The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between 37 percent and 47 percent. In 2023, about 42 percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession.

Additional information on firearms in the United States

Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the second amendment to the constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons.

Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison the other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change in regards to the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobby for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.

Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in the United States in 2021, with 1,006,555 firearms. Rhode Island, on the other hand, had the least, with 4,887 registered firearms.

Gun laws in the United States

Gun ownership in the U.S. is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, which allows citizens to own firearms and form a militia if necessary.

Outside of the 2nd Amendment, gun laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, and gun owners are subject to the laws of the state they are currently in, not necessarily the state they live in. For example, if concealed carry is allowed in a gun owner’s state of residence, but not in the state they are travelling in, the owner is subject to the law of the state they are travelling in.

Civilian-owned firearms

The United States is estimated to have the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms in the world, and more than double that of Yemen, which has the second-highest gun ownership rate. Unfortunately, along with high gun ownership rates comes a higher number of homicides by firearm, which was about 10,258 homicides in 2019.

This statistic illustrates the estimated rate of civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in 2017, by country. In that year, there were an estimated 120.5 civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in the United States.

Introduction

Gun Violence Statistics:Â In recent years, gun violence has been a major issue that affects people all over the world, but especially in the United States. It includes incidents where guns are used to harm or kill people, either by accident, suicide, or in acts of violence like shootings. In 2025, the gun violence rate has slightly decreased, with fewer homicides and mass shootings from 2023. However, it remains a significant problem, with thousands of lives lost or injured every year.

This article includes several trends and factors from different insights that contribute to gun violence, such as easy access to firearms, mental health issues, and lack of proper gun control laws. Many efforts are being made to reduce gun violence, including new policies and community programs.​

The United States has, by far, the highest rate of privately-owned guns per inhabitant. Deadly shootings have become a significant problem in the country. Yemen, the country with the second highest gun ownership rate worldwide, only has half of the U.S. rate.

In 2022, around 13.4 million firearms were manufactured in the United States. While this number has generally increased from 1986, there was a significant spike in firearm production in the years following 2019. Firearm business in the U.S. The number of firearms the United States imports greatly exceeds the number of firearms the United States exports. The United States exports the most firearms to Saudi Arabia, as a result of the 2017 United States- Saudi Arabia arms deal, where Saudi Arabia agreed to purchase arms immediately from the U.S. totaling about 110 billion U.S. dollars, and purchasing a further 350 billion U.S. dollars worth of arms over the following ten years. Firearm ownership in the states The United States is the leading country in gun ownership. Wyoming was home to the highest rate of firearm ownership in the country, despite its low population. This can be attributed to Wyoming’s relaxed gun control laws, which allows residents over the age of 21 to possess a gun without a state permit, and they may carry a weapon openly or concealed without a license. Furthermore, even though Mississippi had one of the lowest rates of firearm ownership, it had the highest mortality rate due to firearms. Mississippi also has relaxed gun laws, which allows people to carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, Americans aged 55 years old and above were more likely to personally own a gun than their counterparts in other age groups. At this time, 36 percent of Americans aged 55 years old and over personally owned a firearm, compared to 22 percent of those aged 18 to 34 years old, and 31 percent of those aged between 35 and 54 years old.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, men were more likely than women to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household. At this time, 41 percent of American men personally owned a firearm, compared to 20 percent of women.

In the United States in 2022, 48 percent of Republicans reported that they owned at least one gun, and 66 percent said that they lived in a household with a gun. In comparison, only 20 percent of Democrats owned at least one gun, and 31 percent lived a gun household.

Who are gun owners?

In 2022, significantly more Democrats were in favor of limiting gun ownership in comparison to Republicans. On the other hand, more Republicans were in favor of protecting the right to own guns in comparison to Democrats. When examined by education level, respondents who said they only had some college, but no degree, were the most likely to have said that there is at least one gun in their household. However, nearly a quarter of Americans over 18 years old said that they rarely carry a gun on their person.

Republicans vs Democrats Debate

The gun control debate in the United States has been a highly contested one. In light of frequent mass shootings, gun control laws have become the center of policy discussions. Democratic politicins tend to put significant emphasis on their gun control policies, and are overall more in favor in stricter gun control laws and want more background checks for those who want to purchase a gun. However, Republicans tend to work in favor of gun rights.

