Gun Control: A Realistic Assessment

Abstract

Until about the mid-1970s academic writing about firearms was virtually monopolized by crusaders seeking to validate their contempt for guns and gun owners. This paper reviews all major data on all cultural aspects of the gun controversy and debunks insupportable anti-gun claims (such as the claim that homicide is a matter of “ordinary law-abiding people” killing a relative or acquaintance because a loaded gun happened to be available in a moment of anger.) We could substantially reduce gun crime by simply enforcing our present laws.

Keywords: Second Amendment, gun control, firearms, gun lobby, anti-gun lobby, homicide, crime, data

JEL Classification: k14