During the COVID-19 pandemic, a notable shift occurred in Americans' relationship with firearms, reflecting broader concerns about safety and social stability. Harel Shapira, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the forthcoming book "Basic Pistol: Living and Dying by the Gun in America," observed this change firsthand in conversations with family and during firearms training.

Shapira recounts how his father, a politically liberal city resident who had previously supported stricter gun control, considered purchasing a gun amid the pandemic due to fears of societal collapse. This sentiment was fueled by news coverage of overwhelmed hospitals, supply shortages, and protests, contributing to a loss of trust in government and law enforcement, a feeling shared by many across diverse demographics.

While the overall percentage of gun owners in the United States has remained relatively stable over the past 25 years, the motivations behind gun ownership have evolved significantly. Data from 2023 indicates that over 70 percent of gun owners cite personal protection as a primary reason for owning firearms, a marked shift from earlier eras when hunting and sport were dominant motivations. Gun owners today tend to carry firearms for everyday activities such as grocery shopping or transporting children, underscoring a perceived need for self-defense in routine settings.

The profile of new gun owners has also diversified, with approximately 11.2 million Americans purchasing firearms for the first time between 2021 and 2024. Nearly half of these new owners are women, with significant representation among Black and Hispanic populations, aligning more closely with the nation’s demographic composition. Additionally, public perception has shifted, with a growing majority now believing that having a gun at home enhances safety.

Legal frameworks have evolved in tandem with these shifts. Since 2005, “stand your ground” laws have expanded the circumstances under which Americans can use lethal force beyond their homes to public spaces. Texas, in particular, permits the use of deadly force to prevent certain crimes or recover stolen property under conditions where the defender “reasonably believes” it is necessary.

Although instructors in Shapira’s firearms training emphasized shooting only in genuine life-threatening scenarios, the criteria for such threats have broadened considerably. Moreover, participants were counseled that hesitation to shoot often stems from the extensive financial, legal, and emotional consequences that could follow, rather than considerations about preserving life.

Research consistently shows that higher rates of gun ownership correlate with increased gun violence, including risks for women and a heightened incidence of suicide, which is the leading cause of gun-related deaths. Despite these findings, many gun owners perceive owning firearms as a form of empowerment, a way to exert control in uncertain and chaotic times—a perspective shaped more by emotion and personal experience than by statistical evidence.

Shapira also reflects on the longtime slogan of the National Rifle Association (NRA) that "guns don't kill people, people kill people," which highlights the argument that issues underlying gun violence relate to cultural, social, and psychological factors rather than the weapons themselves. While the NRA’s motives are often questioned, this viewpoint suggests that addressing broader societal conditions, such as poverty and mental health, could mitigate gun violence without infringing on Second Amendment rights.

Ultimately, Shapira’s interactions, including discussions with his father, illustrate the complex and evolving landscape of gun ownership in the United States. Many individuals seek firearms not merely as tools but as a response to perceived threats, even as the presence of guns can amplify feelings of danger and insecurity. This dynamic highlights challenges for policymakers and researchers aiming to balance individual rights with public safety concerns in an environment marked by widespread uncertainty and fear.