Libertarian Leanings

How Many Households in the U.S. Have a Gun in 2024?

By Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Report Highlights: In 2023, around 42% of American households, or approximately 53.3 million, had at least one firearm.

• Household gun ownership decreased from 47% in 1990 to 45% in 2022.

• Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming have the highest rates of household firearm ownership in the country.

• Hawaii, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have the lowest rates of household firearm ownership compared to other states.

Related Data Studies: Gun Ownership by State | Worst States to be a Gun Owner | Most Gun Friendly States in 2024

Ammo.com strives to provide reliable information sourced from reputable databases. You can view our sources HERE.

Disclaimer: Data in this report is compiled using survey data. This data is self-reported and may reflect lower rates than reality suggests.

Methodology

Firearm ownership in the United States is not officially monitored or tracked. As a result, we rely on self-reported data, as well as NICS and NSSF reports, to estimate the number of households that own guns.

Here is the methodology for the data below:

• All household data are estimates derived from various self-reported surveys and purchase reports.
• All data are cross-referenced with Census Bureau information to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• We consulted a wide range of sources to ensure the accuracy of this report.

Number of U.S. Households Owning a Gun

According to recent surveys, 53.3 million households in the U.S. have at least one firearm, representing 42% of all households. ^{1, 5}

Number of U.S. Households Owning a Gun by State

Household gun ownership in the U.S. varies significantly by state. Hawaii has the fewest households with guns, Texas has the largest number of households owning guns, and Montana has the highest percentage of homes with firearms.

U.S. Household Gun Ownership: Wrap Up

Nearly half of all U.S. households own at least one firearm. While state-level household gun ownership isn't officially recorded, we've estimated figures using firearm purchase records and self-reported data.

We estimate that half of U.S. households own at least one firearm, though firearm ownership rates vary significantly by state.

Sources

1. Key Facts About Americans and Guns
2. NICS Background Checks by State
3. NSSF Adjusted NICS Background Checks
4. State-Level Estimates of Household Firearm Ownership
5. American Community Survey 5-Year Data: U.S. Census Bureau
6. How Many Guns Did Americans Buy Last Month?

 

 

REPORT: 2025's BEST and WORST U.S. States for Sound Money

Jp Cortez, Money Metals Exchange

(Charlotte, NC – November 20^th, 2024) – The newly released 2025 Sound Money Index has identified Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska as the states with the most favorable policies toward constitutional sound money, while Vermont, Maine, and California take the most hostile stances.

Released annually by the Sound Money Defense League and Money Metals Exchange, the Sound Money Index is a comprehensive scorecard evaluating how each U.S. state promotes or impedes sound money policies.

Ranked policies include sales, income, and gross revenue taxes connected with precious metals, state affirmation of gold and silver as money, strengthening protections of gold and silver clause contracts, state precious metals depositories.

Additional criteria include issuing or investing in gold bonds, inclusion of physical gold or silver in state pension or reserve funds, state mechanisms to accept and remit taxes and other payments in gold and silver. and crippling regulatory burdens imposed on precious metals dealers and investors.

The 2025 Index saw several states improve their rankings dramatically after having enacted pro-sound money tax legislation in 2024.

Nebraska’s elimination of capital gains taxes on precious metals propelled it from 22nd to 8th place, while Alabama leapt almost twenty spots from 28th to 9th place. Both of these states had already eliminated their state sales tax on purchases of gold and silver coins, bars, and rounds, so removing income taxes on sales was the next logical step. 

Louisiana jumped from 17^th to 12^th place after Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill reaffirming gold and silver as legal tender in the state.

Wisconsin and New Jersey also saw major improvements from their previous year’s ranking after repealing sales taxes on precious metals. Wisconsin climbed from 44th to 26th place, and New Jersey moved from 49th to 39th.

“Money Metals has spent a full decade promoting state-level sound money reforms, and I’m proud to say these bills tend to be among the most popular proposals considered in recent legislative seasons,” said Stefan Gleason, CEO of Money Metals. “For example, today there are 45 states that have partially or fully exempted sales taxes on precious metals.”

Only five states—Kentucky, Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and Hawaii—continue to tax precious metals purchases, despite the impact on individuals, businesses, and families seeking a vehicle through which to preserve the purchasing power of their savings.

 However, not all precious metals sales tax exemptions are created equal.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a full exemption on purchases of gold and silver from the state sales tax without any restrictions. The measure did not include an exemption for platinum and palladium.

The New Jersey bill ultimately signed by the governor does not exempt purchases of “investment coin,” defined as, “any numismatic coin manufactured of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or any other metal, including non-precious metals, and having a fair market value of not less than $1,000. ‘Investment coin’ shall not include jewelry or works of art made of coins, nor shall it include commemorative medallions. 

Inclusion of these two limited exemptions earned New Jersey only 13 points out of a possible 18 in the sales tax categories of the 2025 Sound Money Index, while Wisconsin’s partial exemption earned the state only 14 points. 

Several other states also considered capital gains exemptions on precious metals this year, setting the stage for more sound money reforms in the coming years.

"The Sound Money Index continues to hold states accountable for policies that impact Americans' ability to protect themselves from inflation and financial instability," said Jp Cortez, Executive Director of the Sound Money Defense League.

Cortez continued, “As the Federal Reserve note’s purchasing power continues to fall, Americans need more options to protect their savings. The Sound Money Index tracks the sound money movement, calling attention to states that still shackle gold and silver with regulation and taxes, and highlights the forward-thinking states that enable the metals to function as savings and money.”

Election Reflection

I am immensely relieved at Trump's victory. I was quite worried about it, so much so that I did something I've never done before.  I volunteered to go out door knocking in the final weekends before the election.  At the tender age of seventy-seven, I joined up with Trump Force 47 to walk the Nashua neighborhoods and persuade people to vote Republican.  The Republicans had put together a list of voters who were not yet registered or who had not voted in recent election, but who might be supportive of Trump.  The job of the volunteer was to take a piece of the list, contact the voters on it, and urge them to go vote, not just for Trump, but for the entire Republican slate.

It was interesting.  I got no answer at most of the doors on my list, but I also got no discourtesy from anybody either.  Interest in this election was through the roof.  I didn't find anybody who wasn't planning to vote, and I found only one voter who seemed to lean towards Trump but claimed to be undecided.  I was not able to persuade her.  Mostly the people I found knew how they would vote.

I approached one house with my clipboard and my pile of Trump pamphlets visible, and the lady at the door took one look, and before I could open my mouth she said, "No. No."  So I said, "OK.  Have a nice day."  The few on my list who were opposed to voting for Trump were not unfriendly.  They just made it clear that they were not interested in hearing my pitch.  One elderly man said he would vote the Republican ticket, except for Trump. I spoke with him for a while, but I could see there was no persuading him, so I shook his hand, wished him well, and went on my way.  The easiest conversations were at places with Trump-Vance signs all over.  I rang the doorbells anyway to say hello and remind them to vote Republican all the way down the ballot.  Some said they would, others said they already had.

