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I would submit this would not be a very informative metric. Simply because the purpose of owning a gun to defend yourself is that you don't ultimately have to
by starkd 4y ago
I would submit this would not be a very informative metric. Simply because the purpose of owning a gun to defend yourself is that you don't ultimately have to use it. There are many gun owners who never find themselves in that position, but just the knowledge that there are a lot of guns out there is an implicit threat that keeps the peace.
- OJFord 4y agoTo be clear, by 'using' I meant drawing, not (necessarily) discharging. > just the knowledge that there are a lot of guns out there is an implicit threat which makes the comparison against the outcomes of non-owner victims that I suggested valuable right?
- starkd 4y agoPerhaps, but not sure you can separate gun owners from non-owners for such a study. Criminals do not always know beforehand which of their victims have a gun. The element of surprise creates hesitation to commit a crime.