The Impacts of Gun Legislation on Firearm Ownership

Gun legislation can impact firearm ownership in a number of ways, including:

• Firearm purchaser licensing

  This law requires applicants to undergo a background check, complete a safety course, and wait for their application to be processed. This can help prevent people with a history of violence from obtaining firearms. 

• Firearm storage and use laws

  Restrictive laws that combine child-access prevention laws with repealing shall-issue concealed-carry and stand-your-ground laws can reduce firearm homicides. 

• Firearm restrictions

  Laws that restrict the purchase or access to firearms can reduce firearm deaths. For example, background checks can reduce the purchase of firearms, while safer storage laws can reduce unintentional firearm deaths in children. 

• Firearm bans

  Some states have banned the production and sale of certain types of firearms, such as unreliable handguns or assault weapons. 

However, the impact of gun legislation on firearm ownership is a controversial topic.