Then there was a surprising encounter.  I was walking towards a guy and his dog who were walking towards me.  It was in the downtown section.  By this time I was holding my Trump pamphlets under the clipboard where they were less likely to be seen.  I thought that when I got to the next door I'd be able to get a word in before being dismissed.  But as we passed each other he said, "Hey, can I have one of those?"  His accent was recognizably Spanish.  I gave him a pamphlet, some cards, and a bumper sticker.  I introduced myself and asked his name.  We talked a while, then I shook his hand and we parted.  I could kick myself because I had lost my pen, but I thought I would be able to remember his name.  I didn't, and I didn't think to put him into my phone contacts.  He is someone I'd have like to get involved with the Nashua Republicans.  It's a new party.

In New Hampshire, Kelly Ayotte won the governor's race in a blowout, but Trump lost.  I had been hopeful, but it turned out my elderly gentleman who planned to vote Republican except for Trump seemed to reflect New Hampshire.  Republicans took the governorship and increased their majorities in both houses of the legislature, while the tops of the ballot went Democrat.  Nationwide, Trump won, attracting more minorities than any Republican in decades. 

Us door knockers were also asked if we would volunteer to be poll watchers.  I chose to hold a sign for a few hours at the Ward 3 polling place instead.  But having more poll watchers on hand would cut down on the chances that there would be cheating.  James O'Keefe, formerly Project Veritas and now O'Keefe Media Group (OMG, how appropriate), posted a warning on X that his group would be undercover and filming at locations in Pennsylvania.  I haven't heard if they actually did that.  In any event, I haven't heard many complaints about election cheating.

Fox called the election for Trump at 1:19am.  I've been impatient to see what the final popular vote total will be.  So far Trump is ahead, and apparently will remain ahead even if all the remaining votes go to Harris.  So far, it looks like there are 10 million fewer voters – excuse me, fewer ballots – than in 2020, give or take, and as we close in a final vote count, it doesn't appear that they're going to turn up.  Which leads me to a big unmentionable reason why Trump won.

There were a lot of good reasons that voters had for turning out for Trump.  The economy, the border, inflation, crime, the forever wars, the boys in girls sports, locker rooms, and bathrooms to name a few.  But Trump voters turned out in record numbers in fear that the 2024 election would be the last legitimate election in America if they lost.  Democrats would continue flooding the country with illegal aliens with the ultimate intent of making them Democrat voters.  They would strive to eliminate any voter ID requirements, they would actively oppose cleanup of the voter rolls, and they would promote universal mail-in voting.  In short Democrats would create an environment where cheating would be easy to do and impossible to detect, thus preserving their option to steal any future elections.

Democracy was on the ballot but not in the way that Kamala Harris said it was.

While legacy media have been ignoring this story, "Make it too big to rig" was our rallying cry, and with the grace of God, we pulled it off.  There is hope for the world yet.

Since Trump's election things have suddenly turned in a less chaotic direction.  Qatar has kicked out the Hamas leaders hiding there.  Hamas has called for an end to its war.  Vladimir Putin has said he's ready to talk about ending the war in Ukraine, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already spoken with Trump about it.  Putin has also said he is not abandoning the U.S. dollar.  A caravan of migrants from Honduras dissolved before reaching the U.S. border.  Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams will stop providing food vouchers to illegal aliens.  Mexico's top diplomat said that Mexico will continue measures to stop the migrant invaders from reaching the U.S. border.  The U.S. stock market hit record highs.  

Still, I'm amazed that he's won out after all they've put him through.  Our weaponized government has been involved in spying on his presidency, investigating him for treason, launching impeachments, prosecuting him for contrived crimes, and even allowing an assassin to get off a shot at him.  Yet here we are.  This time Trump is much better positioned to counter the opposition from within his own party and from within the government itself.

A significant majority of voters are with Trump.  I am optimistic that he will have a successful and consequential presidency, and America will by leaps and bounds be the better for it.

Gun Facts in the U.S. 2024

The Reality of Firearms in America

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

The United States is not only known for having some of the most intriguing politicians but is also a nation of gun owners. With more civilian-owned firearms than any other country in the world, it's clear that guns are deeply ingrained in our culture.

However, gun ownership in America isn’t as simple as many believe. Between growth trends and demographic disparities, there is a lot to learn about guns in the U.S.

We’ve done a deep dive into guns in the U.S. and listed our findings in the following sections.

Report Highlights:

• An estimated 32% (107,000,000) of Americans personally own at least one firearm.

• Men own more guns than women, but women are the fastest-growing demographic of gun owners.

• As of 2017, Americans possessed 46% of the world’s civilian-owned firearms.

• 40% (or 52 million) of American households contain at least one firearm).

• 81% of gun owners and 57% of non-gun owners say a firearm makes them safer.

Methodology

Firearm ownership is not recorded, tracked, or monitored in the United States. Furthermore, state and federal data may differ due to reporting issues. Therefore, we must rely on various sources to understand firearm-related statistics.

All information collected below comes from the most reputable sources available.

Here is how we compiled the data in this article:

• Self-Reporting surveys - Gun ownership and feelings towards guns.
• The CDC Wonder - Firearm-related deaths, homicides, and suicides.
• Peer-Reviewed Studies - Studying correlations between gun ownership, crime, and deaths.
• State-level Data - Every state in the U.S. has different gun laws and tracking methods (the data does not always align with national levels).
• NICS and ATF Reports - The National Instant Background Check system and ATF records are used to understand firearm sales and firearms involved in crimes.

Ammo.com strives to provide accurate and reliable information. You can jump to our sources listed HERE.

How Many Americans Own Guns?

Despite many new first-time gun buyers and the highest-ever gun sales, just under half of the adult American population owns guns. Recent polls show that 30% (or 100,800,000 people) of the American population owns guns as of 2024. ¹

As of 2023, over 65 million households in the United States have at least one firearm, up from 56 million households in 2019. This means that more than half of the homes in the U.S. have firearms. ²

• In 2023, approximately 32% of Americans own a firearm, which equates to roughly 84 million people.
• In 2023, 40% of American households have at least one firearm, totaling about 52.8 million households.
• In 2019, 30% of American households had at least one firearm, equating to approximately 39.6 million households.

Number of People vs. Guns in the U.S.

The recent estimates from the FBI NICS background check system indicate that there were over 500 million privately owned firearms in the United States as of 2023. This figure aligns with data from sources such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and other industry reports, which consistently show high numbers of firearm sales and ownership in the U.S. ^{7, 8, 10}

Additionally, the U.S. population is approximately 336 million people as of recent estimates. This figure is based on the latest census and population data available (NSSF).

These statistics underscore the significant presence of firearms in the United States, both in terms of the number of guns and the percentage of the population that owns them. ^{30, 31}

To say that Americans have more guns than any other country is an understatement. There are 1.5 firearms for every U.S. citizen and nearly two for every U.S. adult. ^{30, 31}

• The United States has a population of approximately 336 million people as of 2024 and there are estimated to be over 400 million privately owned firearms in the United States. ^{3, 10, 12}
• This means there are roughly 1.2 firearms for every U.S. citizen.
• There are approximately 1.5 firearms per adult, given that not all citizens are adults.