Over the past five years, shooting ranges have experienced a boom in popularity throughout the US. Growth was largely supported over the past five years by a surge in gun enthusiasm spurred by fears over stricter gun control laws. Economic growth during most of the period also contributed to greater interest in shooting ranges, as consumers were spending more disposable income on their hobbies and sports. Over the years to 2024, revenue grew at a CAGR of 6.3% to $5.7 billion, including a rise of 0.8% in 2024. While many competing activities were forced to close operations in early 2020 because of social distancing regulations, many ranges, especially outdoor ranges, could remain open if social distancing regulations were followed. With more people having time for leisure activities thanks to remote work schedules, shooting ranges saw greater interest as recreational spending and sports participation grew, allowing consumers to engage safely in target shooting. Staying open with limited competition led to more visitors at shooting ranges, but profit faltered because of increased cleaning costs and operating at partial capacity. Gun enthusiasm in the United States will remain high, supporting consumer interest in shooting. The inclusion of Augmented Reality (AR) technology can be used to revolutionize the shooting range experience, attracting a more diverse range of customers and bolstering economic stability. Despite efforts to attract younger shooters and upgrade facilities, shooting ranges must also navigate increasing competition from in-home entertainment options and other leisure activities. Through the end of 2029, revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.3% to $6.0 billion.

Firearms Control System Market Outlook

The global firearms control system market size was valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 7.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. Key growth factors contributing to this market expansion include increased governmental regulations, rising security concerns, and advancements in technology.

One of the primary growth drivers for the firearms control system market is the escalating focus on public safety and security measures. Governments worldwide are implementing stringent laws and regulations mandating the use of advanced firearms control systems to curb unauthorized use of firearms. These systems, equipped with modern technologies such as biometrics and RFID, offer enhanced tracking and control, thereby reducing the likelihood of misuse. As public safety becomes a top priority, the demand for reliable firearms control systems is expected to surge.

Technological advancements are another significant contributor to the market's growth. Innovations in biometrics, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies have revolutionized the way firearms are monitored and controlled. These advancements have led to the development of more secure, reliable, and efficient firearms control systems. The integration of these technologies not only enhances the security features of the systems but also provides real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities, which are crucial for both military and civilian applications.

The increasing incidents of gun violence and the growing need for personal protection are also driving the market. Rising crime rates and the subsequent demand for self-defense mechanisms have led to a surge in the adoption of firearms control systems, particularly among civilians. Additionally, law enforcement agencies and military organizations are continuously investing in advanced control systems to ensure better accountability and management of their firearms. This growing trend is expected to further propel the market's expansion over the forecast period.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the firearms control system market due to stringent gun laws and high levels of firearm ownership. Europe is also expected to witness substantial growth, driven by increasing regulatory measures and rising investments in public safety infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate, attributed to escalating security concerns and substantial government spending on defense and law enforcement. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as potential markets owing to the rising need for security solutions in these regions.

Component Analysis

The firearms control system market is segmented by components into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment includes the physical components necessary for the implementation of firearms control systems, such as sensors, RFID tags, and biometric scanners. This segment holds a significant share of the market due to the essential role these components play in the overall functionality of the systems. Continuous advancements in hardware technology are leading to the development of more efficient and reliable components, further driving the market growth.

The software segment comprises the various applications and programs that enable the seamless operation of firearms control systems. This includes tracking software, control management systems, and data analytics tools. The demand for advanced software solutions is increasing as organizations seek to enhance their firearms management capabilities. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms into these software solutions is expected to revolutionize the market by offering predictive analytics and real-time monitoring features.

Services include installation, maintenance, and support services provided by vendors to ensure the optimal functioning of firearms control systems. This segment is crucial as it encompasses the post-deployment phase, which is essential for the longevity and efficiency of the systems. As more organizations adopt these systems, the demand for professional services is expected to rise, thereby contributing to market growth. The increasing complexity of firearms control systems necessitates regular maintenance and technical support, further boosting the services segment.

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According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, white respondents were more likely to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household than their non-white counterparts. During the survey, 35 percent of white Americans reported that they personally owned a firearm, compared to 22 percent of non-white respondents.

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According to a 2023 survey, just over 40 percent of respondents in the United States stated that there was a firearm present in their home. Roughly three percent reported having no opinion on the matter.

In recent years, gun violence in the United States has become an alarmingly common occurrence. From 2016, there has been over 10,000 homicides by firearm in the U.S. each year and firearms have been found to make up the majority of murder weapons in the country by far, demonstrating increasing rates of gun violence occurring throughout the nation. As of 2025, Mississippi was the state with the highest gun violence rate per 100,000 residents in the United States, at 29.4 percent, followed by Louisiana, at 28.1 percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of 3.7 percent, the lowest out of all the states. The importance of gun laws Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, which has been found to affect the differing rates of gun violence throughout the country. Fewer people die by gun violence in states where gun safety laws have been passed, while gun violence rates remain high in states where gun usage is easily permitted and even encouraged. In addition, some states suffer from high rates of gun violence despite having strong gun safety laws due to gun trafficking, as traffickers can distribute firearms illegally past state lines. The right to bear arms Despite evidence from other countries demonstrating that strict gun control measures reduce rates of gun violence, the United States has remained reluctant to enact gun control laws. This can largely be attributed to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms. Consequently, gun control has become a highly partisan issue in the U.S., with 80 percent of Democrats believing that it was more important to limit gun ownership while 74 percent of Republicans felt that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns.

