Gun surveys can be misleading. They are usually done with a small group of people, so the results don’t necessarily give the public the true scope of gun ownership in America. The new National Firearms Survey 2021 promises to change all that. Using a variety of new technology, and reaching out to one of the largest groups ever to take the survey, gives us insight that is unprecedented. Let’s check out what this important survey is all about.
About the Survey
The survey goes over firearm ownership, types of carry, and how guns are used defensively. Most of the previous work done by the National Firearms Survey only reached an estimated 5,000 gun owners. This time, they went much bigger, and were able to survey 54,000 people. Then they narrowed that group of people down to just gun owners and came up with almost 17,000 people.
The National Firearms Survey (NFS) is the most comprehensive and efficient annual survey about defensive gun use. They go much more in-depth than other polls done by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in past years.
Most of the data the NFS comes up with is divided by different states and explores demographics, as well.
The Biggest Points
Here are some of the main highlights from the survey that gives us a glimpse about private gun ownership and home or self-defense.
How many gun owners in America?
An estimated 33 percent of Americans exercise their Second Amendment rights to own a firearm. That amounts to around 81 million people in the country.
What’s the male and female ratio of gun owners?
It’s closer than you probably think. 57.8 percent are male, while 42.2 percent are female. Keep in mind that 2020 saw the biggest increase in gun ownership going to women as first time gun owners.
How many guns does each owner have on average?
Five.
Who chooses to conceal carry in public?
The survey estimates that up to 21 million people conceal carry their weapon each day.
How many have had to actively use their weapon in a dangerous scenario?
25 million firearm owners have had to use their gun in some capacity in order to secure their own safety or those around them.
The Time Frame
The survey was conducted between the months of February through March 2021. The results that were published are preliminary with a more extensive book coming out later this year. It’s truly shocking to see just how many people needed to protect themselves in a self-defense scenario. That’s why being able to own and effectively use a firearm to protect yourself, or the ones you love, is such a important part of our ideals as a nation.
