Americans use a gun in self defense once every 13 seconds, according to a peer-reviewed study.
- The National Self Defense Survey, as conducted by Florida State University criminologists in 1994, indicates that Americans use guns in self defense 2,500,000 times per year, which is once every 13 seconds.
- In about 30% of the defensive gun uses, the would-be victim believes that the gun “almost certainly” or “probably” saved a life.
- In more than 1/2 of the self defense gun uses, the would-be victim was under attack by 2 or more criminals, making a firearm the only viable means of self defense for most people.
- The overwhelming majority of these defensive gun uses were never reported by the news media.
- Gun ownership protects 65 lives for every 2 lives lost, and the overwhelming majority of of those lives lost are due to criminals who ignore gun bans anyway.
For those who wish to read the peer reviewed and published studies substantiating these facts, see:
“Armed Resistance to Crime: The Prevalence and Nature of Self-Defense with a Gun,” Gary Kleck and Marc Gertz, in The Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, Northwestern University School of Law, Volume 86, Number 1, Fall, 1995
“Guns in the Medical Literature - A Failure of Peer Review.” Dr. Suter, Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia. March 1994.
An interview with the author of the above referenced study, Dr. Gary Kleck, can be seen here.
For more info: See reports of real-life self defense cases.
Comments
Well put together and well said thank you
Thank you for this illuminating information. Do you know whether there are any more recent studies that looked at this issue?
I really wish the mainstream media would report on things like this, it would change a lot of minds about guns and their role in society.
Keep up the good work!
Welcome, Eric! Glad I found your page here.
I am a survivor of a violent attack. I had to shoot a man to save my life. Hope I never have to do that again, but I most certainly will if necessary.
Excellent article, thank you.
u r very awesome
Do u know Miss Adamski?
hi steve
Thank a lot mate this will really help me with my presentation im doing :)
Business requires me to travel to Kenya. US State Dept Bulletins indicate potential hazard to American citizens from terrorists. Is it possible for an American citizen to purchase a weapon in Africa for self protection while there and sell or donate to avoid transport upon re-entry to US? Any legal implications for Americans carrying?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!