Guns are openly involved in American society and the nation’s political debates. The second amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to be in possession of a firearm and about a third of U.S. adults say they personally own a gun. About 40% of U.S. adults say they live in a household with a gun according to a survey conducted in June 2023. 

There are differences in gun ownership rates by political preferences, gender, community type and other factors. Between political parties, 45% Republicans say they personally own a gun, compared to 20% of Democrats. Comparing gender,  40% males claim to own a gun, to 25% of women. Based on community type, 47% of adults that live in rural areas say they own a firearm, in comparison to those who live in the suburbs (30%) or urban areas (20%).

In the U.S., race and ethnicity play a role as well with 38% of White Americans owning a gun compared with smaller shares of (24%) Black, (20%) Hispanic and (10%) Asian Americans. 72% of gun owners say that protection is the major reason as to why they own a gun, as smaller shares say it is for hunting. 

Feelings towards gun ownership also differ by political preference, even among those who personally own a firearm. According to Pew Research Center, Republican gun owners say owning one gives them feelings of safety and enjoyment, while Democratic owners are more likely to say they worry about having a gun in their home. Guns are harmful to anybody around the wrong person who possesses the firearm.  

Between 1999-2017 there were 327 school shootings a year on average in the U.S. Gun violence across the U.S. is a complicated crisis rooted in easy access to firearms, mental health challenges and economic disparities. 

Gun control in the U.S. remains a deeply complex and divisive issue. Balancing the right to bear arms with the need to ensure public safety requires effective legislation. By implementing sensible regulations, promoting responsible gun ownership and encouraging honest conversation, the country can work toward reducing gun violence while respecting individual freedoms. Finding common ground is essential to creating a safer environment for all Americans.