Risks and Benefits of a Gun in the Home

Skybird · 05-01-11, 05:17 AM

http://ajl.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/02/01/1559827610396294.full.pdf+html

Kind of a meta-study.

Quote:

Abstract

This article summarizes the scientific literature on the health risks and benefits of having a gun in the home for the gun owner and his/her family. For most contemporary Americans, scientific studies indicate that the health risk of a gun in the home is greater than the benefit. The evidence is overwhelming for the fact that a gun in the home is a risk factor for completed suicide and that gun accidents are most likely to occur in homes with guns. There is compelling evidence that a gun in the home is a risk factor for intimidation and for killing women in their homes. On the benefit side, there are fewer studies, and there is no credible evidence of a deterrent effect of firearms or that a gun in the home reduces the likelihood or severity of injury during an altercation or break-in. Thus, groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics urge parents not to have guns in the home.

Enjoy the thread/t!

Rockstar · 05-01-11, 07:03 AM

Ahhh science, always trying to fit life in a little box.

Jimbuna · 05-01-11, 07:47 AM

Whether it be beneficial or otherwise I'll let others decide but I have seen some of the occasional effects of guns in houses and I am quite happy there are non in mine.

Skybird · 05-01-11, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockstar

Ahhh science, always trying to fit life in a little box.

More a case of statistics, I would say. And well-done statistics are hard to argue with. Their purpose is one of two: either to assess a bigger whole that else would be beyond the researcher's ability to overwatch it in its full scope and dimension, or to find and then illustrate inherent links between items that otherwise would remain undiscovered.

Onkel Neal · 05-01-11, 09:55 AM

There are risks and benefits to owning a firearm, I'm grateful I have the right to decide for myself.

NeonSamurai · 05-01-11, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

There are risks and benefits to owning a firearm, I'm grateful I have the right to decide for myself.

Of course it is beneficial to have a true idea of what the risks & benefits are, rather then basing it on anecdotal evidence which most people seem to (which is also very vulnerable to heuristic errors and bias).

As for this study I don't have much of an opinion yet. Statistics are only as good as the data they are generated from, and the problem with meta-analyst is it is difficult to tell how good this data is, given the multiple sources.

However, logically I think they are probably right more or less, and I have never been overly convinced of the deterrent effect of posessing guns (particularly when the criminal element is also packing).

Armistead · 05-01-11, 10:04 AM

I grew up for years in the country on a farm and we had guns all over the house, shotguns behind doors, in cabinets, drawers, gun racks on vehicles.
Even around age 10 it was common to get out the rifles and go into the woods and target shoot without parents or adults around, but growing up there most kids learned gun use out of the cradle.

I own several, all are locked up but one. We've had some break ins in our neighborhood. Often thought if someone broke in what good is a gun for protection if it's locked up and not loaded.
My teen son has 3 guns, locked up in his cabinet and my wife conceal carries. Not like if you wake up and see a crook standing in your door he's gonna give you that minute to wake up, unlock and load up, so that one is in the drawer beside the bed in a drawer where I rigged a push buttom lock on the side. However, I would prefer to get to my auto 12 gauge

I don't care what any study says, if a armed criminal is breaking into my home packing heat, I want the option of being able to shoot back. Comes in my house, he probably would come under
triangulated fire

MH · 05-01-11, 10:09 AM

Is parson caring a gun is more likely to commit suicide with a gun or shoot his wife instead of stabbing her?
Really?

One thing is true people caring a gun should have certain amount of training because otherwise in many cases the risk may out wight the benefit.
If one want to have gun make it difficult by forcing him to go through some sort of training once in awhile.
Specially a person who don't have relevant military or civilian experience.
Because people kill not guns.

frau kaleun · 05-01-11, 10:31 AM

I have me in my home, that's scary enough.

GoldenRivet · 05-01-11, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

There are risks and benefits to owning a firearm, I'm grateful I have the right to decide for myself.

win

Skybird · 05-01-11, 03:29 PM

Drifting threads is common event in subsim's general rumble pit. And didn't I say on the first page

Quote:

Enjoy the thread/t

!?

05-01-11, 07:47 AM	#3
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,452 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Whether it be beneficial or otherwise I'll let others decide but I have seen some of the occasional effects of guns in houses and I am quite happy there are non in mine. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

05-01-11, 09:55 AM	#5
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,383 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	There are risks and benefits to owning a firearm, I'm grateful I have the right to decide for myself. __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

05-01-11, 07:03 AM	#2
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Ahhh science, always trying to fit life in a little box.

05-01-11, 10:04 AM	#7
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	I grew up for years in the country on a farm and we had guns all over the house, shotguns behind doors, in cabinets, drawers, gun racks on vehicles. Even around age 10 it was common to get out the rifles and go into the woods and target shoot without parents or adults around, but growing up there most kids learned gun use out of the cradle. I own several, all are locked up but one. We've had some break ins in our neighborhood. Often thought if someone broke in what good is a gun for protection if it's locked up and not loaded. My teen son has 3 guns, locked up in his cabinet and my wife conceal carries. Not like if you wake up and see a crook standing in your door he's gonna give you that minute to wake up, unlock and load up, so that one is in the drawer beside the bed in a drawer where I rigged a push buttom lock on the side. However, I would prefer to get to my auto 12 gauge I don't care what any study says, if a armed criminal is breaking into my home packing heat, I want the option of being able to shoot back. Comes in my house, he probably would come under triangulated fire

05-01-11, 10:09 AM	#8
MH Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3,184 Downloads: 248 Uploads: 0	Is parson caring a gun is more likely to commit suicide with a gun or shoot his wife instead of stabbing her? Really? One thing is true people caring a gun should have certain amount of training because otherwise in many cases the risk may out wight the benefit. If one want to have gun make it difficult by forcing him to go through some sort of training once in awhile. Specially a person who don't have relevant military or civilian experience. Because people kill not guns.

05-01-11, 10:31 AM	#9
frau kaleun Rear Admiral Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Skyri--oh who are we kidding, I'm probably at Lowe's. Again. Posts: 12,706 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	I have me in my home, that's scary enough.