Why Do Americans Own Guns in 2024? The Complexity of Demographics and Gun Ownership

Related Studies: Gun Ownership by Gender in 2024 | How Many Gun Owners Are in America? | Gun Facts in the U.S. 2024

Methodology

Gun ownership in America is widespread, but the reasons for owning firearms vary based on factors like race, age, and gender. The following sections examine various reports and surveys to provide accurate and well-rounded insights.

We cross-referenced the latest studies and surveys to deliver reliable information. However, self-reported surveys may not fully capture the views of every individual within each demographic.

Why Do Americans Own Guns?

Americans cite five primary reasons for owning a gun:

1. Protection
2. Hunting
3. Sport Shooting
4. Collecting
5. Work

The majority (72%) name protection as their main reason, while 19% consider it a secondary reason. Only 9% of Americans state that protection is not a reason for owning a firearm. ¹

Reasons Americans Own Guns by Age

Americans aged 35 to 64 are most likely to own guns for home protection (92.5%), while those aged 18 to 34 are more likely to own guns for protection outside the home (89.1%).

Individuals aged 18 to 34 are less likely than older age groups to own firearms for recreational purposes (84.5%). 88.4% of those aged 35 to 64 are more likely to own them for recreational and sporting purposes.

Americans over 35 are more likely to own guns for hunting. 74.5% of Americans aged 35 to 64 own firearms for hunting compared to individuals aged 18 to 34 (69.8%).

Protection and recreational use are the two most common reasons for owning a gun among all age groups.

Reasons Americans Own Guns by Race

Although protection is the primary reason Americans own guns, Hispanics and individuals of other races report owning guns for this purpose at higher rates (95.8% and 94.8%, respectively). Among black American gun owners, 93.4% cite home protection, while 88.8% of white Americans report the same reason.

White Americans are more likely to own guns for protection outside the home, while Black Americans and Hispanics are less likely to own firearms for this purpose.

White Americans are more likely to own guns for hunting and sport shooting compared to other races, while Black Americans are less likely to own firearms for these activities than any other racial group. ²

Ideological Reasons for Owning Guns by Race

Cultural and ideological reasons to own a gun are also apparent among races. Black Americans are more likely to cite protection from police, at public events, and protection at demonstrations, rallies, or against people with opposing beliefs than all other races.

White Americans are less likely to own firearms for ideological reasons. ²

Reasons for Gun Ownership by Gender

American men are more likely than women to own a firearm for home protection (91.4%). In contrast, American women are more likely than men to own a gun for protection outside the home (86%). ²

Men are more likely to own a firearm for hunting and recreational shooting than women.

Reasons Americans Own Guns: Wrap-Up

Most Americans own guns for personal protection, both at home and away from home. White and middle-aged Americans are more likely to own firearms for hunting and recreational shooting compared to other racial groups.

Men are more likely than women to own firearms for various purposes, including protection, hunting, and recreational shooting.

Overall, gun ownership trends reveal significant differences in motivations based on gender, race, and age, with protection being the leading reason across all demographics.

Sources

1. For Most U.S. Gun Owners, Protection is the Main Reason They Own a Gun
2. Reasons for Gun Ownership Among Demographically Diverse New and Prior Gun Owners
3. There’s a Reason African American Gun Ownership is Rising