Examining the Association Between Gun Acquisition and Accidental Shootings

• In Event: Guns, Fear, and Risk

Abstract

Over the last few years, the media has repeatedly reported an increase in gun sales after events such as mass shootings and announcements of stricter gun legislation. While some studies have found a positive association between the acquisition of guns and safety concerns (Wallace, 2015), empirical research in this area has been limited. The current study examines whether this pattern of increased gun acquisition exists on a national level. This study also investigates the possibility that an increased level of gun acquisition is associated with a higher level of accidental shootings using a nationally representative sample.

Author

• Cassidy Tevlin, Florida State University