How many guns does the average person own?
Asked by: Prof. Christopher Schinner PhD | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (62 votes)
The average U.S. gun owner has around 5 firearms, but this average is skewed by a small group of "super-owners" with large collections, while many owners have only one or two guns. Roughly a third of gun owners possess multiple firearms (3 or more), and a significant portion of the total gun stock is held by just a few people, with some owning dozens.
How many guns should a homeowner have?
A Rifle and A Pistol
At a minimum, I suggest having a rifle and a handgun. Why? Between the two, you can cover all of the bases mentioned above. Shotguns can also do well in many of the same scenarios that a rifle can but lack the distance and accuracy.
How many guns are considered an arsenal?
According to the media, two or more guns and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. Seriously, there is no definition. An “arsenal” is whatever the speaker wants it to be.
What percentage of Americans own guns?
The survey stated that USA civilians account for an estimated 393 million (about 46 percent) of the worldwide total of civilian held firearms, or about 120.5 firearms for every 100 American residents. From 1994 to 2023, gun ownership increased 28% in America.
What's the average gun per household?
Most gun-owning American households (37%) have between two and four firearms. Moreover, 29% of U.S. households with guns have more than five, with 23% reporting having at least six. 66% of U.S. households with guns have more than two firearms. These households are estimated to hold 89% of the entire nation's gun stock.
5 Guns Every American Should Own...
How many guns does a normal person have?
The average American owns between one and five firearms. Men are more likely than women to own more than one, and those with only one firearm typically have a handgun or pistol. 62% of gun owners with only one firearm have a handgun. 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.
What is the most common gun people own?
The most common type of gun to own is a handgun. Among people with a gun in their house, 63% have at least one handgun.
What state has the most gun owners?
Montana consistently ranks as the state with the highest percentage of gun owners, with over 65% of its adult population owning firearms, closely followed by Wyoming and Alaska, reflecting a trend of high ownership in rural, Western states with less restrictive laws. While states like Texas, Florida, and California have more total firearms due to larger populations, their per capita ownership rates are lower.
Why do Americans own so many guns?
Gun ownership is deeply rooted in the country's history and is legally protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Firearms in the U.S. are commonly used for self-defense, hunting, and recreational activities.
Is gun ownership decreasing?
Gun ownership trends in the U.S. show a decline in the percentage of Americans owning guns over the long term (since the 1970s/80s), but a rise in the total number of guns, as those who own guns tend to own more of them, with a significant spike in sales during the pandemic. While household ownership rates have fluctuated and seen slight recent dips after the pandemic boom, overall firearm circulation continues to increase, with more guns per person, even as fewer people own them.
What is the 26 pistol rule?
The "26 pistol rule" refers to an old ATF guideline where an AR-style pistol over 26 inches in overall length (OAL) wasn't considered a concealable "Any Other Weapon" (AOW), allowing vertical foregrips without NFA registration; however, this loophole was closed by ATF regulations (2023R-08F) making braced pistols with OAL under 26 inches AOWs, but courts have since blocked enforcement, leaving the legality of braced firearms in flux and generally requiring NFA registration or modification to avoid being classified as an SBR if under 26 inches.
What are the 5 gun rules?
The 5 fundamental gun safety rules emphasize treating every firearm as loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed safely, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, knowing your target and what's beyond it, and using proper safety and storage, with variations focusing on handling, target identification, and maintenance, all aiming to prevent accidents.
What happens if you buy multiple guns?
The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 requires federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to send a report to ATF when there is a sale or other disposition of multiple firearms to the same purchaser within a certain time period.
What gun is a stoner?
The Stoner 63 is a 5.56×45mm NATO modular weapon system. Using a variety of modular components, it can be configured as an assault rifle, carbine, top-fed light machine gun, belt-fed squad automatic weapon, or as a vehicle mounted weapon.
What three guns should you own?
3 Guns Every American Should Own
- Ruger 10/22 – Best Classic Rifle. Best Classic Rifle. ...
- 1911 – Best Classic Pistol. ...
- Mossberg 590 Retrograde – Best Classic Shotgun. ...
- Geissele Super Duty – Best Tactical Rifle. ...
- Glock 19 – Best Tactical Pistol. ...
- Benelli M4 – Best Tactical Shotgun. ...
- Winchester Model 70 Super Grade – Best Hunting Rifle.
Does the government know how many guns I own?
It's a commonly held belief that the government has a national firearms registry and knows what guns each person owns. This is mostly untrue. There are exceptions to this rule depending on certain localities, but by and large, there's no central database of guns and who owns them.
What do you call someone who is obsessed with guns?
hoplophile (plural hoplophiles) One who loves or is attracted to firearms or other weapons.
What is a good reason to have a gun?
Protection, competition and hunting are the top reasons gun owners cite for why they own a firearm, but there are also collectors, people who have them simply because they were inherited or just because they can.
What is the most gun-friendly country?
There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
What is the hardest state to own a gun in?
Report Highlights:
- Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry.
- Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.
What state is the most heavily armed?
The "most armed" state depends on the metric: Montana has the highest percentage of gun-owning adults (around 66%), while Texas has the highest total number of guns and gun-owning households, often exceeding one gun per person. Other states with very high rates include Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho, particularly in terms of household ownership.
What is the most gun-friendly state in America?
There isn't one single "most" gun-friendly state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, Arkansas, and South Dakota consistently appear at the top for lenient laws, permitless carry (constitutional carry), and lack of sales tax on firearms, with strong protections like "stand-your-ground" laws. These states offer broad rights for lawful gun owners, with New Hampshire often cited as #1 due to its combination of permitless carry for ages 18+, no sales tax, and self-defense protections.
What 10 guns should everyone own?
Let's explore the remarkable features, storied pasts, and unique characteristics that make these firearms indispensable to any collection.
- The Timeless Colt 1911. ...
- The Versatile Remington 870. ...
- The Iconic AK-47. ...
- The Reliable Glock 19. ...
- The Classic Winchester Model 70. ...
- The Rugged Ruger 10/22. ...
- The Tactical AR-15.
What hits harder, 357 or 45?
357 Mag. usually produces more energy and offers a better trajectory. These 125-grain pills from Sig Sauer, for example, produce 583 foot-pounds (ft. -lbs.)
Is 22 or 9mm cheaper?
22LR vs. 9mm ammo, the winner is pretty clear. The . 22LR is usually the cheapest ammo you can find of any caliber.