States with the Most Guns

It’s nearly impossible to estimate the number of firearms in each state. However, based on surveys and NICS records, we can deduce which states have the highest rate of gun ownership. ⁸

Wyoming has more guns per person than any other state, with 581,000 people in 2024 and 245 firearms for every one thousand individuals. West Virginia trails in second place with 92 firearms per 1,000 people. South Dakota, New Mexico, and New Hampshire round up the top three in the firearms per capita category. ³²

Here are the five states with the highest estimated guns per capita:

1. Wyoming - 245 per 1,000 people
2. West Virginia - 92 per 1,000 people
3. South Dakota - 72 per 1,000 people
4. New Mexico - 58 per 1,000 people
5. New Hampshire - 52 per 1,000 people

Note: All data included in this section is collected through self-reporting surveys on a state-by-state basis and do not align with national levels. The per capita rates are likely higher.

What Percentage of All the Guns in the World Are Owned by Americans?

Another common point of interest in the gun debate is how many of the world’s guns Americans own. Due to the fact that firearms are incredibly challenging to trace, we can only estimate how many guns are in the hands of civilians.

According to the 2017 Small Arms Survey, the global estimate of firearms is over one billion. Of these, approximately 857 million (85%) are in civilian hands, 133 million (13%) are in military arsenals, and 23 million (2%) are owned by law enforcement agencies.​

In 2017, the Small Arms Survey estimated that Americans owned 393 million firearms, which is about 120.5 firearms per 100 people. This means that Americans hold roughly 46% of the world's civilian-owned firearms. ³

Man vs. Woman Gun Ownership

While men are more likely to personally own a firearm, women are becoming new gun owners at faster rates.

In 2017, 22% of U.S. females, or approximately 36.9 million women, owned firearms. By 2023, this percentage increased to 25%, meaning around 41 million women in the U.S. personally owned a gun​. This shows a growing trend in female gun ownership over the years. ^{22, 25}

Male firearm ownership has seen a decline. In 2023, 39% of men, or approximately 66 million, reported owning firearms. This is a decrease from previous years when nearly half (46%) of men owned guns indicating a shift in gun ownership demographics over the past few years. ^{22, 23, 25}

In 2023, 29.2% of handgun permit holders in the United States were women, an increase from 28.3% in 2021. This data highlights the growing trend of female participation in firearm ownership and concealed carry. ¹⁴

Men

• 2007 - 46%
• 2011 - 45%
• 2015 - 43%
• 2019 - 43%
• 2022 - 43%

Women

• 2007 - 13%
• 2011 - 19%
• 2015 - 15%
• 2019 - 18%
• 2022 - 22%

How Many Illegal Gun Owners are in America

Unfortunately, criminals and prohibited individuals don’t reveal their ownership rate. Prohibited persons aren’t likely to obtain firearms via legal means. ⁵ Therefore, we can’t examine NICS reports for data either. However, we do know how many citizens are prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms.

More than 28 million people in the U.S. are classified as prohibited persons out of the total population of 336 million. Nearly half of these individuals are prohibited due to their citizenship status rather than a criminal or mental health background. Over seven million people are prohibited due to mental health reasons, while felony convictions are the least common reason for being classified as a prohibited person. ⁶

• As of January 2023, there are 28,407,758 individuals prohibited from possessing firearms in the United States.
• The largest subset of prohibited persons is due to citizenship status, comprising 12,529,823 individuals.
• The second largest subset is those prohibited due to mental adjudication, totaling 7,150,138 individuals.
• The third largest subset includes those with felony convictions, totaling 5,157,203 individuals.
• From 2020 to 2021, the number of prohibited persons increased by 8.79%, from 23,377,233 to 25,430,959.
• Only 1.26% of all NICS background checks result in denial​.
• The average time-to-crime of firearms, from the date of purchase via an FFL, is 6.99 years. ^{7, 8}

How Many Illegal Guns Are in the U.S.?

When we get down to brass tacks, there are no illegal firearms in the U.S. For example, a Thompson machine gun is largely considered illegal, but some people can legally own them. Therefore, the following statistics reflect firearms that are no longer in possession of a responsible gun owner.

Others may consider unserialized firearms illegal. However, they are still legal, and it wasn’t until 1968 that manufacturers were required to add serial numbers. Therefore, it is possible that there are millions of untraceable firearms in the United States.

While we don’t know the exact number of illegal guns in the U.S., we do know that there are millions of firearms in the hands of criminals or will be in the coming years. As of 2021, the ATF traced more than 400,000 firearms used during the commission of a crime. Nearly all of those firearms were obtained illegally. ⁹

When a law enforcement agency acquires a firearm (presumably during the commission of a crime), it sends a trace request to the ATF. Between 2017 and 2021, nearly two million trace requests were sent to the ATF ¹¹.

• As of 2021, the ATF traced 404,334 firearms seized in the commission of a crime.
• 93% of guns used in crimes were obtained illegally.
• 1,922,577 firearms were submitted to the ATF between 2017 and 2021 for trace requests (presumably recovered in crimes).
• Recent reports show that an average of 160,000 firearms are reported stolen annually.

Overall, gun control nationwide is losing support. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of Americans who support background checks declined from 90% to 84%, and overall support declined to 56%. ^{21, 22}

High-capacity magazines are a controversial term because standards vary depending on the firearm. However, registered Democrats are the most likely group to support magazine bans. Independent voters are the second most likely, and only 32% of Republicans strongly support bans.

Semi-automatic rifles, often referred to as assault rifles, have been a hotly debated topic for decades. Similar to other gun control measures, support for weapons bans has decreased from 61% in 2019 to 55% in 2022. ²²

It’s no secret that Americans worry about the adverse effects of having so many firearms. Half of Americans are worried about mass shootings, and more than three-quarters of Americans feel that gun violence is rising.

In 2023, there were mixed results among parents, where 61% stated their children were concerned about gun violence versus another survey stating that only 32% of children were concerned. Democrats and Independents are more likely to be concerned about gun violence than Republicans. ²⁰

Those who own no firearms often wonder why anyone would ever keep guns in their homes and on their persons. Fortunately, we have surveys to help answer those questions.

Nearly three-fourths of those who own guns do so for protection. More than a quarter of gun owners cite hunting as a reason and/or sport shooting. Few people state that they own firearms as collectibles, and only 7% of gun owners say they own guns due to their jobs.

Americans, Guns, and Facts

It’s true that Americans own more guns than any other country’s population. Firearms are deeply ingrained in American culture, from hunting to personal defense and sport shooting.

With nearly two firearms for every adult, Americans’ attitudes toward firearms vary greatly. Although many support stricter gun control restrictions, fewer support them today than twenty years ago.

Sources

1. Gallup: Guns
2. Rand Study on Gun Ownership by State
3. Small Arms Survey 2017
4. US Population Data 2023
5. Gun Crime Study 1983
6. ATF Prohibited Persons
7. FBI NICS Indices
8. FBI NICS Operation Report 2020-2021
9. ATF Trace Data
10. Gun Purchases Per Month
11. Traced Gun Crimes ATF
12. Firearms Manufactured & Imported 2010
13. Guns and Crime Data
14. Handgun Permit Data
15. FBI Stolen Guns
16. 2008 Poll 2A
17. SCOTUS Poll
18. Poll CNN May 2023
19. Fox News Gun Poll
20. Polls 2019-2023
21. Gallup Poll 1990-2023
22. 2022 University of Chicago Poll
23. CBS Poll 2023
24. Key Facts About Americans and Guns
25. FBI Violent Crime Rates
26. DGU Studies
27. CDC Suicides 1979-1999
28. CDC Suicides 2018-2022
29. Economic Impact of Firearms
30. The Power of the Second Amendment: U.S. Citizens Now Own Over 500 Million Guns
31. U.S. Census Population Clock
32. Gun Ownership by State
33. Support or Oppose Banning High-Capacity Magazines

How Many Guns in the U.S.

