GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, OR DO THEY?

[HairOfTheDog]

Chart doesn't tell all the real statistics. I know several friends who have guns, some even have 3 & 4, and they are not on that list, so . . . .

I'm pretty sure through out the country, the same holds true for people who own guns for "many years" (before strict registration laws) just for protection. And since they never take the gun(s) out of the house, those guns remain unregistered.

It goes without saying, criminals & many outlaws with guns are not on that chart either!

The estimate of 310 billion guns in the US in not based on registration, Cars.

There is no federal registry; the law prohibits such a registry being established. And, only two states have gun registration laws.

The estimate is instead based, in part, on a number of guns manufactured and sold in the US since way back when. Even if a gun gets transferred multiple times (legally or illegally), it's still just one gun.

The estimating methodology included several other factors as well, including citizen and dealer surveys across the United States to determine estimated average number of guns per household by state.

Some argue the estimate is too high. Some argue it's too low. I think it's probably as accurate as one can get given the intentional lack of centralized tracking.

If you're interested in how the estimate was derived: http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cg...ban_facpub

There are guns manufactured in many countries other then the US of A, that find there way into this country with no accountability!! Adding to already hypothetical estimates in the first place.
Kinda waters down the chart, dont'cha think?

Yes, Cars, I already acknowledged that the number is an estimate, as did the researcher behind the chart.

There are allowances made for such factors as imported guns in the estimation model, but they are only educated guesses.

I'm not arguing that the estimate is an exact or accurate number or range, so I don't know why anyone is trying to argue that it's not.

By definition, an estimate is not exact. It's a result of all known/measurable data + educated guesses/derivatives in regards to immeasurable factors.

The arguments you all are tossing out apply to professional estimates in general, not just when it comes to gun statistics.

I understand if you reject the gun ownership statistic and/or or if you just reject estimates in general. That doesn't bother me in any way and I'm not trying to convince you otherwise.

I would not be surprised if there were more than 310 million guns in circulation myself. But, personally, I'm okay with using the best available estimate as a baseline for discussion.