Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

SecularMotion

(7,981 posts)
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 06:52 AM Oct 2015

A new estimate on how many guns the average gun owner has

Gun owners have doubled the number of firearms they own in the past two decades, says the Washington Post.

The average gun-owning household now owns an estimated 8.1 guns, compared with 4.1 guns in 1994. But, at the same time, less households actually own guns. The ownership estimates come from the Post’s Wonkblog, which analyzed results from surveys and data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Gun ownership is notoriously hard to track. Data from Gallup and the General Social Survey poll has shown that “the share of gun-owning households has been declining over the past 20 years and possibly more.” The most recent Gallup numbers say 43 percent of households have guns. Some 54 percent of households had one in late 1993. But surveys also show that gun ownership rates remain flat.

So, as the Post puts it, “gun purchases are being driven primarily by existing owners stocking up rather than first-time buyers.” Now, since these numbers are averages, it’s impossible to say if all gun owners are stockpiling arms or if a small number of gun owners are driving up the number for everyone (The Post notes a 2006 study that said “the top 3 percent of gun owners averaged over 25 firearms each&quot .

http://www.chron.com/national/article/A-new-estimate-on-how-many-guns-the-average-gun-6584060.php
11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A new estimate on how many guns the average gun owner has (Original Post) SecularMotion Oct 2015 OP
Good info, well thought out conclusions. Bohunk68 Oct 2015 #1
8 is a pretty low number for any serious gun owner. ileus Oct 2015 #2
8 isnt enough for self defense? Flyboy_451 Oct 2015 #3
The theory is a gun for all occations gejohnston Oct 2015 #4
Yea...I've never bought into that particular theory... Flyboy_451 Oct 2015 #5
Let's see.... ileus Oct 2015 #6
FFS, that is pure bullshit. Nt Logical Oct 2015 #7
Why??? ileus Oct 2015 #8
8.1? Quite a bit off for me. :) Waldorf Oct 2015 #9
Wow, 8? sarisataka Oct 2015 #10
Let's see ... Straw Man Oct 2015 #11

Bohunk68

(1,364 posts)
1. Good info, well thought out conclusions.
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 06:55 AM
Oct 2015

Since I only have two rifles and one shotgun, all used for putting meat in the freezer, I guess I need to get some more. The articles says 8.1 per household. Do I need a sarcasm thingee here?

ileus

(15,396 posts)
2. 8 is a pretty low number for any serious gun owner.
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 07:13 AM
Oct 2015

8 won't cover those folks that just want firearms for self defense.

Flyboy_451

(230 posts)
3. 8 isnt enough for self defense?
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 07:43 AM
Oct 2015

Are you talking about a household of multiple adults?

Granted, I own far more than eight guns, but very few of them serve as primary defensive tools. As a matter of fact, I would only consider three to be primarily for defensive use.

I'm curious as to exactly what you mean. Would you mind expounding?

gejohnston

(17,502 posts)
4. The theory is a gun for all occations
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 09:56 AM
Oct 2015

a LCP that fits neatly in a pocket holster for casual wear, the PPK that goes nice with a tux. Etc.

Flyboy_451

(230 posts)
5. Yea...I've never bought into that particular theory...
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 10:22 AM
Oct 2015

"I'm a "keep it simple, stupid" type. While I own a somewhat ridiculous collection, I prefer the theory of limited "manual of arms" when it comes to defensive equipment.

I have found that one duty size gun and a smaller gun for easier concealment is enough. Now, collecting simply because I enjoy them is a whole different ballgame! From single action revolvers to several NFA class firearms, I have a pretty impressive array.

ileus

(15,396 posts)
6. Let's see....
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 11:35 AM
Oct 2015

1. A nice 30 round capable rifle (maybe SBR'd or Suppressed if you're so inclined)

2. A nice semi-auto Shotgun (pump if you're on the cheap)

3. A nice fullsized home defense only pistol

4. A compact/full size OWB double stack for conceal carry.

5. A single stack 9/40/45 or Jframe for those days where weight is a concern.

6. A pocket carry pistol like the LCP, for pretty days at the town social

Then double or triple that for the old "one is none" rule of thumb.


Sure some folks may try and combine 3,4,5 and 6 but why would you....choices are what America is all about.

Some would argue you need a defensive bolt action for when times are tough but I don't subscribe to that kind of thinking.

Straw Man

(6,613 posts)
11. Let's see ...
Fri Oct 23, 2015, 09:05 PM
Oct 2015

Skeet (shotgun).
Trap (shotgun).
Sporting clays (shotgun).
Smallbore target rifle.
Centerfire ("high-power&quot target rifle.
Centerfire bullseye pistol.
Rimfire bullseye pistol.
IDPA pistol.
IPSC pistol.
Three-gun (requires pistol, rifle, shotgun).
Cowboy action (requires revolver, rifle, shotgun).
Self-defense in the home (can be rifle, pistol, or shotgun).
Concealed carry (small handgun).
Upland bird hunting.
Waterfowl hunting.
Small game hunting (rifle and/or shotgun).
Large game hunting.
Dangerous game hunting.

That's arguably 23 different firearms. Obviously there is some overlap, but I'm not counting back-ups and spares.

"Less households"? What do they teach in journalism schools these days? Obviously skill with the English language isn't part of the curriculum.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Gun Control & RKBA»A new estimate on how man...