All About America's Firearms in 2024

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Asking how many guns are in the U.S. is like asking how many grains of salt are in the Dead Sea—there are simply too many to count. Due to privacy rights and the right to keep and bear arms, which governments in the U.S. are bound to respect, it's nearly impossible to determine the exact number of firearms. The Supreme Court's decision in Haynes v. U.S. (1968) ruled that firearm registrations are unconstitutional, further complicating any attempt at an accurate count.

However, we can make an educated estimate using NICS records, surveys, and import data. The following sections will explore everything you need to know about the number of guns in the U.S.

Report Highlights:

• According to the most recent estimates, the United States has between 400 million and 500 million civilian-owned firearms.

• There are 1.93 firearms for every adult in the U.S. and 1.5 for every American citizen, including children.

• In 2022, there were 22 million people with concealed carry permits.

• 46% of American households—approximately 65.19 million—contain at least one firearm.

• Since 1899, at least 494,060,285 firearms have been manufactured in the U.S.

Methodology

The United States government does not require firearm registration, so the total number of firearms in the country is unknown. However, we have studies, sales reports, and self-reporting surveys to validate estimates.

The following sections contain all available information from reputable sources. We’ve compared the year-over-year self-reporting trends to NICS background checks and NSSF sales reports to accurately analyze the number of guns in the U.S.

Furthermore, we accounted for privately manufactured firearms and firearms that are no longer in circulation based on ATF and DOJ reports over various years.

How Many Guns in America?

More than 490 million firearms have been imported or manufactured in the United States for civilian use since 1899. ¹

However, this figure includes firearms that may have been destroyed or are no longer in circulation. Despite the known number of manufactured guns in the U.S., estimates suggest that the actual number is even higher.

Due to the rise of ghost guns, the ability to produce unregistered firearms, and the lack of reporting requirements for lost, stolen, or damaged guns, we must rely on NICS records and surveys to estimate the number of firearms in America.

The growth of firearms in America began gradually. In 1996, the ATF estimated there were 242 million firearms in the U.S. By 2000, that number had increased to 259 million.

In 2007, the estimate rose to 294 million; by 2009, it had surpassed 310 million. ²

By 2018, the reported number of firearms in the U.S. was 393 million. ³

Our most recent estimates suggest there are now more than 500 million civilian-owned firearms in the U.S.

• The most recent estimates (2024) suggest there are over 500 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States.
• In 2000, the ATF estimated there were 259 million firearms in the U.S.
• The largest surge in gun purchases occurred between 2020 and 2023, with over 1 million NICS background checks for purchases each month for 57 consecutive months.

Note: This data assumes that a purchase was made. It does not include permits and rechecks.

How Many Guns per Person in America?

Population estimates for 2024 show that the U.S. has approximately 345.4 million people, of which 258.3 million are adults. ¹¹

Firearms in circulation are estimated to be over 500 million in the U.S., meaning there are roughly 1.5 firearms for every person in the country and about 1.93 firearms per adult.

Guns per Person in 2024:

• There are 1.93 firearms for every adult in the U.S.
• There are 1.5 firearms for every American, including both adults and children.

How Many Registered Gun Owners in the U.S.

Americans generally do not register their firearms. In fact, very few types of firearms require registration at all.

Unlike other countries that track the number of guns within their borders using registration data and mandatory registration for all gun owners, the U.S. does not.

In this section, we'll focus on concealed carry permits.

As of 2023, 22.9 million Americans held a concealed carry permit. Despite the growing trend of permitless carry laws, the number of concealed carry permits increased by 2.3% from 2021 to 2022. ⁴

Note: Concealed carry permits are not an indicator of the number of gun owners in America. They are not required in every state.

How Many Illegal Guns in the U.S.

In the United States, there is no such thing as an "illegal gun." The right to keep and bear arms belongs to the people, so the focus is on "prohibited persons" rather than illegal firearms.

Therefore, the number of "illegal guns" in the U.S. depends on how many prohibited persons unlawfully possess them.

If we assume every prohibited person in the U.S. owns at least one firearm (which is possible given the vast number of guns in the country), there would be more than 28,407,758 illegal guns, based on the number of individuals on the FBI's prohibited person list. However, this scenario is highly unlikely.

Moreover, in 2021, the ATF traced only 456,571 firearms. Given the millions of guns available, it’s even less likely that the majority of prohibited individuals possess firearms. ¹⁰

Now, let’s examine the facts we do know.

Ghost Guns and Unregistered Guns

Ghost guns, by nature, are impossible to track. This term generally describes a firearm that is manufactured with no serial number or paperwork. Therefore, we can only assess the number seized by the ATF and other agencies.

The Number of Ghost Guns Recovered from 2017 to 2021

Unregistered guns, also known as ghost guns, have become increasingly popular since 2020. As new laws and regulations make purchasing more difficult, people tend to find other ways to make guns.

While we can’t say how many PMFs (privately manufactured firearms) are in America, we do know how many were recovered by the ATF.

There has been a 175% increase in PMFs recovered by the ATF in recent years. In 2017, the ATF recovered fewer than 2,000 firearms. In 2022, the agency recovered more than 25,000. ^{8, 9, 10}

Furthermore, we can examine firearm seizures used in the commission of a crime to better understand unregistered gun patterns. To do this, we must determine how many guns were not registered to a purchaser.

Percentage of Unregistered Guns Recovered from 2017-2021

• 2021 - 20.5% (of 460,240)
• 2020 - 21.6%
• 2019 - 23.9%
• 2018 - 24%
• 2017 - 25.3% (of 337,903)

How Many Guns Per Household in America

As of 2024, there were 123.6 million households in the U.S. The latest surveys reflect that 52% of American households have at least one firearm. ¹⁴

Current estimates show that 65,190,000 households in America have at least one firearm.

How Many Handguns in the U.S.

It’s nearly impossible to determine the exact number of handguns in the U.S. However, by analyzing data over the years, it’s clear that handguns are the most common type of firearm in the country.

While we don't have complete information about handguns in the U.S., we do have some reliable data to consider.

Between 1986 and 2012, 49,451,152 handguns (including pistols and revolvers) were produced in the U.S. In comparison, only 40,287,087 rifles and 23,234,262 shotguns were manufactured during the same period. ¹³

In 2000, the ATF estimated that there were 92 million handguns and 92 million rifles in circulation.

By 2017, 72% of gun owners reported owning at least one handgun, translating to approximately 66.3 million gun owners and 45.7 million handguns. ⁷

It’s important to note that 66% of gun owners say they own two or more firearms.

Currently, there are estimated to be at least 157,580,794 handguns in the United States, although this figure includes firearms that may have been broken or destroyed.

Number of Guns Through the Years

After the 1993 Brady Act, tracking firearm manufacturing and possession became more challenging due to a decline in the number of FFL dealers and the emergence of new, creative ways for people to obtain firearms.

