Gun Ownership in America: Surprising Statistics and What They Mean for 2nd Amendment Advocates

When it comes to the Second Amendment and gun ownership in America, many gun people assume they’re part of a vast, unified majority. If you came up in a household like I did, where guns were as common as kitchen appliances or live in a community where owning a firearm is a rite of passage, it’s easy to believe that the entire country shares your perspective. But the data paints a very different picture, one that gun owners—myself included—must confront if we’re going to preserve and protect our rights effectively.

Gun ownership in America across different demographics has shifted significantly between 2017 and 2023, with notable increases among women and Hispanics.

Let’s start by examining some of the most recent and eye-opening statistics:

• Self-reported gun ownership in America increased by 28% from 1994 to 2023.
• Estimates suggest there are 500 million civilian-owned firearms in the U.S.
• Only 6.06 million firearms are registered in the U.S., as federal law doesn’t mandate registration for all firearms.
• Approximately 82.88 million Americans own at least one firearm.
• 43% of households report having at least one firearm.
• Women’s firearm ownership has surged by 177.8% since 1993.
• Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic of gun owners, with a 33% increase in ownership from 2017 to 2023.
• Gun ownership among the 18–29 age group declined by 22% between 2017 and 2023.
• 1 out of 20 adults purchased their first firearm during the pandemic.

These figures highlight both encouraging and challenging trends for gun owners. While overall firearm ownership continues to grow, particularly among women and minority groups, the fact remains that only 32% of Americans report owning a firearm personally. That means nearly 7 out of 10 Americans don’t own a gun.

For those of us entrenched in gun culture, this is a startling reality to confront. It not only forces us to reevaluate our assumptions about the general population but also compels us to rethink how we advocate for our Second Amendment rights in a country where the majority views gun ownership as non-essential or irrelevant.

The Cognitive Bias of Gun Ownership in America

As gun owners, we’re often victims of the false consensus effect, a cognitive bias that leads us to overestimate how widespread our beliefs and actions are. It’s natural to assume that others think and behave as we do, especially when we surround ourselves with like-minded individuals. If your social circle is filled with hunters, concealed carriers, and firearm enthusiasts, it’s easy to forget that your reality isn’t universal.

The numbers don’t lie: 68% of Americans don’t own guns. For them, firearms aren’t a part of daily life. They’re not something they think about regularly, let alone prioritize. This disconnect creates a significant cultural and ideological divide that’s critical to acknowledge if we’re going to engage meaningfully in debates about gun rights.

Understanding the Non-Gun Owner Perspective

The majority of non-gun owners in America don’t harbor a personal vendetta against firearms or the people who own them. The data suggests that there is a group of people who do not own any guns, but do support gun rights and freedoms over gun control. Research also shows that about six-in-ten U.S. adults (58%) favor stricter gun laws and many of their opinions are often shaped by unfamiliarity. For them, guns might represent something they see on the news rather than something they’ve held in their hands. This lack of direct experience can profoundly shape their perspective on gun ownership negatively and push them toward gun control.

Consider this: If you’ve never had to defend yourself or your family, never gone hunting, or never experienced the thrill and discipline of competitive shooting, it’s hard to grasp the value of a firearm beyond the headlines. Many non-gun owners, particularly those who become anti-gun, view guns through the lens of fear, misinformation, or indifference simply because they’ve never been introduced to a different perspective.

The Importance of Messaging in the Fight for Gun Rights

As a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that all gun laws are unconstitutional. “Shall not be infringed” is not a suggestion; it’s a mandate. However, shouting this phrase at people who don’t share our values isn’t an effective way to win hearts and minds. If anything, it further entrenches the divide.

Too often, gun owners approach discussions about firearms with an “us versus them” mentality, dismissing non-gun owners as ignorant or anti-American. This approach not only alienates potential allies but also reinforces negative stereotypes about gun owners as being unyielding or confrontational.

Instead, we need to focus on education and empathy. Here are some strategies:

1. Acknowledge Their Reality: Understand that for most non-gun owners, firearms aren’t a necessity. Respecting their perspective is the first step toward meaningful dialogue.
2. Share Stories, Not Slogans: Personal stories are far more impactful than rhetoric. Share how a firearm has provided you with security, taught you discipline, or brought you closer to your community.
3. Find Common Ground: Safety, personal responsibility, and freedom are values that transcend the gun debate.
4. Be Patient and Respectful: Changing someone’s perspective takes time. Dismissing their concerns or mocking their lack of knowledge only pushes them further away.

The Role of Data in Advocacy

Data can be a powerful tool in the fight for gun rights, but only if we use it wisely. For instance, pointing out that the United States has more civilian-owned firearms than people (an estimated 500 million guns) is impressive, but it doesn’t address the concerns of someone who fears gun violence. Similarly, emphasizing that gun owners are statistically more law-abiding than non-gun owners is compelling, but it won’t resonate if the person you’re speaking with has only been exposed to negative portrayals of gun culture.

Instead, use data to highlight the positive aspects of firearm ownership, such as:

• The role of firearms in self-defense, with studies estimating that guns are used defensively 1.5 to 2.5 million times per year.
• The economic impact of the firearms industry, which supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs.
• The cultural significance of firearms in activities like hunting, sport shooting, and historical reenactments.

A Call to Action for Gun Owners

If we want to protect and expand our Second Amendment rights, we must recognize that we are a minority in this country. That’s not a bad thing; it’s a reality that requires strategic thinking and proactive engagement.

Here’s what we can do:

• Be Ambassadors: Every interaction with a non-gun owner is an opportunity to represent responsible firearm ownership.
• Support Education: Advocate for firearm safety courses, community events, and youth programs that demystify guns and promote responsible ownership.
• Engage Politically: Voting is essential, but so is contacting your representatives, attending town hall meetings, and supporting organizations that fight for gun rights.

Conclusion: Bridging the Divide

The numbers don’t lie: Gun owners are a minority in America. But rather than viewing this as a disadvantage, we should see it as an opportunity to educate, engage, and inspire. By acknowledging the perspectives of non-gun owners and approaching the conversation with respect and empathy, we can build bridges instead of walls.

Our Second Amendment rights are too important to leave to chance. It’s up to us to ensure that they’re not just preserved but understood and valued by future generations. The fight for our rights begins with understanding the reality of gun ownership in America—and using that understanding to create meaningful, lasting change.

If you want to check my sources for the numbers shared you can go here.