Skip to main content

Table 3 Characteristics of firearm ownership and storage among study participants

From: Parental attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to firearm storage: a qualitative study

 

n (%)

Number of firearms

 

 1–5

13 (65)

 6–10

4 (20)

 > 10

3 (15)

Firearm type

 

 ≥ 1 Handgun

17 (85)

 ≥ 1 Rifle

12 (60)

 ≥ 1 Shotgun

8 (40)

Firearm storage

 

 Locked and unloaded

10 (50)

 Locked and loaded

7 (35)

 Unlocked and unloaded

2 (10)

 Unlocked and loaded

1 (5)

Ammunition storage

 

 Locked and separate

2 (10)

 Locked and not separate

9 (45)

 Unlocked and separate

5 (25)

 Unlocked and not separate

2 (10)

 No ammunition

2 (10)

Reason for ownership

 

 Target/trap/skeet shooting

14 (70)

 Protection of self and others

12 (60)

 Hunting

5 (25)

 Inherited/gift

3 (15)

 No personal use

3 (15)

 Collecting

1 (5)

 Dealing/trading

1 (5)

Child knowledge/access

 

 Knows firearm is in home

15 (75)

 Knows where firearm is kept

9 (45)

 Able to access firearm

2 (10)

 Uses firearm

0 (0)

  1. Firearm and ammunition storage are reported as the least secure method if multiple methods are employed, e.g., a participant who keeps 1 firearm loaded but others unloaded would be coded as ‘loaded.’ Ammunition storage is coded as ‘separate’ if it is kept in a location separate from all firearms. Participants could indicate multiple reasons for ownership. Firearms that were kept unlocked were coded as accessible to children