# Do Lots of People Own Guns? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 13, 2007, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882 "2007-05-13T00:40:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/61 "2007-05-14T02:49:26Z")
Not at the gun shows I’ve been to (“to which I’ve been”?) Good deals on parts and accessories occasionally, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a reasonably priced firearm at one. Even used beat up junk offered by random individuals are twice what they should be. Seems it all went to hell about the time the so-called “gun show loophole” crap hit the press… Or maybe after the assault weapon ban, when everyone was looking for grandfathered hi-cap mags. Could just be the Tanner show we have around here, but I don’t even go unless I’m in the market for something like a rare book or a special part (still need a screw for an S&W grip, looks like I’m going in June) ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/62 "2007-05-14T03:37:26Z")
Sorry to chime in again with figures that actually address the op but I wonder if any of the gun affidicios here have an explanation for [this stat?](http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/13/1/15) > [@](#): > > The General Social Survey indicates that household gun ownership has been declining over time, from about 50% in the early 1970s to current estimates of 34%.1 Although the exact number of firearms in the US may be debatable as a result of inclusion or exclusion of outliers, or whether individual or household responses are used, it seems that although the proportion of households with firearms is declining, the number of working firearms in the US is increasing, not decreasing, and increasing most among those who already own firearms. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/63 "2007-05-14T03:56:10Z")
[QUOTE=DSeid] Sorry to chime in again with figures that actually address the op but I wonder if any of the gun affidicios here have an explanation for [this stat?](http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/13/1/15) [/QUOTE] Guns seem to be getting ever more expensive and many major cities have very restrictive gun laws. Also, it’s rare that someone gets into a sporting activity like hunting unless their father took them and got them interested in it. As more people have moved to suburbs and urban areas vs. more rural areas, it’s been less and less common for people to be hunters. While I don’t discount the people who buy guns for personal protection, I think traditionally gun ownership was primarily driven by sportsmen. As far as hobbies go, hunting is a hassle. You have to take hours and hours out of a day to do it properly, you need a firearm usually in the $500-$1200 range, you have to go through licensing procedures, and when all is said and done you still only get to do it a few months out of the year because of hunting seasons. Hunting seems to be a dying hobby, just like another hobby of mine–war gaming. There was an article in a popular magazine on the hobby recently which shows the high cost of miniatures and the difficulty in finding games (combined with the convenience of PC games in the same vein) have more or less killed the classic war gaming crowd. Target shooters and non-hunting “gun enthusiasts” are a relatively minor part of the gun owning population. As less people become hunters, less individuals have any reason to purchase a gun. Whereas the gun enthusiasts tend to have interest in purchasing ever more guns. ---
**Author:** ![Lizard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/64 "2007-05-14T06:58:40Z")
[QUOTE=Bobotheoptimist] Not at the gun shows I’ve been to (“to which I’ve been”?) Good deals on parts and accessories occasionally, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a reasonably priced firearm at one. Even used beat up junk offered by random individuals are twice what they should be. Seems it all went to hell about the time the so-called “gun show loophole” crap hit the press… Or maybe after the assault weapon ban, when everyone was looking for grandfathered hi-cap mags. [/QUOTE] My theory is that we all got spoiled by all the cheap military surplus stuff in really good condition floating around in the 1990s from former Warsaw Pact countries and China. For a while you could get a solidly made SKS powerful enogh to hunt deer for well under $150; you might still, but only if you’re lucky. The best ones have already been sold. I bought an old Hungarian Moisin-Nagant M44 Carbine in good shootin’ shape for just $60 in Oregon around 2001. That thing thundered like a cannon and kicked like a mule, but it was accurate, and I could’ve hunted bear with it if I wanted. Those days of cheap guns made to mil-spec available everywhere are receding, and they will probably never return. The most common military weapons being made in the world now are AK clones that would be illegal for civilians to own, so they have no resale value. There’s still WWII surplus out there, but by now it’s been through multiple owners, and a Garand that cost 50$ in 1960 costs hundreds now. They aren’t making any more of them. I also think the poor salesmanship and attitude I’ve seen exhibited by many, many people in the gun business has something to do with the rate of gun ownership mentioned above too. I’ve dealt with more rude pricks than I can care to remember at gun shows and gun shops. You’d think they could act with some civility, if they expect me to spend my money on their stock, but no. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/65 "2007-05-14T09:04:27Z")
I grew up in the South Island of New Zealand, where most people I knew owned a gun in some form- if not an air rifle, then a .22, shotgun, .303, or hunting rifle. Here in Australia, gun ownership is very common in rural areas- most farmers I know have at least a shotgun- whilst in the cities it’s not uncommon, but not nearly as widespread as it is out in the bush. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/66 "2007-05-14T12:49:15Z")
[QUOTE=DSeid] Sorry to chime in again with figures that actually address the op but I wonder if any of the gun affidicios here have an explanation for [this stat?](http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/13/1/15) [/QUOTE] I wouldn’t pay to much attention to surveys, and polls. A lot of gun owners don’t want others to know because guns are expensive and people like to steal them. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/67 "2007-05-14T13:22:30Z")
[QUOTE=lekatt] I wouldn’t pay to much attention to surveys, and polls. A lot of gun owners don’t want others to know because guns are expensive and people like to steal them. [/QUOTE] How would an anonymous poll have any affect on that? Gun prices run the gamut from ridiculously cheap to ridiculously expensive. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/68 "2007-05-14T13:40:16Z")