The United States had a market share of over 40 percent in international arms exports between 2020 and 2024. The second-largest suppliers of major weapons worldwide were France and Russia, accounting for 10 and eight percent of exports over the observed period, respectively. The United States, Russia, and France contributed 60 percent of major weapons exports between 2020 and 2024. Leading military spending countries Three decades after the end of the Cold War and the fall of the USSR, the United States is, by far, the largest defense spender in the world, even though the U.S. defense outlays have decreased since the peak of the Iraq and Afghan wars. However, China has increased military spending in the past decade, becoming the second-largest spender in the world, signaling a possible shift in the global balance of military power, and several European NATO members have increased military spending significantly after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Leading military importers Meanwhile, the market share of imports shows India and Saudi Arabia are the largest buyers. Saudi Arabia also spends the third most on its military as a percentage of gross domestic product, with Ukraine first.

In the United States, gun laws vary from one state to the next; whether residents need a permit or a background check to purchase a firearm, whether residents must undergo firearm training before making this purchase, and whether residents can openly carry their guns in public is dependent upon state legislation. As of 2024, 22 U.S. states required background checks and/or permits for the purchase of a handgun. A further 13 states had regulations on openly carrying firearms in public, however, only California, Connecticut, Florida, and Illinois had completely prohibited open carry for all firearms. In comparison, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York prohibited open carry for handguns but either did not have regulations in place or required a permit for other types of guns. A constitutional right The Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms, has made it difficult for any gun control legislation to be passed on a national level in the United States. As a result, gun control laws in the U.S. are state-based, and often differ based on political perspectives. States with strong gun laws in place, such as Massachusetts, generally experience less gun violence, however, some states with strong gun laws, such as Maryland, continue to face high rates of gun violence, which has largely been attributed to gun trafficking activity found throughout the nation. A culture of gun owners In comparison to other high-income countries with stricter gun control laws, the United States has the highest gun homicide rate at 4.38 gun homicides per 100,000 residents. However, despite increasing evidence that easy access to firearms, whether legal or illegal, encourages higher rates of gun violence, the United States continues to foster an environment in which owning a firearm is seen as a personal freedom. Almost half of U.S. households have reported owning at least one firearm and 43 percent of registered voters in the U.S. were found to believe that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns, compared to 23 percent who said it was more important to limit gun ownership.

In 2022, there were 48,204 fatalities caused by injuries related to firearms in the United States, a slight decrease from the previous year. In 2021, there were 48,830 firearm deaths, the highest number of gun deaths ever recorded in the country. However, this figure has remained relatively high over the past 25 years, with 37,155 firearm deaths in 1990, and a slight dip in fatalities between 1999 and 2002. Firearms in the United States The right to own firearms in the United States is enshrined in the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and while this right may be seen as quintessentially American, the relationship between Americans and their firearms has become fraught in the last few years. The proliferation of mass shootings in the U.S. has brought the topic of gun control into the national spotlight, with support for banning assault-style weapons a particularly divisive issue among Americans. Gun control With a little less than half of all Americans owning at least one firearm and the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, it is easy to see how the idea of gun control is a political minefield in the U.S. However, public opinion has begun to shift over the past ten years, and a majority of Americans report that laws governing the sale of firearms should be stricter than they are now.

Handguns are the most common weapon type used in mass shootings in the United States, with a total of 167 different handguns being used in 117 incidents between 1982 and September 2024. These figures are calculated from a total of 151 reported cases over this period, meaning handguns are involved in about 78 percent of mass shootings. The involvement of semi-automatic rifles in mass shootings Owing to their use in several high-profile mass shootings, there has been much public discussion over the suitability or necessity of assault weapons for the purpose of self-defense. While any definition of assault weapon is contentious, semi-automatic rifles are generally the main focus of debates around this issue. Since 1982, there has been a known total 65 mass shootings involving rifles, mostly semi-automatics. This figure is underreported, however, as it excludes the multiple semi-automatic (and fully automatic) rifles used in the 2017 Las Vegas Strip massacre – the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, killing 58 and wounding 546. In fact, semi-automatic rifles were featured in four of the five deadliest mass shootings, being used in the Orlando nightclub massacre, Sandy Hook Elementary massacre and Texas First Baptist Church massacre. Mass shootings and gun control Despite evidence of strict gun control measures reducing the frequency and severity of mass shootings in countries like Australia, citizens in the United States remain deeply divided over the issue. According to a survey about the expected impact of gun laws on the number of mass shootings, a slim majority of Americans believe that gun control measures will have little-to-no effect. Most likely, this opinion is influenced by an underlying commitment among many in the U.S. to the greater importance of protecting gun ownership rights than limiting access to firearms. This sits in sharp contrast to many other developed countries. For example, most Canadians support a ban on civilian owned firearms.