The Reality of Defensive Gun Use

by Jon Scaccia December 13, 2024

Gun violence and firearm policy remain pressing issues in the United States, with heated debates often centering on the role of guns in self-defense. A newly published study in the American Journal of Public Health offers a crucial perspective by examining 35 years of data on defensive firearm use. The findings? Despite frequent claims that guns are indispensable for personal safety, the data shows defensive gun use is rare—occurring in only a small fraction of crimes.

The Study at a Glance

The research analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), a large, consistent dataset on crime in the U.S., spanning 1987 to 2021. Defensive gun use was defined as incidents where a victim used a firearm to threaten or attack an offender during a crime. On average, about 61,000 to 65,000 defensive firearm incidents occurred annually over this period, a figure that has remained remarkably stable.

Breaking it down, the majority of these incidents involved violent crimes (like robbery or assault), accounting for roughly 38,000 to 53,000 cases per year. Incidents involving property crimes, such as burglary or trespassing, made up the remainder, with 12,000 to 23,000 cases annually.

While these numbers might sound significant, they pale in comparison to the overall crime rate. For every 1,000 crimes, fewer than one involved defensive gun use.

Why These Findings Matter

This study challenges the common narrative that widespread firearm ownership is a critical tool for personal safety. Proponents of looser gun laws often argue that millions of defensive gun uses occur annually, citing self-reported surveys. However, as this research highlights, the actual numbers are far smaller. Furthermore, the NCVS methodology ensures reliability by first confirming a crime occurred before asking about defensive actions—a step many other surveys skip, leading to inflated estimates.

For public health practitioners, this research underscores the need to critically assess the benefits and risks of policies promoting firearm access. Guns, while occasionally used for self-defense, are far more frequently implicated in criminal acts, accidents, and suicides. The continuing rarity of defensive gun use raises questions about whether the public health costs of high firearm ownership outweigh the purported protective benefits.

A Call to Action

Public health professionals play a vital role in shaping firearm policy and educating communities about gun safety. This study’s findings should inform evidence-based interventions, such as stricter background checks or safe storage laws, which could save lives without compromising legitimate defensive gun use.

The urgency here is clear: we cannot afford to let myths about widespread self-defense overshadow the real risks posed by guns in our society. The time to act is now, using data to guide policy and protect public health.

Join the Conversation

• What are your thoughts on the balance between firearm access for self-defense and public safety risks?
• How can public health professionals effectively communicate evidence-based findings on this contentious issue?

Be Part of the Change – Get Weekly Updates!

Stay informed and connected. Subscribe for free and share this blog to make a difference in public health with others. If you liked this blog, please share it! Your referrals help This Week in Public Health reach new readers.