[QUOTE=Kalhoun] How would an anonymous poll have any affect on that? Gun prices run the gamut from ridiculously cheap to ridiculously expensive. [/QUOTE] 'cause if the pole’s onna computer yew caint erase it!! Krikey Kalhoun, sum times ah think yew ar so dum! 😃😃😃 ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/69 "2007-05-14T13:43:11Z")
[QUOTE=BarnOwl] 'cause if the pole’s onna computer yew caint erase it!! Krikey Kalhoun, sum times ah think yew ar so dum! 😃😃😃 [/QUOTE] Sheeeee-it! It’s a conspiracy, daddy! ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/70 "2007-05-14T14:29:06Z")
Well, it depends on who you ask. All of my parents friends have a gun in the house (although Dottie has no idea how to shoot hers, which is okay because she also doesn’t have any ammo. Sigh.) A quick survey of the people working in my department has two out of six owning guns, including me. This is the South, however. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/71 "2007-05-14T14:31:54Z")
[QUOTE=Zsofia] Well, it depends on who you ask. All of my parents friends have a gun in the house (although Dottie has no idea how to shoot hers, which is okay because **she also doesn’t have any ammo**. Sigh.) A quick survey of the people working in my department has two out of six owning guns, including me. This is the South, however. [/QUOTE] That’s my favorite kind of gun! Nothin’ like a good pistol whippin’ to get the anger out of your system. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/72 "2007-05-14T14:51:10Z")
[QUOTE=Lizard] I also think the poor salesmanship and attitude I’ve seen exhibited by many, many people in the gun business has something to do with the rate of gun ownership mentioned above too. I’ve dealt with more rude pricks than I can care to remember at gun shows and gun shops. You’d think they could act with some civility, if they expect me to spend my money on their stock, but no. [/QUOTE] Oh _hell_ yes! Gun store owners must have the worst job in the world to judge by their attitude. I don’t even feel bad about buying from big box sporting goods stores. I’ve heard racist and sexist remarks loudly spewed by an owner in a busy store in front of several people who obviously were looking for their first gun. Sickening, and I cheered when that prick went out of business. The guy that rambled on endlessly about TWA flight 800 and Vince Foster wasn’t as bad, at least he was friendly. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/73 "2007-05-14T17:51:59Z")
Has anyone ever bought a handgun online? There are lots of sites selling them, and I think it would be legal for me (in CT) to buy one. Maybe not. I don’t have a license, and I suspect a gun dealer here wouldn’t sell me one without it. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/74 "2007-05-14T18:27:16Z")
[QUOTE=BarnOwl] Has anyone ever bought a handgun online? There are lots of sites selling them, and I think it would be legal for me (in CT) to buy one. Maybe not. I don’t have a license, and I suspect a gun dealer here wouldn’t sell me one without it. [/QUOTE] They will ship it to the FFL of your choice, but not directly to you. Find a licensed dealer first then contact the seller. The dealer will charge you a fee, but it’s a fairly painless process providing you have decent dealers in your area. I’ve heard that some of the big stores will do it too, but I don’t know for sure. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/75 "2007-05-14T18:31:09Z")
[QUOTE=Kalhoun] How would an anonymous poll have any affect on that? Gun prices run the gamut from ridiculously cheap to ridiculously expensive. [/QUOTE] Expensive and cheap relative to what? I haven’t seen any cheap ones lately. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/76 "2007-05-14T18:37:15Z")
[QUOTE=lekatt] Expensive and cheap relative to what? I haven’t seen any cheap ones lately. [/QUOTE] I picked one up for my husband for less than a deuce. You can spend thousands…even millions on a valuable collector gun. And everything in between. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/77 "2007-05-14T18:42:26Z")
[QUOTE=lekatt] Expensive and cheap relative to what? I haven’t seen any cheap ones lately. [/QUOTE] I googled for cheap handguns. Didn’t find any - but I admit I skimmed. The word seems to be there are plenty on the street for sale - but I suspect these aren’t the places you’d even consider. Nor would I. ---
**Author:** ![GuyNblueJeans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e9bcb4/32.png) [@GuyNblueJeans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuyNblueJeans)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/78 "2007-05-14T18:44:07Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] I grew up in the South Island of New Zealand, where most people I knew owned a gun in some form- if not an air rifle, then a .22, shotgun, .303, or hunting rifle. Here in Australia, gun ownership is very common in rural areas- most farmers I know have at least a shotgun- whilst in the cities it’s not uncommon, but not nearly as widespread as it is out in the bush. [/QUOTE] I thought I read in many-a places that some zealot politicians a few years back had all the guns taken from private citizens. In fact (as my recollection returns to me at the moment) I’m pretty sure that the NRA made something out of this, running ads stating that your countries crime had gone way up as a result of gun confiscation. Hmm. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/79 "2007-05-14T18:45:23Z")
[QUOTE=Boyo Jim] I don’t get the car thing either. Nor die-hard sports fans. Rabid is rabid. [/QUOTE] Get a hobby! ---
**Author:** ![GuyNblueJeans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e9bcb4/32.png) [@GuyNblueJeans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuyNblueJeans)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2007, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882/80 "2007-05-14T18:58:12Z")
[QUOTE=Zsofia] Well, it depends on who you ask. All of my parents friends have a gun in the house (although Dottie has no idea how to shoot hers, which is okay because she also doesn’t have any ammo. Sigh.) A quick survey of the people working in my department has two out of six owning guns, including me. This is the South, however. [/QUOTE] I feel that every law-abiding, level-headed woman in America should carry. The rapes would go waaaay down if they did. Several years ago, I read this heart warming article about a lady that came home to the darkened garage of her house and was attacked by some scumbag from behind and, thankfully, she had the presence of mind to reach into her purse for her gun and place a bullet in his head, killing him instantly. God bless her! 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lots-of-people-own-guns/403882.md?page=5)