In Latin America there are many myths about small arms. People believe they are safer if they own a gun and many even think having one is a proof of manhood. Gun control and disarmament policies are perceived to favor criminals because they would fuel an illegal underground market and the big companies that produce small weapons promote the idea than those policies are an undue intervention by the State in its citizens� lives and property rights. This paper �kills� these myths and shows how disarmament campaigns and less availability of arms in civilian hands actually can reduce violence and lead to safer societies.