The number of rapes in states with nondiscretionary concealed handgun laws is 25 percent lower than in states that restrict or forbid women to carry concealed handguns. Seventy percent of the deaths involve 17 to 19-year olds, primarily in gang fights. Despite Clinton s repeated use of this claim to justify trigger locks, such locks would do nothing to stop gang members from using guns. Jr. In the entire United States during a year, private citizens who mistakenly perceive the victim to be an intruder accidentally kill only about 30 people. In 1995 there were a total of 1,400 accidental firearms deaths in the entire country.
More children die in bicycle accidents each year than die from all types of firearms accidents.
The evidence is that the implementation of concealed handgun laws across all states in 1992 would have resulted in about 9 additional accidental handgun deaths. But the net reduction in total deaths would have been between 1,405 and 1,583. The qualifications include lack of criminal record, lack of mental illness, age restrictions, training and fees. In the 12 states with discretionary laws, local law-enforcement officials grant permits based on the applicant s ability to prove a compelling need. The difference in violent crime rates among these states is striking.