In the tiresome debate about the impact of concealed carry laws on crime, one cry often raised by Freedom haters is that more concealed handguns lead to an increase in stolen guns.
Recent research by John R. Lott and Carlisle E. Moody, published by the Crime Prevention Research Center, thoroughly investigates this issue and presents a clear answer: No, more concealed carry does not result in more guns being stolen.
More Concealed Carry Permits Do NOT Result In More Guns Being Stolen
The study titled “How Does Concealed Carrying of Weapons Affect Violent Crime?” dives deep into the possible explanations for how right-to-carry (RTC) laws might influence violent crime. Critics of RTC laws argue that an increase in concealed handguns could lead to more stolen firearms, thereby escalating violent crime. However, Lott and Moody’s research effectively dismantles this argument with robust statistical evidence.
Key Findings and Data Highlights
- Law-Abiding Permit Holders:
- The study reveals that concealed carry permit holders are remarkably law-abiding. The average permit revocation rate in 19 states with comprehensive data is a mere 0.1%.
- In Florida and Texas, permit holders are convicted of firearms-related violations at rates one-twelfth that of police officers.
- Michigan State Police data from 2012 to 2016 show non-permit holders are 2.4 times more likely to drive drunk than permit holders. Non-permit holders are also 34.1 times more likely to drive under the influence of controlled substances and 10.6 times more likely to drive recklessly. Overall, non-permit holders were 12.2 times more likely to be convicted of these violations.
- Stolen Guns:
- The research analyzed data on stolen guns from the National Crime Information Center and the number of concealed handgun permits from the Crime Prevention Research Center.
- Results showed no significant relationship between the number of concealed carry permits and the rate of gun thefts. The coefficients on CCW permits per capita are approximately zero, indicating no correlation.
- Constitutional carry states do not have significantly higher gun theft rates. Stolen guns are apparently independent of the number of CCW permits or permitless carrying.
- Police Effectiveness:
- The study also examined whether concealed carry permit holders reduce police effectiveness. Data on police clearance rates (the rate at which crimes are solved) showed no negative impact from the number of concealed carry permits.
- The coefficients on CCW permits per capita related to police effectiveness were virtually zero and statistically insignificant. This means concealed carry does not hinder law enforcement.
Why This Matters
These findings are crucial for several reasons. They debunk the myth that concealed carry leads to more stolen guns and subsequently more crime. For policymakers and the public, this data-driven evidence is a powerful counter-narrative to unfounded claims against RTC laws. Moreover, it reaffirms that responsible, law-abiding citizens who carry firearms are not the source of increased crime.
Data at a Glance
- Permit Revocation Rates: 0.1% average across 19 states
- Firearms-related Convictions: Permit holders in Florida and Texas are convicted at one-twelfth the rate of police officers
- Drunk Driving (Michigan 2012-2016): Non-permit holders are 2.4 times more likely to drive drunk
- Controlled Substance: Non-permit holders are 34.1 times more likely to drive under the influence of controlled substances
- Reckless Driving: Non-permit holders are 10.6 times more likely to drive recklessly
- Overall Traffic Violations: Non-permit holders are 12.2 times more likely to be convicted of traffic violations
- Stolen Guns Correlation: Coefficients on CCW permits per capita are approximately zero
More Guns Means: We Are All Safer
Lott and Moody’s research delivers a compelling, data-backed refutation of the claim that more concealed handguns result in more stolen guns. The evidence shows that concealed carry permits do not lead to increased gun thefts or crime, and permit holders remain among the most law-abiding citizens. This study supports the argument that RTC laws, when properly managed, allow citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly and safely.
For pro-gun advocates, this study not only reaffirms the safety and responsibility of concealed carry permit holders but also provides concrete evidence to counter arguments made by gun control proponents. The facts are clear: Concealed carry does not equate to more stolen guns or higher crime rates. This is the narrative that should guide our understanding and policies regarding concealed carry laws.
Make sure to download Dr. John Lott’s research “How Does Concealed Carrying of Weapons Affect Violent Crime?” to support the dissemination of these critical findings. The more downloads his work receives, the more pressure it puts on less-than-pro-gun researchers to address and engage with his data. By increasing the visibility and accessibility of Dr. Lott’s work, we can help ensure that the facts about concealed carry and its effects on crime are recognized and considered in the broader debate.
How Does Concealed Carrying of Weapons Affect Violent Crime?
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