However, based on NICS records, surveys, and import logs, the number of firearms in the U.S. increased from about 250 million in 2000 to 500 million by 2024.²

While gun ownership rates have remained relatively steady, hovering between 42% and 45% from the 1980s to the present, the number of guns in circulation has grown substantially. ^{7, 8}

Between 1899 and 2022, at least 494,060,285 firearms were manufactured for civilian use, and 130,720,841 firearms were imported into the U.S. Note: These figures include firearms that may have been destroyed or exported at a later date. ¹

From 1986 to 2012, millions of firearms were manufactured each year, and this trend has continued to rise in the years since.

Guns in America

The United States has a significant number of firearms compared to most other countries, with current estimates suggesting there are around 500 million firearms in circulation. This translates to approximately 1.5 firearms per person, making the U.S. unique in having more guns than people.

However, accurately determining the exact number of firearms is challenging due to factors such as unregistered guns, private sales, and reporting constraints. These complexities mean that the true number of firearms in the country could be higher than the current estimates.

This situation highlights the challenges in tracking gun ownership and distribution in the U.S., where the right to own firearms is both widely exercised and protected.

Sources

1. How Many Guns Are Circulating in the U.S.
2. April Marks 57 Months Of Million-Plus Firearm Sales Figures
3. Small Arms Survey 2018
4. Gun Ownership by State
5. ATF Number of Guns in 2000
6. ATF Firearms 1998-2012
7. Gun Ownership 2017
8. ATF Ghost Guns 2022
9. DOJ Report on Ghost Guns and Unregistered Guns
10. ATF Trace Data
11. U.S. Population 2017
12. U.S. Household and Population Data
13. Firearms Commerce in the United States
14. Poll: Gun ownership reaches record high with American electorate

Dr. Ron Paul Spotlights Money Metals’ Longtime Advocacy for Sound Money Policy

by Jp Cortez, Money Metals

In a recent interview, Dr. Ron Paul engages with Jp Cortez, Executive Director of the Sound Money Defense League, the national public policy project of Money Metals which seeks to remonetize gold and silver, primarily by removing taxation around the sale, use, and purchase of the assets.

Dr. Paul and Cortez explore the historical context of the U.S. dollar, particularly the tragic shift away from the gold standard during Nixon's administration, and the resulting inflationary pressures that have followed.

They advocate for gold as a stable asset and emphasize the need for a private monetary system grounded in physical assets. This approach would help shield the economy from the detrimental effects of government money printing, runaway spending, and currency debasement.

Dr. Paul and Cortez discussed the growing distrust in fiat currency, noting how BRICS nations and various U.S. states are adopting measures to hedge against dollar depreciation by turning to gold and other tangible assets.

A central theme of the discussion is the necessity of public education regarding the intricate relationship between inflation and government policies.

Cortez frames inflation not only as an economic challenge but also as a moral issue stemming from irresponsible monetary practices. He highlights his group’s commitment to empowering individuals through education and advocacy, equipping them with the tools to promote sound money policies within their states.

With the support of Money Metals and its massive customer base, the Sound Money Defense League is able to generate high-impact grassroots support during key moments and crucial votes.

The conversation concludes with a call to action for viewers, encouraging them to actively engage in legislative advocacy and support sound money initiatives, reinforcing the Money Metals’ overarching mission to restore financial integrity and protect citizens' wealth from the erosive effects of inflation. 

Outline of Topics Discussed:

1. Historical Context of the U.S. Dollar

Dr. Paul and Jp explore the shift away from the gold standard under Nixon and how this move initiated a trajectory of inflation that has impacted the economy over the decades.

2. Value of Gold as a Stable Asset

The conversation highlights the importance of gold as a reliable store of value, advocating for a private monetary system backed by physical assets to protect against government-induced devaluation.

3. Distrust in Fiat Currency

They discuss the growing skepticism surrounding fiat currencies, particularly in the context of international trends, including BRICS nations and U.S. states seeking alternatives to the dollar through gold initiatives.

4. Educational Initiatives on Inflation

A significant emphasis is placed on the need for public education about the relationship between inflation and government policies, framing inflation as a moral issue related to fiscal irresponsibility.

5. Call to Action for Legislative Advocacy

Cortez encourages viewers to actively engage in legislative efforts to promote sound money policies, underscoring the importance of grassroots advocacy in restoring financial integrity.

Img credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Alabama State Sen. Tim Melson Named 2024’s “Sound Money Legislator of the Year”

by Jp Cortez, Sound Money Defense League

(Charlotte, North Carolina) – America's top-rated national precious metals dealer and the nation's preeminent sound money policy group are proud to announce Alabama state Senator Tim Melson as the 2024 "Sound Money Legislator of the Year."

Money Metals Exchange and the Sound Money Defense League selected Senator Melson  to receive this prestigious annual award for leading a successful campaign to end the capital gains tax on gold and silver coins, bars, and rounds in the Yellowhammer State in 2024.

     
Sen. Tim Melson (Florence, AL)

Senate Bill 297, the Alabama Sound Money Tax Neutrality Act, removed this major tax penalty that had undermined citizens’ use of gold and silver as savings in the state.

This is not Senator Melson's first successful campaign to promote sound money policies in Alabama.

Sen. Melson had previously championed a measure to remove the sales tax exemption on purchases of the metals back in 2018 with Senate Bill 156. In 2022, he sponsored Senate Bill 13, a measure that extended the expiration date of the sales tax exemption for another five years.

"I'm honored to receive this award," said Senator Melson. "At a time of high inflation and uncertainty, sound money is more relevant than ever. Gold and silver have stood the test of time as reliable stores of value for thousands of years.”

Melson continued, “I’m proud to fight for policies that protect an individual's right to use gold and silver as money. I will continue advocating for sound money in Alabama, ensuring that we create a more stable economy for everyone."

Several other lawmakers also made key contributions to the national movement to advance sound money policies, thereby earning honorable mention as part of this year’s award.

Wisconsin state Representative Shae Sortwell and state Senator Duey Strobel passed critical legislation that eliminated sales taxes on purchases of precious metals, bringing the tally to 45 states in the country that have ended the unjust taxation on sound money.

Nebraska state Senator Ben Hansen also played a pivotal role in advancing sound money by sponsoring legislation to eliminate state capital gains taxes on precious metals, and leading the charge to reject Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the Cornhusker State.

Sen. Hansen also helped combat and ultimately defeat legislation that would have reimposed a sales tax on purchases of gold and silver. His work has established Nebraska as a leader in sound money reform.

The scores earned by Alabama, Wisconsin, and Nebraska's on the 2025 Sound Money Index improved as a result of the passage of these significant pieces of legislation.

The Sound Money Defense League and Money Metals Exchange celebrate the legislative accomplishments of these lawmakers, who continue to make strides in promoting sound money policies across the United States, and 2025 promises to bring forth even greater advancements.

 

Jp Cortez is the Executive Director for the Sound Money Defense League, a non-partisan, national public policy group working to restore sound money at the state and federal level, and lead author of the Sound Money Index.

Defensive Gun Use Statistics

America’s Life-Saving Gun Incidents (2024)

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

The Second Amendment limits the government’s power over the people’s right to keep and bear arms for the defense of our nation. However, Americans uniquely have the right to defend our lives with the most effective tools available.

A widely disputed topic between gun advocates and anti-Second Amendment advocates is the number of defensive gun uses (DGUs) each year. Fortunately, we have data to better understand the effect armed civilians have on criminality.

