Most people who own and regularly carry a handgun do so for "protection," according to a new study in the American Journal of Public Health.
Out of the 38 million American handgun owners, 9 million carry a loaded pistol with them at least once a month, eight out of 10 of whom cite personal protection as their reason for doing so. The study also found that 3 million Americans carry a handgun every day.
Hyatt Guns marketing director Justin Anderson told the Washington Examiner that "the overall atmosphere in the country" is responsible for the rise in Americans seeking concealed carry permits and pistols.
"I have never seen a more divided nation," he added. "That division breeds fear and fear has always been a driver of increased gun sales. In addition, you have terrorist incidents, uncertainty about North Korea, mass shootings, and threats of violent crime."
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