“Just because you  
have the right to  
do something  
doesn’t mean it’s  
the right thing to do.”  
Jerry Kang, J.D.

In a conversation about the state of our country, a friend recently told me to check out a YouTube video by an Australian comedian, Jim Jeffries. It’s laced with profanities, but it certainly challenges what seems to be the prevailing opinion of Americans today regarding the need to possess a gun “for their protection.” Check out Part One of the video (approximately 7.5 minutes in length) by clicking HERE.

Now let’s look at the reality of the situation.

Approximately 40% to 52% of U.S. households own at least one firearm, with roughly 4.6 million children living in homes with loaded, unlocked guns. While primarily kept for protection, studies show household guns significantly increase risks of suicide, accidental injury, and domestic homicide, often failing to be used for self-defense. 

Gun Ownership and Demographic Data

Household Ownership: About 53.3 to 66.5 million U.S. households own guns.

Personal Ownership: Roughly 32% of U.S. adults personally own a gun, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey.

Demographics: Gun ownership is highest among Republicans (45%), rural residents (47%), and men (40%).

Amount: The average gun owner possesses one to five firearms.

Storage Practices: Nearly half (50%) of gun-owning households do not store all their firearms securely (unlocked and unloaded). 

Risks Associated with Guns in the Home

Children: Around 1,300 children (under 18) die from firearm injuries annually. Approximately 40% of unintentional shooting deaths among children aged 11–14 occur in a friend’s home.

Safety Risk: A gun in the home is more likely to be used in a suicide, homicide, or accidental injury than for self-defense.

Domestic Violence: People with a handgun in their home are seven times more likely to be shot by a spouse or intimate partner.

Suicide: Firearms are the most lethal method of suicide, and their presence in the home increases risk for all household members.

Theft: An estimated 200,000 guns are stolen from private citizens annually.

Self-protection? Really?