Who Owns Guns in New Jersey?
The vast majority of gun owners in New Jersey are white. In fact, over 90% of all gun owners in the state are white. Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians make up just a small fraction of gun owners.
Men are also more likely to own guns than women. Approximately two-thirds of all gun owners in the state are male. Women make up just one-third of all gun owners.
In terms of age, most gun owners are between the ages of 25 and 64. Young people and the elderly are less likely to own guns.
How Safely Do Gun Owners Store Their Guns?
Most gun owners in New Jersey do store their guns safely. However, there are still some areas where improvements could be made.
According to a 2019 survey, 84% of gun owners in the state keep at least one gun unloaded when at home. However, this means that 16% of gun owners do not always keep at least one gun unloaded when at home.
Furthermore, only 56% of gun owners in New Jersey use locking devices when they store their guns. This means that over 40% of gun owners do not always use locking devices when storing their guns.
Challenges to Safe Gun Storage in New Jersey
There are a number of challenges to safe gun storage in New Jersey. One challenge is the state's strict gun laws. These laws make it difficult for some gun owners to purchase locking devices. Additionally, the laws do not require gun owners to store their guns unloaded.
Another challenge is the lack of education about safe gun storage. Many gun owners are simply not aware of the importance of safe gun storage. This is especially true for new gun owners.
Finally, there is the issue of stigma. Some gun owners feel that they are being stigmatized if they talk about gun safety. This can make it difficult for advocates of safe gun storage to reach gun owners.
Conclusion
Gun ownership in New Jersey is relatively low. However, there is room for improvement when it comes to safe gun storage. By addressing the challenges to safe gun storage, New Jersey can help to prevent gun accidents and injuries.
