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A new survey by McLaughlin & Associates, commissioned by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), dives into how often Americans carry concealed handguns—and the results aren’t surprising for those paying attention.
Table of contents
It turns out people in constitutional carry states (where no permit is required to carry) are more likely to carry concealed handguns than those in right-to-carry states (where permits are required). And while there’s little difference between right-to-carry states and the seven former may-issue states (before the Bruen decision) when it comes to carrying all or most of the time, there’s a notable gap when looking at people who carry at least occasionally.
The Big Numbers: Who’s Carrying?
- 24% of general election voters say they carry concealed handguns.
- 13% carry all or most of the time.
- 7% carry all the time.
- 6% carry most of the time.
Demographic Breakdown
The survey also revealed some interesting patterns:
- Hispanics and Black Americans are more likely to carry concealed than White Americans.
- This holds true for both men and women in those groups.
- Given that Black Americans are statistically more likely to be victims of violent crime, this trend makes a lot of sense.
Geography and Politics Matter
- The South leads the way in concealed carry rates, followed closely by the West, and then the Midwest.
- Republicans and conservatives are the most likely to carry, but it’s worth noting that even a surprising number of liberals are exercising their right to self-defense.
- Urban and rural voters report the highest rates of carrying, showing that self-defense isn’t limited to one type of environment.
What’s Next?
This survey didn’t specifically ask if respondents are legally carrying, but since the sample is limited to general election voters, it’s safe to assume these individuals lean more law-abiding than the general population.
The CPRC plans to follow up with another survey breaking down whether people are legally carrying.
Takeaway
The numbers make one thing clear: when states remove barriers to carrying concealed handguns, more law-abiding citizens choose to do so. And with rising concerns about crime in urban and suburban areas alike, it’s no surprise that Americans from all walks of life are taking their safety into their own hands.
Check out the full survey HERE.
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Every. Damn. Day.
I live in a very rural area, but whenever I leave the property I carry.
I live in a very rural area, but whenever I leave the property I carry.
I now carry every waking hour.
In the last ten years or so it has been everytime I was going somewhere out in the public!
Now it is ALL the time, everywhere outside of my residence, in which we, are arrmed to teeth with everything loaded and ready!
When 12 year olds are now carrying guns and robbing people, you would be a damn fool not to be armed at all times!
Almost all the time, even at home.
All I will write is, FAFO!
I’m a PA resident, carry all the time including into states of NJ and Delaware as well as my work….. Which is unlawful. I value my family, freedom and life over law and my employment.
‘How often’? Every day that I can. I teach 180 days a year, so…