The 2021 National Firearms Survey (NFS) has sparked significant debate, drawing fire from gun control advocates.
William English, the report’s author, released a detailed response to critics that dismantles many of their claims, reaffirming the survey’s reliability and significance.
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense look at why this survey matters and how it stands up against its detractors.
What Makes the 2021 National Firearms Survey Reliable?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: representation. Critics argue the survey isn’t fully representative of the U.S. population. But here’s the reality: no survey is perfect unless it includes every American. The NFS does the next best thing, using a large sample (over 15,000 respondents!) that reflects U.S. demographics.
Unlike outdated studies with small samples, like the 1994 Cook and Ludwig survey, the NFS tapped into larger, diverse groups. Even minor imbalances in wealth representation were adjusted using well-established weighting methods. The result? Data you can trust.
Key Findings: Gun Ownership Trends
The survey reveals that 31.9% of U.S. adults own firearms—a number in line with trusted sources like Pew and Gallup. Even when factoring in critics’ concerns about women potentially misreporting ownership, English points out that his survey design reduced bias and ensured accuracy. Notably, it shines a light on the growing number of female gun owners—a fact critics seem eager to dismiss.
When it comes to “assault weapons,” about 30.2% of gun owners reported owning AR-15-style rifles or similar firearms. That translates to approximately 44 million rifles being owned at some point, a statistic that reinforces their popularity in American households. Critics, however, nitpick that this figure includes former ownership. But let’s be honest—does it make these firearms any less prevalent or relevant?
The Defensive Gun Use (DGU) Debate
Critics take issue with the 2021 National Firearms Survey’s finding that guns are used defensively about 1.67 million times annually. They prefer much lower estimates from flawed surveys like the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Here’s the problem: the NCVS only counts defensive uses if a person first identifies as a victim. If you scare off a would-be attacker without becoming a victim, guess what? You’re not counted. English’s survey fixes this oversight.
Another sticking point? Defensive uses against animals. Critics want to exclude these incidents from the tally. But whether you’re fending off a bear or an armed intruder, a defensive gun use is just that—defensive. Why cherry-pick the data?
High-Capacity Magazines: Misunderstood Utility
About 48% of gun owners reported owning magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Critics argue these aren’t necessary for self-defense since respondents didn’t explicitly describe firing more than 10 rounds in their examples. Yet anyone facing multiple attackers knows the value of not having to reload in a life-or-death situation.
Dismissing this speaks more to an anti-gun agenda than a fair assessment of the data.
Why Critics Are Alarmed
Let’s face it—the NFS has gun control advocates nervous. It exposes the depth of American gun culture and directly counters narratives used to justify restrictive policies. By highlighting the prevalence of gun ownership, defensive uses, and the popularity of AR-15-style rifles, the survey strengthens the case for protecting Second Amendment rights.
Critics’ attempts to discredit the survey often boil down to ideological biases rather than substantive flaws. The 2021 National Firearms Survey doesn’t just hold up under scrutiny—it thrives.
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The Facts Are Right
William English’s response makes one thing clear: the 2021 National Firearms Survey is a game-changer in the debate over gun ownership in America. Its methodology is sound, its findings are robust, and its conclusions are unshaken by critics. For anyone passionate about the Second Amendment, the NFS is a must-know tool in defending your rights.
Keep this in mind the next time someone questions the legitimacy of American gun ownership stats. The numbers—and the facts—are on your side.
A Response to Critics of the 2021 National Firearms Survey By William English
National Firearms Survey 2021: Firearms Estimates and Defensive Gun Uses
Commonly Owned: Over 24 Million AR15 & AK Rifles In Circulation
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