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

NRA member illustration
NRA member illustration

Parting Shot | There is a Time to Rejoice

When fighting for your constitutional rights, it can be tough to know when—if ever—to sit back for a moment and favorably review the scene.

Hawaii’s Concealed Carry is a Fraud

Hawaii’s legislative response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision has created a concealed-carry permitting system that is, by design, practically impossible for a law-abiding citizen to navigate without committing a felony.

President Trump Signs Legislation to Support Medal of Honor Recipients

In an Oval Office ceremony, President Donald Trump signed the Medal of Honor Act into law. This legislation increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients.

Dispelling Anti-Gun Disinformation | Here Are 10 Lies About Guns And Crime The Trump Administration Has Exposed

Crime is a major problem in the United States, 66% of Americans believe, with 81% saying it is a major problem in large cities, according to an August 2025 poll by the Associated Press/NORC [previously the National Opinion Research Center].

The Greatest Second Amendment Victory in a Century

On July 4, 2025, Americans celebrated not only our nation’s independence, but also the restoration of our constitutional Second Amendment rights becoming unconstrained by burdensome and arbitrary fees.

Opening Salvo | More Evidence That Gun-Control Groups are Freaking Out

With the Trump administration’s law-and-order push showing America’s crime problem is clearly not the fault of lawfully armed citizens, gun-control groups are freaking out.

Interests



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