June 23, 2025

Gun Stereotypes: Fact, Fiction, and Firearms

Gun stereotypes are common in media, politics, and public discourse. They often oversimplify or exaggerate real behaviors, attitudes, or preferences associated with firearms. Here’s a breakdown of common gun stereotypes, both humorous and serious, across different groups and types of guns:

Gun Owner Stereotypes

The Prepper:
- Owns dozens of guns, stockpiles ammo, and prepares for the apocalypse.

- Loves tactical gear and survivalist forums.

- Motto: “When society collapses, I’ll be ready.”

The Hunter
- Prefers bolt-action rifles and shotguns.

- Thinks of guns as tools, not toys.

- Wears camo year-round—even to the grocery store.

The Tactical Enthusiast ("Tacti-cool")
- Decks out AR-15s with scopes, lasers, and rails.

- Loves range selfies and YouTube gun reviews.

- Often wears military-style gear despite no service background.

The Cowboy
- Rides horses (or wishes they did).

- Loves revolvers, lever-action rifles, and Old West aesthetics.

- Thinks John Wayne is a lifestyle, not a movie star.

The Collector
- Buys rare or historical firearms and never shoots them.

- Obsessive about condition and provenance.

- May treat their gun safe like a museum.

Stereotypes by Gun Type

AR-15
- Seen as the "scary" or "cool" gun, depending on perspective.

- Viewed by critics as the weapon of choice for mass shooters.

- Viewed by enthusiasts as the most versatile platform available.

Glock
- Associated with reliability and simplicity.

- Often stereotyped as the "basic" or "default" handgun.

- Popular with law enforcement and "serious" shooters.

1911 Pistol
- Seen as old-school, heavy, and a bit elitist.

- Owners often praise its “American heritage” and .45 caliber power.

- Stereotyped as carried by boomers or gun traditionalists.

Shotgun
- “Home defense” king.

- Stereotyped as the “everyman’s gun” or for people afraid of semi-autos.

- Hunters and old-schoolers love them.

Desert Eagle
- Huge, flashy, impractical for most real-world uses.

- Seen in movies and owned by people who want attention.

- Stereotype: “Overcompensating much?”

Note
These are stereotypes, not facts. Real people are far more nuanced than any label or caricature. Still, these perceptions influence how guns and their owners are viewed in popular culture and public policy.