In the United States, firearms are ubiquitous, with an estimated 120 firearms for every 100 people, according to the Small Arms Survey. This widespread availability of guns has led to a high rate of gun violence, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that nearly 40,000 people die from gun-related injuries each year. While there are many factors that contribute to gun violence, one of the most significant is the ease with which people can obtain guns. In this article, we will explore the various ways that people can get guns in the United States, and we will discuss the implications of this for gun violence prevention.
There are a number of ways that people can get guns in the United States. One of the most common is through licensed gun dealers. Gun dealers are required to conduct background checks on all customers before selling them a gun, but these checks are not always effective in preventing people from buying guns who should not have them. For example, a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that nearly 2,000 people who were prohibited from buying guns were able to purchase them from licensed gun dealers in 2015. In addition to licensed gun dealers, people can also buy guns from private sellers. Private sellers are not required to conduct background checks, and this makes it easier for people who should not have guns to obtain them. For example, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly 20% of gun homicides in the United States are committed with guns that were purchased from private sellers.
The ease with which people can get guns in the United States has a number of implications for gun violence prevention. First, it makes it easier for people who should not have guns to obtain them. This includes people who have been convicted of a felony, people who are mentally ill, and people who are subject to a restraining order. Second, it makes it easier for people to buy guns without a background check. This is a particular concern for people who are trying to avoid having their criminal history checked, or for people who are trying to buy guns for someone else who is prohibited from buying them. Third, it makes it easier for people to buy guns in bulk. This is a particular concern for people who are planning to use guns for criminal purposes.
