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

[SecularMotion]

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

[Bohunk68]

1. Good info, well thought out conclusions.

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]

2. 8 is a pretty low number for any serious gun owner.

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

[Flyboy_451]

3. 8 isnt enough for self defense?

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]

4. The theory is a gun for all occations

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

[Flyboy_451]

5. Yea...I've never bought into that particular theory...

"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]

6. Let's see....

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.

[Logical]

7. FFS, that is pure bullshit. Nt

[ileus]

8. Why???

[Waldorf]

9. 8.1? Quite a bit off for me. :)

[sarisataka]

10. Wow, 8?

guess I have some work to do if I want to be average.

[Straw Man]

11. Let's see ...

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.