Key Insights from Georgetown Professor’s Gun Ownership Surveys

A Georgetown professor has provided valuable insights into gun ownership and its implications for gun control. This follows anti-gun advocates’ criticism of studies that challenge their narrative. In 2021, Professor William English conducted the National Firearms Survey, the most detailed examination of gun ownership to date. The data revealed frequent defensive gun use and highlighted misconceptions about Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Gun control advocates opposed the findings, questioning both the conclusions and the methodology. Despite clarifications, critics dismissed the report. In response, English conducted a new survey addressing these concerns, presenting fresh data that further challenges anti-gun narratives.

Notable Findings from the New Report

1. Increased Ownership of ‘Assault Weapons’

Anti-gun activists have often targeted ‘assault weapons’ and ‘high-capacity magazines.’ The 2021 survey showed widespread lawful ownership of these items, prompting criticism over the language used in the survey questions. The revised 2026 survey clarified the questions and confirmed an increase in ownership. Current estimates suggest 26.4 million American adults now own an AR-15 or its equivalent, up from 24.6 million in 2021.

2. Higher Rates of Defensive Gun Use

The 2021 survey estimated 1.67 million annual defensive gun uses by American adults. Critics argued these figures were inflated. Yet, the new survey suggests an even higher average of 2.2 million defensive uses per year. This increase is partly due to considering protection against animal attacks, which formed over 8% of instances.

3. More Americans Exercising Right to Carry

The cultural acceptance of public-carry is rising. Recently, 70% of gun owners stated they carry a handgun for self-defense under certain circumstances. Public carriers, those with concealed carry permits who carry sometimes for self-defense, have seen a 60% rise, reaching 33.6 million. New laws in several states and the Supreme Court’s decision in the ‘New York State Rifle & Pistol Association’ case likely contributed to this shift.

4. Diverse Demographics of Gun Owners

The 2026 survey highlights increased diversity among gun owners. A higher percentage of gun owners now come from traditionally less-represented demographics. Before, some thought the 2021 survey’s high female gun ownership rates were due to misreporting of household firearms. Adjustments in the new survey still show a 3.5% increase in female ownership, confirming the original data’s accuracy.

In summary, responding to criticism, English’s surveys have bolstered claims about widespread firearm use and ownership, challenging anti-gun narratives. This highlights a cultural shift towards broader acceptance of the Second Amendment.