TRENTON, NJ – If there has been any measurable data in light of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s most recent gun restrictions, it’s that New Jerseyans are buying more guns. Combined with the prospect of a total ban on sales in the future and rising crime and uncertainty, New Jerseyans and Americans are arming themselves to defend their families and their homes according to a Pew Research Center study.
In states like New Jersey, where criminals are being released shortly after their crimes due to bail reform and Governor Murphy’s releasing of hundreds of state prisoners, in New Jersey, one of the safest states in America, residents are beginning to feel unsafe.
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that protection continues to be the leading factor for gun ownership in the United States, outpacing other reasons such as hunting and sport shooting.
Conducted from June 5-11 among 5,115 participants, the survey found that 72% of U.S. gun owners cite protection as a major reason for owning a gun, a modest increase from 67% in 2017. While 71% of gun owners report enjoying having a firearm, a larger share, 81%, say they feel safer with it.
Gun ownership varies by location and political affiliation. It is more prevalent among rural residents (47%) than among suburban (30%) or urban dwellers (20%). Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (45%) are more likely to own guns than Democrats and Democratic leaners (20%).
Only 12% of gun owners express concern about having firearms in their homes, while 88% do not. Among non-gun owners, 52% say they could never envision owning a firearm, but 47% could imagine becoming gun owners in the future. Men are more likely than women to consider future gun ownership (56% vs. 40%).
Opinions on the ease of legally obtaining guns also differ.
A majority of Americans (61%) believe it is too easy to legally obtain a gun. This view is shared by 73% of non-gun owners but only 38% of gun owners. A significant partisan divide exists, with 86% of Democrats stating it’s too easy to acquire a gun legally, compared to 34% of Republicans.