The following section covers everything we know about defensive gun use in the U.S.

Report Highlights:

• Reports consistently show that there are between 60,000 and 2,500,000 defensive gun uses per year.

• There are an average of 1,820,000 defensive gun uses per year compared to 1,100,000 reported crimes.

• Only 2.07 million civilians regularly carry a firearm for defense.

• Civilians are 85% more likely to use a firearm for defense than to be murdered by one.

• The average distance in a defensive gun use shooting is three yards.

We at Ammo.com strive to provide reliable data from reputable sources. You can view all sources used in this article HERE.

How Often Are Guns Used in Self-Defense?

The number of defensive gun uses (DGUs) is hotly contested and widely debated because the definitions and data collection methods vary. However, studies consistently show between 60,000 and 2,500,000 DGU uses per year. The average yearly reported number of self-defense cases between 1990 and 2023 is 1,820,000 annually. ⁷

Defensive gun uses are often debated because the information comes from survey data, and many wonder how 2.3 million DGUs are even possible annually.

Some DGU surveys are more broad, asking questions like “Have you ever retrieved a firearm because you perceived a threat?” Others ask more specific questions, such as, “Have you ever retrieved a firearm because you saw an active threat or home intruder?”

Assuming that even the highest DGU estimates are accurate (4.3M uses per a CNN survey), that would only be 2% of all American gun owners thwarting a threat with a gun.

States’ Self-Defense Laws, Permitless Carry, and DGUs

Indiana passed Stand Your Ground laws in 2006 and permitless carry legislation in 2022. In January of 2024, 14 of 18 homicide investigations involved self-defense. From a domestic violence incident to a home break-in, over three-fourths of all deaths in Indianapolis that month involved some type of self-defense claim. ¹

Despite a 2022 study ² stating that Stand Your Ground legislation leads to more homicides, a five-year average of homicides by state does not support this hypothesis. In fact, national homicide rates increased between 2020 and 2022. Furthermore, states with permitless carry legislation and SYG legislation have the same homicide rate average as those who don’t. ³

Unfortunately, the CDC Wonder does not differentiate between self-defense shootings and homicides. However, the evidence is clear: States with strong self-defense laws do not have higher homicide rates than those restricting the right of civilians to defend themselves.

States’ Violent Crime Rates and No Duty to Retreat (Stand Your Ground Laws)

A 2021 study shows that states embracing civilians’ rights to self-defense had little to no impact on violent crime rates. ⁴ However, 75% of states that passed SYG (Stand Your Ground) laws with no duty to retreat experienced a decline in violent crime victimizations in the following years. ²

The Self-Defense Statistics Debate Explained

Researchers and data analysts have long disputed which defensive use surveys are accurate.

Although the CDC did release a comprehensive study citing 60,000-2,500,000 defensive use cases each year, the government agency quickly withdrew its findings. Self-defense is subjective and, therefore, challenging to identify. Thus, we must understand the debate before accurately assessing how many defensive gun uses are possible.

Variations in Reporting

Although we can’t say exactly how many DGUs occur each year, we can deduce whether they are common or not based on the information that we do have. Various surveys from the early 1990s to 2023 gave us the 60,000-2,500,000 use case estimate.

Defensive gun use has no singular definition. Some researchers refer to the individual’s feelings about the situation. Others assess only those actively involved in violent crimes. Therefore, it’s crucial to get a full view of DGU reports.

The Gun Violence Archives pulls information from 7,000 news publications. Only newspaper articles in which a person used a firearm defensively are included in the 3,165 DGUs between 2014 and 2023. This excludes incidents where a shot is never fired (a firearm is a deterrent) and those where the defender is charged with a crime related to the incident. ⁶

On the other hand, the National Crime Victimization Survey asked respondents if they’ve ever used a gun defensively regarding non-fatal firearm incidents. This study revealed that 87,000 DGUs occur annually.

Finally, self-reporting surveys, including various DGU situations, have more than one million incidents yearly.

Concealed Carry and Defensive Use Statistics

On average, guns are used in 1,800,000 self-defense incidents annually. Comparatively, between 1.1 and 1.2 million crimes are reported annually. Therefore, defensive gun use is more common than crime.

Although some question the validity of so many DGUs, it is entirely plausible and actually maybe even higher.

Reportedly, 56% of gun owners carry firearms for self-defense purposes. However, only 35% (or just over thirty-five million people) carry their firearms outside the home regularly. Furthermore, 26.5% of those who carry firearms conceal carry. Unfortunately, an additional 35% reported that they had refrained from carrying due to concealed carry restrictions. ⁹

• 56% of gun owners carry firearms for self-defense, but only 35% have them with some frequency.
• 26.3% of gun owners concealed carry (approximately 2.07 million), while 34.9% have refrained from carrying due to concealed carry restrictions.
• There are between 1.1 and 1.2 million reported crimes yearly, with 1.8 million defensive gun uses annually.

How Many Crimes Are Stopped by Guns

When we factor in all available studies and surveys, an average of 1.8 million crimes are stopped by guns. However, even at a minimum, there are 60,000 crimes stopped by an armed defender each year.

• Of the 1,678 households with firearms surveyed in 1994, 34% of homeowners claimed to have reached for a gun to defend their life or property from a threat.
• 1,896,842 individuals reached for a firearm due to a perceived threat during that same time.
• 503,481 of those homeowners saw an intruder, and 497,646 of those scared an intruder away with a firearm.
• Between 1987 and 1990, there were at least 258,460 violent crimes stopped by armed defenders.

Self-Defense Murders Statistics

On the low end, guns are used in self-defense in 2.3% of all homicides. However, this includes only data compiled by the FBI, with several agencies failing to report justifiable homicide data. Furthermore, civilians use firearms to save lives more often than police officers. ¹¹)

People are 85% more likely to use a gun in self-defense than to be murdered by one. According to the 2016 NCVS survey, guns were used defensively in 166,000 nonfatal violent crime victimizations and 183,000 in property crime victimizations between 2014-2018. In those same years, there were an average of 13,380 firearm-related homicides. ¹²

• Civilians committed 53% of justifiable homicides. Law enforcement officers committed the remaining 47%.
• Between 1976 and 2018, the FBI tracked 28,770 justifiable homicides. Disclaimer: This number is underreported because many agencies across the nation do not have a subcategory for justifiable homicides.
• 35.8% of incidents ending in a justifiable homicide are the result of a felon committing a crime.
• 15.63% of justifiable homicides tracked between 1979 and 2018 were the result of a felon violently attacking a civilian.

Odds of Being Shot by a Stranger

Between 2014 and 2018, there were approximately 1,907,300 nonfatal violent crime victimizations in the US. Out of these, 59% (about 1,138,500) were committed by strangers, while the remaining 41% were committed by individuals who were known to the victim, such as acquaintances, friends, or relatives. ¹⁷

In 2019, there were 13,927 homicide victims. Among these, 1,372 were killed by strangers, and 6,808 were killed by individuals with no known relationship to them. Additionally, 85 victims were murdered by their husbands, and 28 were murdered by their wives. ¹⁸

When Defensive Gun Use Doesn’t Work

Although the research is limited, a 2009 study in Philadelphia does shed light on instances where gunshot victims failed to thwart an attacker.

