ABSTRACT
America is the only industrialized nation that does not effectively regulate private ownership of firearms. Consequently the US civilian population is the most heavily armed in history. Almost one-half of all American households have one or more firearms. Sales of handguns and long guns have increased in recent years, and US firearm manufacturers sell more than 2.5 million handguns annually. Approximately 200 million firearms are owned by Americans. American tradition has been a reason voiced by some not to regulate access to guns in modern times, despite the massive increase in the number of guns in society and their role in contemporary violence. All types of guns are associated with violence in the US Both handguns and long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, are involved in homicides, attempted murder, robbery, and unintentional injury. Guns are superior weapons for the commission of violent crimes. Even when used by a physically weak or unskilled assailant, a gun presents a credible threat.
