Our research finds that Americans substantially overestimate the gun-owner population — and that what they believe about gun ownership is related to what gun policies they support. After all, gun owners often attend gun shows, read trade magazines, receive targeted advertising from gun interests, possess NRA memberships and practice at firing ranges. They often come into contact with other gun owners — certainly, more often than do non-gun owners. On average, gun owners estimated that 45.5 percent of Americans own guns — while non-gun owners estimated that figure at 39 percent. Gun owners also foresee a considerable increase in gun ownership, estimating the impending population at nearly 60 percent, more than the 53 percent forecast from non-gun owners.

Source: Washington Post May 07, 2018 09:56 UTC