The study focused solely on gunshot victims who were over 21 and in possession of a firearm at the time of the assault. The control group were individuals of similar age and gender in Philadelphia at the same time of the shooting.

Here are factors to consider regarding incidents where an armed person was injured in a shooting-related attack:

• Alcohol and illicit drugs were often a factor in the shooting.
• 1-sided conflicts resulted in fewer shootings than 2-sided ones.
• Reaction time was paramount in both one-sided and two-sided interactions. However, those who had time to react in two-sided interactions were more likely to be shot than those who had no reaction time.

Ultimately, the gunshot victims in this study were 5.45 times more likely to get shot if they possessed a firearm. However, there were extenuating circumstances such as alcohol, drugs, and even poverty that affected the outcome of this study.

What is the Distance of Most Defensive Shootings

According to the FBI, the average distance of a defensive shooting is 3 yards (9 feet). ⁵

Average Number of Shots Fired in Defense

According to the FBI, the average number of shots fired in self-defense is only three. ⁵

Defensive Gun Use in the U.S. Wrap-Up

Although many dispute the plausibility of more than one million DGUs yearly, it is entirely plausible. With millions of gun owners in the U.S. and millions of unreported crimes, more civilians likely stop threats than are harmed by them.

Furthermore, states with permitless carry and stand-your-ground laws experience reduced violent crime rates. Therefore, armed civilians are, at least, not a danger to society.

Sources

1. Indianapolis Police See Rise in Self-Defense Shootings
2. Analysis of 'Stand Your Ground' Self-defense Laws and Statewide Rates of Homicides and Firearm Homicides
3. CDC Wonder Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2019
4. Effects of Laws Expanding Civilian Rights to Use Deadly Force in Self-Defense on Violence and Crime: A Systematic Review
5. Distance & Shots Fired
6. Defensive Gun Uses
7. Gun Threats & Self-Defense Gun Use
8. Number of US Households
9. Gun Ownership by Year
10. FBI Defensive Gun Uses by Year
11. FBI Justifiable Homicide Civilian/LEO
12. Nonfatal Victimizations NCVS
13. How Americans Protect Themselves From Crime - Gallup
14. Firearms & Home Defense
15. Violent Crime Reporting Stats
16. Variations in FBI Reporting
17. Bureau of Justice Statistics
18. Office of Justice Programs

Sound Money Leader Speaks to SilverWars on Removing Taxation from Gold and Silver

Jp Cortez, executive director of the Sound Money Defense League, recently joined Jon Forrest Little on SilverWars to discuss states releasing gold and silver from state taxation across the country.

I. Introduction

The discussion opens with a strong emphasis on the critical role of grassroots advocacy in promoting sound money legislation. Cortez underscores the need for local involvement and activism to foster change at the state level. He explains how the Sound Money Defense League benefits immensely from the grassroots support of Money Metals Exchange customers who are advocating for these issues on the ground in any given state.

II. Recent Successes of Money Metals' Public Policy Efforts

• Strategic Focus: Money Metals and the Sound Money Defense League have been prioritizing state-level initiatives aimed at eliminating sales taxes on precious metals, among other projects. This focus has resulted in significant legislative wins, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted advocacy.
• Examples of Successes: Several states are highlighted where sound money legislation has been enacted, reinforcing the idea that local efforts can yield tangible results. Specific victories in states like Louisiana, Alabama, and New Jersey are mentioned, illustrating the momentum behind these initiatives. In the Sound Money Defense League's 10th year of advocacy, 7 states passed pro- sound money legislation.

III. Public Opinion on Local Governance

• Paradox in Public Engagement: Cortez notes a contradiction in public sentiment—while people are often most impacted by local governance, they often neglect to engage in local elections, focusing instead on national politics. This disconnection can hinder progress on sound money policies that require local support and advocacy.

IV. Community Involvement

• Significance of Grassroots Advocacy: Grassroots activism is positioned as essential for promoting sound monetary policies. Jp stresses that effective change often begins at the local level, with states serving as critical examples for others to follow.
• Role of Education and Awareness: The importance of educating the public on the implications of sound money policies and the benefits of local governance is discussed, emphasizing that informed citizens are more likely to participate actively in advocacy efforts. Costco's recent foray into selling precious metals and Money Metals announcing a brand-new, state of the art precious metals depository in Idaho are two key data points that point towards an increase in investment and general awareness of precious metals.

V. Challenges and Victories

• Specific State Examples:
  • New Jersey: Recent developments regarding sound money legislation are examined, focusing on the challenges faced in advancing these policies. The state's political climate and public sentiment are analyzed to understand the obstacles to success.
  • New Mexico: Ongoing efforts in New Mexico to promote sound money initiatives are discussed, highlighting the challenges of overcoming legislative hurdles and the need for sustained grassroots support. New Mexico is one of only five states in the United States that still levy a tax on the purchase of gold and silver.

VI. Conclusion

• Call to Action: The discussion concludes with a powerful call for increased public engagement in local governance and sound money initiatives. Jp encourages individuals to take an active role in their communities, emphasizing that local advocacy is vital for achieving broader legislative goals.

Important Questions Addressed

1. How can grassroots advocacy effectively influence sound money legislation?
   • Grassroots efforts create a direct line of communication between advocates and legislators, allowing for tailored strategies that resonate with local communities.
2. What successful strategies have been employed in various states?
   • Highlighting case studies of states that have successfully enacted sound money policies demonstrates practical approaches that can be replicated elsewhere.
3. Why do citizens often overlook local governance in favor of national politics?
   • The discussion explores the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to this tendency, suggesting that greater awareness of local issues could bridge this gap.
4. What specific challenges remain in advancing sound money policies in states like New Jersey and New Mexico?
   • Identifying political opposition, public misunderstanding, and legislative complexities offers insight into the hurdles that advocates must navigate.

Gun Ownership by Gender in 2024

Closing the Gender Gap

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

As society shifts away from traditional gender roles and women become more independent, it may surprise some of our readers that women have yet to embrace gun ownership fully. However, the gender gap between male and female gun ownership is slowly closing.

This article explores gun ownership by gender, the trends, and the responses to gun control.

Report Highlights:

• The gender gap in gun ownership has narrowed since 2021.

• In 2024, 40% of men (approximately 63 million) own firearms.

• In 2024, 25% of women (approximately 42 million) own firearms.

• 92% of women and 91% of men cite protection as their primary reason for owning firearms.

• Male support for gun control has increased by 30% since 2001, while female support for gun control has decreased by 8%.

Methodology

Ammo.com sources all information from reputable publications. However, due to reporting limitations and the Fifth Amendment, firearm ownership data largely relies on self-reporting surveys and NICS background check data.

We used various surveys and studies to analyze gun ownership trends and provide the most accurate data available.

Note: The United States does not officially track gun owners. All statistics included in the following sections come from self-reporting surveys and NICS background check data.

We strive to provide accurate and reliable information. You can view all of our sources HERE.

Gun Ownership by Gender by Year

Recent surveys indicate that 32% of Americans, or approximately 107.5 million people, personally own firearms ^{10, 12}. However, gun ownership rates differ significantly between men and women.

While more men currently own firearms than women, the gap is closing. In 2024, 25% of women owned firearms compared to 40% of men. As we'll explore below, the rate of new gun ownership is slowing among men while accelerating among women ¹.

