Half of World's 50 Most Popular Guns Are U.S. Made as Gun Violence Hits Public Health Crisis

"On June 25, 2024, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory declaring gun violence a public health crisis. To address the issue, he highlighted public health approaches like research, community violence prevention, and safe storage education. His suggested remedies are just that: suggested. All would require legislation passed by Congress to implement nationwide. According to 2022 Center for Disease Control data, there is an average of 53 gun homicides per day. On a local level, preventative measures can be implemented immediately."

"One billion firearms are circulating worldwide, and 85% of those are in the hands of private citizens. American citizens are estimated to own more guns than all the combined totals of 24 other major countries. The Small Arms Survey, the most comprehensive survey of gun ownership worldwide, rated the United States at 120.50 civilian guns per 100 people. The survey further breaks down firearm possession into citizens (393,000,000), military (4,540,000), and law enforcement (1,020,000) for the US."

"24/7 Wall St. reviewed various sources to get estimates of global gun sales to identify the world's 50 most popular guns. Guns were ranked by estimated lifetime sales. The origin of each gun is the historical country of origin or where the weapon was first created. Different models of the same gun released in different years are included in the gun sales estimates."

On June 25, 2024 the US Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis and emphasized public health approaches such as research, community violence prevention, and safe-storage education. The remedies recommended would require congressional legislation for nationwide implementation, while local preventative measures can be implemented immediately. 2022 CDC data indicate an average of 53 gun homicides per day. Approximately one billion firearms circulate worldwide, with 85% held by private citizens. The United States is estimated at 120.50 civilian guns per 100 people, totaling roughly 393 million civilian-owned firearms. Global gun sales rankings show many iconic models originating in the US and Russia.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.