Loaded Handgun Carrying Among US Adults, 2015

ajph.aphapublications.org ^ | 10/17/2017 | Ali Rowhani-Rahbar MD, PhD, MPH, Deborah Azrael PhD, Vivian H. Lyons MPH, Joseph A. Simonetti MD, MP

[rktman]

Objectives. To determine the frequency of loaded handgun carrying among US adult handgun owners, characterize those who carry, and examine concealed carrying by state concealed carry laws.

Methods. Using a nationally representative survey of US adults in 2015, we asked handgun owners (n = 1444) about their past-30-day carrying behavior.

Results. Among surveyed handgun owners, 24% (95% confidence interval[CI] = 21%, 26%) carried loaded handguns monthly, of whom 35% (95% CI = 29%, 41%) did so daily; 82% (95% CI = 77%, 86%) carried primarily for protection. The proportion of handgun owners who carried concealed loaded handguns in the past 30 days was 21% (95% CI = 12%, 35%) in unrestricted states, 25% (95% CI = 21%, 29%) in shall issue—no discretion states, 20% (95% CI = 16%, 24%) in shall issue—limited discretion states, and 9% (95% CI = 6%, 15%) in may-issue states.

Conclusions. We estimate that 9 million US adult handgun owners carry loaded handguns monthly, 3 million do so every day, and most report protection as the main carrying reason. Proportionally fewer handgun owners carry concealed loaded handguns in states that allow issuing authorities substantial discretion in granting carrying permits

[Envisioning]

See my rag line. I keep a gun in reach at ALL times, and I mean all times, even at home 24/7/365. It’s a lifestyle, not a hobby.

[ilovesarah2012]

Craigslist is the devil!

[bravo whiskey]

See my rag line. I keep a gun in reach at ALL times, and I mean all times, even at home 24/7/365. It’s a lifestyle, not a hobby.

me too except when i have to go someplace i cannot take it (K-12, metal detectors) AND i am not driving OR i know i am going to be drinking.

[Redcitizen]

I carry a handgun because a cop is too heavy to carry.

[trebb]

I always have one chambered - hate to be in a real emergency and draw a rock from the holster and have to waste precious seconds turning it into a firearm...plus, I carry small .380's for size/weight convenience and they don't always chamber as cleanly as their larger cousins - be a real mess for one to get hung at the wrong time.

I'm one of the daily/self defense statistics...