Gun Ownership Among Men in the US

Men have historically dominated gun ownership in the U.S. for centuries. However, by 2024, men are less likely to own guns than in previous years. In 1980, 50% of men, or about 55 million, owned firearms.

Despite an increase in the number of male gun owners today, with 40% of men—or approximately 63 million—owning guns, the overall rate of gun ownership among men has not kept pace with population growth.

While the number of male gun owners has increased over the past twenty years, the male population has grown even more, resulting in a decline in firearm ownership rates. This decline reflects a 20% decrease in the likelihood of men owning guns since 1980 and an 8% decrease since 2022.

Gun Ownership Among Women in the US

Not long ago, it was a social taboo for ladies to own firearms. However, women have begun embracing the greatest equalizer ever gifted to humankind and are now becoming gun owners at higher rates.

In 2024, 25% of American women, or about 42 million, owned guns, representing a 13% increase from 2022 ¹. For context, only 10% of women, or around 11 million, owned guns in 1980.¹¹

Why Do Men and Women Choose to Own Guns in the US

In 2024, most gun owners, male or female, cited protection as a major reason for owning a gun.

In fact, 72% of all gun owners in the U.S. stated that they own firearms primarily for protection. Additionally, 32% cited hunting, 30% mentioned sport shooting, 15% said their guns were part of a collection, and 7% indicated they owned firearms for work-related purposes.

The motivation for owning a gun does vary between males and females. As one would suspect, women are much more likely to keep a firearm for protection, whereas men own them for various reasons.

In a 2017 survey, 92% of female gun owners and 91% of male gun owners cited protection as one of the reasons for owning a gun. However, 27% of women and 8% of men cited personal safety as the only reason for owning a firearm. ²

Although historically, women have owned firearms at lower rates, the motivations are primarily the same. A 1992 study investigated female gun ownership specifically.

Over 50,000 women responded, with 42% reporting that they had been victims of a crime at some point in their lives. Additionally, 40% cited self-defense and safety as their primary reasons for owning a gun. ⁴

Average Number of Guns Owned by Men and Women in the US

The average American gun owner has between one and five firearms. However, we don’t know exactly how many (again, that’s all thanks to our handy dandy Constitution).

The available data suggests that men typically own more firearms per person than women.

A 2015 study found that 74% of male gun owners have more than one firearm, compared to 53% of female gun owners. ⁷

Men vs. Women Gun Type Preference

In a 2015 survey, 40.4% of female gun owners owned only handguns, compared to 20.7% of male gun owners. ⁷

Given that many women prioritize firearms for self-defense, it's not surprising that handguns are the most common choice. However, data on this subject is limited. Interestingly, before 2014, research suggested that women preferred long guns over handguns, while men favored a more balanced mix of all firearm types. ¹³

First Time Owning a Gun

In 2020, there were 8.4 million first-time gun buyers, but this number dropped to 5.4 million in 2021. The pandemic surge in gun buying highlighted that women were becoming first-time gun owners at unprecedented rates. According to a 2022 survey of gun retailers, 33% of new gun buyers in 2021 were women, while 67% were men. ⁸

Another survey revealed that nearly half of all first-time gun buyers between 2019 and 2021 were women. For instance, in 2019, 50% of first-time buyers were women, and in both 2020 and 2021, women made up 47% of first-time buyers. ⁹

Note: All data in this section relies on various self-reporting surveys between 2019 and 2021. The results of these surveys vary as the first includes responses from gun dealers, and the second contains responses from buyers.

Gun Sales by Age and Gender

Gun ownership in the U.S. is largely cultural, and it generally holds more appeal for men than women. Men typically purchase their first firearm as soon as they can, while women often delay their first gun purchase until later in life.

Additionally, women are less likely to engage in shooting activities or research firearm-related topics as frequently as men.

On average, men become gun owners at the age of 19, whereas women typically purchase their first firearm at the age of 27. ⁵

• Females are less likely to watch TV programs or videos about guns (33% vs. 43%).
• 28% of female gun owners visit firearm-related websites, compared to 39% of male gun owners.
• 40% of female gun owners say their friends own guns, compared to 54% of male gun owners.

Note: All data included in this section is sourced from self-reporting surveys.

Gun Owners and Gun Access by Gender

Not everyone owns a firearm, so it’s important to address the gender disparities in both ownership and access. In 2024, 42% of American adults live in a home with a firearm. With over 129 million households in the U.S., this means that 54.1 million households contain a firearm. ¹⁰

In 2024, only 5% of male non-gun owners report living in a household with a firearm, compared to 15% of female non-gun owners who do. ¹⁰

Interestingly, the rate of men living in homes with guns has remained unchanged since 2017, while the rate for non-gun-owning females has shifted.

In 2017, 44% of households contained at least one firearm. At that time, 5% of men lived in homes with guns but did not personally own one, whereas 18% of women lived in homes with guns without being gun owners themselves. ⁶

Gun Control Support by Gender

One key factor in the gender divide among gun owners is attitudes toward gun control. Gun control has historically been more strongly supported by women, serving as a clear indicator of each gender's feelings about firearms. Interestingly, while support for gun control among men has increased, it has decreased among women.

Over the years, gun control support between men and women has fluctuated, but women have consistently supported it more than men. In 2001, only 39% of men favored stricter gun control, compared to 66% of women.

Following the expiration of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in 2004, crime rates declined, and support for gun control also dropped among both men and women, reaching 37% and 50%, respectively, by 2011.

After the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012, gun control support surged, with 69% of women and 47% of men in favor. This heightened support persisted until 2020, when rising crime rates led to shifts in public opinion.

According to the latest data from 2022, 51% of men now support stricter gun control—significantly higher than in previous years—while support among women has decreased to 62%. ¹

Guns Rule: Gender Gaps Drool

Although men still dominate the firearm industry and gun ownership, women are rapidly closing the gap.

For the first time in U.S. history, gun ownership is on the rise while support for gun control is declining, even in the face of rising crime rates. This trend suggests that more women are feeling empowered to take control of their safety, contributing to the growing number of female gun owners. Meanwhile, men are becoming gun owners at rates that have remained relatively steady over the years.

As women continue to embrace firearm ownership, this shift not only reflects changing attitudes toward personal safety but also signals a broader cultural transformation.

The narrowing gender gap in gun ownership indicates that firearms are increasingly being seen as essential tools for self-defense by both men and women, potentially reshaping the future landscape of gun rights and firearm-related policies in the United States.

Sources

1. Stark Gender Gap in Gun Ownership
2. How Male and Female Gun Owners Compare in the U.S.
3. Gender Distribution of the Resident Population of the United States from 1980 to 2022
4. Handguns Are an Effective Form of Self-Defense for Women
5. How Male and Female Gun Owners in the U.S. Compare
6. The Demographics of Gun Ownership
7. Gun Ownership Among U.S. Women
8. NSSF Retailer Surveys Indicate 5.4 Million First-Time Gun Buyers in 2021
9. Firearm Purchasing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From the 2021 National Firearms Survey
10. Key Facts About Americans and Guns
11. Trends in Gun Ownership in the United States 1974-2014
12. What Percentage of Americans Own Guns
13. Changes in Firearm Ownership Among Women 1980-1994