Two-Thirds Of Americans Believe Record Gun Sales Are For Self-Defense, Not Crime

posted on August 5, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

A new Rasmussen poll reveals that a whopping 66 percent of respondents believe Americans are buying guns at a record pace for self-defense, and only 5 percent believe they are buying them to commit criminal acts.

“Most Americans remain unconcerned about their safety around those who have legal permits to carry concealed weapons,” the report added. A full 40 percent say the presence of more Americans with concealed weapons will decrease the number of people killed in violent incidents, versus 31 percent who believe it would increase them. 

In addition, only 28 percent of respondents trust the federal government to fairly enforce gun laws. In the long run, it seems lawful Americans want to keep guns out of the hands of criminals … but they have little faith in politicians and bureaucrats who wish to whittle away at the Second Amendment in the name of “public safety.”

Latest

procarry.jpg
procarry.jpg

Open Carry in California?

On January 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit struck down California’s ban on open carry in most of the state. The panel decision was 2-1.

Gun Skills | Press Check

Back when I was a new gun owner, I drilled in a habit of checking to be sure my firearm was unloaded, which was also a terrific opportunity to work on gun-handling skills like racking the action and activating the controls.

The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

The NRA took a serious hit on December 28th. We lost Phil Schreier, director of NRA Museums. He did everything the doctors asked of him and then some. But it wasn’t enough. Leukemia won, and we all lost.

No More Tax on Suppressors!

When President Donald Trump (R) signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) into law on July 4, 2025, he scheduled the end of the burdensome $200 excise tax imposed on suppressors, short-barreled firearms and “any other weapons” as defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA). That end came on January 1.

Armed Citizens are the “Rugged Individualists” Mamdani Despises

In his inauguration speech as the new mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani said, behind his characteristically easy smile, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

Conscientious Carry

While going about armed, you need to fit into society responsibly and politely. Here’s how.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.