She calls it "her small contribution to protest" over gun violence.

https://ew.com/music/pat-benatar-refuses-sing-hit-me-with-your-best-shot-tour-gun-violence/

VERY small.

And stupid.

No proof that her song ever inspired a single shooter. And everyone knows the word “shot” that expression has nothing to do with gunshots… it comes from fighting or boxing, and she borrowed it to use in the sometimes conflict, sometimes dance, business of falling in love.

There is no relationship to firearms or to use of them in that expression, it comes from the world of weaponless physical combat.. One thinks of Rocky, pointing to his chin and telling Drago, “hit me with yer best shot!”

(I don’t remember if that line was actually in any of the movies, but it should have been 🙂 )

But hey, a lame protest doesn't cost her anything... except the respect of her fans.