A Georgetown professor, William English, challenged gun control advocates with new data that counters their positions. His original study, the National Firearms Survey of 2021, provided the most comprehensive insights into gun ownership, showing that defensive gun use is common and contradicting stereotypes about American gun owners.
The reaction from gun control supporters was negative. They criticized the study’s conclusions and focused on specific concerns, but English held firm, claiming these issues would not impact the results significantly. However, the backlash prompted English to redesign and conduct a new survey fixing perceived flaws.
Findings from the Updated Survey
1. Increased Ownership of ‘Assault Weapons’
The 2026 survey confirmed the continued popularity of AR-15s and other similar semiautomatic rifles. Despite claims that these weapons lack a civilian purpose, the data indicated that 26.4 million Americans currently own them, an increase from the 24.6 million in 2021.
Additionally, ownership of magazines holding over ten rounds also rose. Now, 50.5% of gun owners possess such magazines, reflecting an increase from previous estimates.
2. Defensive Gun Use Underestimated
The initial survey estimated 1.67 million annual defensive gun uses by American adults. The new data suggests this was an undercount, estimating 2.2 million defensive gun uses annually. The inclusion of protective uses against animal attacks contributed to this rise.
3. Public Carry on the Rise
The culture of carrying guns in public is shifting. Seventy percent of gun owners report carrying handguns for self-defense in some situations. The number of public carriers, those with permits who carry for self-defense, has climbed to 33.6 million, a 60% increase over five years.
This increase is linked to legal shifts, such as permitless carry laws in several states and significant court decisions enhancing public carry rights.
4. Diversity Among Gun Owners
Gun ownership is diversifying across demographics. More people from various backgrounds are exercising their Second Amendment rights. Notably, female gun ownership grew by 3.5%, dispelling claims that previous findings were misreported due to the inclusion of household firearms.
These findings suggest a broad cultural change around gun ownership, challenging narratives promoted by gun control advocates.
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