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Weapons an intrinsic part of U.S. society, culture

Latest figures show there are 310 million guns in the U.S. or about one gun for every American citizen.

Politics and controversy aside, it is clear guns occupy a deep and generally accepted role in the social fabric of the United States.

The number of guns in the U.S. has increased by more than 60 percent since 1994. Latest figures show there are 310 million guns in this country of 307 million people. That’s more than one gun per person.

But that doesn’t mean most people have guns. More than half of all households say they do not own guns. Most households with weapons own multiple guns.

Check out our special video today for more on gun ownership in America. See “What Do Others Say?” for more perspective, then add to the discussion below. What do you think about today’s fact? Do Americans have a healthy relationship with guns?

What do others say?

  • Center for Public Integrity: Center for Public Integrity: "Gun manufacturers got more than $19 million in state subsidies" More

  • CNN: CNN: “Fewer US gun owners own more guns” More

  • Harvard School of Public Health: Harvard School of Public Health: “Gun ownership” More

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