Georgetown Professor Reveals New Insights on Gun Ownership

A recent survey by Georgetown professor William English challenges the assumptions of gun control advocates with new, comprehensive data. Initially published in 2021, English’s National Firearms Survey provided an extensive look into gun ownership, showing defensive uses were common and challenging stereotypes about gun owners.

Critics of the study fiercely opposed its findings, citing minor concerns. In response, English revised and re-administered the survey for 2026, addressing these criticisms.

Key Findings

1. Increased Possession of ‘Assault Weapons’
The 2026 survey reveals a rise in “assault weapon” ownership. Around 26.4 million adults now own weapons like AR-15s. This increase reflects a shift since the 2021 survey and challenges arguments against the common use of these firearms for lawful purposes.

2. Defensive Gun Use Underestimated
The initial survey’s estimate of 1.67 million defensive gun uses annually may have been low. The updated data suggests around 2.2 million such uses each year, influenced partly by incidents involving animal attacks.

3. Rise in Legal Public Carrying
Public carrying of firearms has surged. Approximately 33.6 million Americans carry guns publicly at times, up by 60% from the previous survey. This rise can be attributed to new permitless carry laws and changes in public carry regulations.

4. Diversity Among Gun Owners
Gun ownership has become increasingly diverse, with more representation from traditionally lower gun-owning demographics. The survey shows a rise in female gun ownership, negating previous assumptions about women’s acknowledgment of household firearms.

The new survey refines the understanding of firearm ownership and use in America, presenting challenges to existing narratives. Gun control advocates face a landscape where public perceptions of self-defense and gun rights continue to evolve.