Gun culture in the United States
Gun culture in the United States encompasses the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs about firearms and their use by private citizens. Gun ownership in the United States is legally protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Firearms are used for self-defense, hunting, and recreation.
Firearms became readily identifiable symbols of westward expansion.
Calamity Jane, pioneer frontierswoman and scout, at age 43. Photo by H.R. Locke.
A handbill for Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World
Visitors at a gun show, U.S.
In 2018, the Small Arms Survey reported that there are over one billion small arms distributed globally, of which 857 million are in civilian hands. The survey stated that American civilians account for an estimated 393 million of the worldwide total of civilian held firearms, or about 120.5 firearms for every 100 American residents.
A gun store in Wenatchee, Washington, United States
A gun store in Prague, Czech Republic
3 pistols and a silencer in a glass case
A gun store in Lisbon, Portugal