Gun Ownership in U.S. Declining

Back to News

Friday, April 29, 2011

Fewer Americans own guns these days, according to a new report that shows a three-decade decline in the percentage of personal and household ownership of pistols and rifles. Using data collected by the federal government, the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, which has been tracking such figures since 1972, determined the percentage of American households that reported having any guns dropped more than 40% from 1977 to 2010. Also, the percentage of Americans who reported personally owning a gun dropped more than 32% from 1985 to 2010.

In 2010, only 32.3% of U.S. households owned guns and only 20.8% of individuals claimed personal gun ownership. The number for women was 9.9%.

Studying the statistics, the Violence Policy Center posited several reasons for the decline, including a lack of interest in guns by youth, the decreasing popularity of hunting and the aging of the current gun-owning population—primarily white males.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

A Shrinking Minority (Violence Policy Center) (pdf)

Comments

Preston Gravely, Jr. 10 years ago

I hate to admit it, but from my personal experience as an Upstate South Carolina resident, I have seen an appalling lack of interest in gun ownership here. When I was a young lad years ago, fellows I grew up with all owned and enjoyed shooting guns. Nowadays, about the only opportunity available to mix with gun enthusiasts here is to join a ridiculously expensive shooting club. Guess I will just have to enjoy sport shooting all by my lonesome.

Doug-Virginia 12 years ago

i think this article needs some better polling techniques...maybe don't use san francisco as your sample next time. http://www.gallup.com/poll/150353/self-reported-gun-ownership-highest-1993.aspx

sinn1 13 years ago

you are correct sir, just look at what's going on in chicago. if it was in such a decline why then are they trying to allow ccw licensing in the windy city. here in florida our laws are getting even better. i love the castle doctrine, and the repeal of the fight or flight. when you come into my state it says welcome to florida....citizens have the right to protect themselves.

Ohio John 13 years ago

the anti gun movement is just a very small group that will say anything to get attention these days. its funny how they make it seem like people are loosing interest in guns even thou gun sales are still at the highest levels they have ever been at. remember, these folks will lie about anything these days. most people are not informed enough to know the difference. you can read about the deception at the link below http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/27/gun-grabbers-grasp-at-straws/

Name

Content

Gun Ownership in U.S. Declining

Comments

Leave a comment