieve, aim, and fire when adrenaline hits.

Myth 3: You’ll Wing It in a Crisis

“I’ll figure it out if someone breaks in,” one student said. Spoiler: you won’t. Panic takes over without a plan. You need to know your home’s layout, safe angles, and how to move. Run night drills to simulate break-ins—preparation beats improvisation every time.

Myth 4: More Firepower, Less Worry

Bigger isn’t always better. An AR-15 might sound ideal, but over-penetration can put your family at risk. A 9mm handgun with hollow points often makes more sense indoors. Test your setup at the range to know what works.

Myth 5: The Bad Guy Always Runs

Hollywood loves this one—point a gun, and the intruder flees. Reality? Some don’t care. You need to be ready to act, not just threaten. Our training covers de-escalation and when to engage so you’re not caught off guard.

Build Real Defense Skills

Home defense isn’t a movie—it’s a skill. Ditch the myths and train for reality. Our next CWP/Beginners course on April 12 is a great start, or join a home defense class to master the basics. Sign up at Fortress Firearms Training—your family’s safety deserves the real deal.