A Georgetown professor has provided gun control activists with unexpected insights: questioning studies that don’t align with anti-gun perspectives can bring about substantial new data. This recent development challenges existing narratives.
2021 National Firearms Survey
In 2021, Professor William English published the National Firearms Survey. This was the most comprehensive examination of gun ownership to date. The findings showed that defensive gun use is common and that Americans appreciate the firearms which are often criticized by gun control advocates. Additionally, it revealed that previous stereotypes about gun owners were inaccurate.
Gun control activists dismissed the study. They criticized the results, aiming at technicalities. English argued these alleged issues didn’t significantly affect the outcome. However, critics continued to disregard the report.
Re-administration of the Survey
English decided to address these criticisms by repeating the survey, correcting its supposed flaws. The revised 2026 survey now further challenges anti-gun claims.
Key Findings of the 2026 Survey
- Increased Ownership of ‘Assault Weapons’: The new survey indicates a rise in ownership of AR-15s and similar firearms. There are now approximately 26.4 million American adults owning these weapons, up from 24.6 million in 2021. This undermines the claim that such weapons are not in common use for lawful purposes.
- Defensive Gun Use Underestimated: English initially estimated that firearms are used defensively 1.67 million times a year. The new data suggests a higher figure of 2.2 million incidents annually, which includes protection against animal attacks.
- Public Carry of Firearms Increases: More Americans are engaging in public carry of firearms. Approximately 33.6 million individuals are now public carriers, a significant rise due to changes in state laws and court rulings making public carry more accessible.
- Diversity Among Gun Owners: The survey reveals a broader demographic engaging in gun ownership, countering stereotypes about gun owners. Interestingly, female gun ownership has increased by 3.5% since 2021.
Impact of the Findings
The opposition to the original survey only spurred more comprehensive research, which further contradicted gun control arguments. The growing diversity and increased public carry suggest a cultural shift in perceptions of the Second Amendment.