Gun Ownership in America Over Time

While gun ownership is high, it is actually decreasing when measured by individual households. But the number of gun purchases has increased dramatically. The largest surges have followed mass shootings when people start calling for controls on sales and particular types of weapons.

Gun owership in America no doubt started out high.
It was all forested frontier in the east, and the Indians may or may not be friendly.
Add the fact that you’re potentially on the menu for Bears, Mountain Lions, and other such critters!😳 The best way to avoid getting eaten was to be able to defend yourself. You NEEDED to be armed.
As cities and towns started up, you had law enforcement, but on the frontier, “self reliance” was the name of the game.

Per household gun ownership has no doubt declined. But as you might guess from my username, I live in an area where most everyone has a gun or two, and knows how to use it.
Wendell Phillips is credited with the quote, “Eternal Vigilance is the price of Freedom”. And we’re still potentially on the menu. Not for critters so much anymore.
But as the death of Iryna Zarutska points out, there’s a new kind of predator.🙁

The best way to stay off the menu is to be aware of your surroundings, and have the tools and mindset to be able to defend yourself. Looks like ole Wendell knew what he was talking about!
Pennsyltucky Red Neck