DRAWING
A BEAD
It’s Not About Duck Huntin’
Richard A. Pearson
Executive
Director, ISRA
The benefit to society of gun ownership goes far beyond conservation. Gun ownership is at the very roots of our freedom and our right to personal self-defense. Most gun owners need a few clear concise points to understand and talk about when engaged in conversation about “gun control.” In Living with Glocks, by Robert Boatman, the author gives many useful and practical facts about gun ownership and concealed carry in particular, here is an example:
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Gun ownership saves lives.
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Gun ownership also saves money. Nationwide, each one percent increase in the number of people owning guns reduces crime costs by over $3 billion.
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Concealed handgun carry by private citizens reduces violent crimes, including rape, murder, aggravated assault and robbery, throughout the entire community and in surrounding communities.
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When a state passes a right-to-carry law, crime reduction is immediate and substantial, and crime-reduction benefits continue to grow the longer the law is in effect.
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The greater the number of concealed handgun permits issued, the greater the reduction in crime.
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Mass shootings in public places are reduced to virtually zero within four or five years after right-to-carry laws are passed – except in designated “gun-free” zones, such as schools, where self-defense is known to be prohibited.
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The largest drops in violent crime from concealed handgun carry occur in the most urban areas with the greatest populations and the highest crime rates.
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Citizens who do not carry guns benefit equally from the crime reduction, which results when other citizens carry guns. The people who benefit most from this “halo” effect are women, children, and the elderly and blacks.
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Of all the methods studied by economists, the carrying of concealed handguns is by far the most cost-effective method for reducing crime. Each and every concealed handgun permit issued reduces total economic losses to crime victims by $3,000 - $5,000.
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Accidents and suicide rates are unaltered by the presence of concealed handguns.
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The effect of increased penalties for using a gun in the commission of a crime is small.
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The Brady Law, other mandated waiting periods, safe-storage laws, and one-gun-a-month laws all increase crime, especially rape.
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Background checks, training requirements, and age restrictions have no crime-reduction benefits.
Many more interesting facts about gun ownership can be found in Mr. Boatman’s book available at www.paladin-press.com or by calling 303/443-7250.
Join the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) – for more information or to become a member call 815/635-3198 or continue surfing our web site, then join on-line.
Richard A. Pearson
Executive Director, ISRA