A recent study by Georgetown professor William English has provided new insights into gun ownership and usage, challenging the narratives of gun control advocates. The National Firearms Survey, initially conducted in 2021, has been updated and released in 2026, offering extensive data on American gun ownership.
Initial Findings and Criticisms
The original survey indicated that defensive gun use was widespread and that a significant number of Americans owned firearms commonly criticized by gun control advocates. These included so-called “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines.” The survey faced criticism for its methodology, which skeptics said inflated ownership numbers.
Revised Survey and Key Results
Responding to criticism, English revised and re-administered the survey, addressing purported flaws. The results of the new survey reinforced the initial findings, with four key outcomes:
1. Increasing Ownership of “Assault Weapons”
Despite efforts to reduce the prevalence of “assault weapons,” the updated survey found that approximately 26.4 million American adults currently own AR-15s or similar rifles. This marks an increase from the 24.6 million owners identified in the previous survey.
2. Defensive Gun Use Underestimated
The earlier estimate of 1.67 million annual defensive gun uses was revised upwards to 2.2 million. The inclusion of protection against animal attacks, which comprised 8% of reported uses, contributed to this increase.
3. Rise in Legal Public Carry
The percentage of gun owners carrying handguns for self-defense under certain circumstances rose from 56% to 70%. Notably, this includes 33.6 million Americans who are estimated to carry publicly, marking a 60% increase in five years.
4. Diversity Among Gun Owners
The new data points to an increase in diversity among gun owners, with more individuals from varied demographics now owning firearms, including a noteworthy increase in female gun ownership by 3.5%.
Impact on Gun Control Advocacy
These findings suggest a shift in public perception towards gun ownership and the Second Amendment. The updated data present a challenge to common arguments made by gun control advocates, highlighting an evolving landscape of gun ownership in the United States.
Leave a Reply