Yes I own a gun. Although in my family, the only other gun owners are my relatives that hunt (except for an ex-brother-in-law that owns an arsenal). Here is an interesting study comparing crime in England and the U.S.n1981-1996:

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/html/cjusew96/crpr.htm
and this one:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=21902
Better yet:
http://www.thepublicinterest.com/archives/2002fall/article3.html

I wonder if there is a comparison out for the years 1997-2004? That would be more telling because of the changes in 1997.



>The UK govt have been cracking down on air guns too.
>
>And strangely, according to Michael Moore (in "Bowling for..."), Canada has as many guns per capita, and Switzerland (where every male practically goes through national service, and is obliged to keep one) yet only a fraction of the number are killed as in the US.
>
>>...but I know a LOT of people that own a handgun.
>
>I just realised, you're talking as the only person I know who HAS actually shot someone - dead. I know you have fears and worries about prowlers etc.; do you keep a gun?
>
>>Richmond, VA had 35 homicides due to handguns and has a population of 100,000 (compared to Englands 57.7 million).
>
>I seem to recall that VA is up there with the highest no. of gun owners, and the most resistance to reform. Wasn't it Richmond where a new bill, to restrict gun purchases to like 3 A WEEK, was lobbied out?
>
>>>>I would consider this all minor except that most are under the impression that there are no guns in England when in fact there are.
>
>Again, it's not the LEGAL gun-owners that do the shooting! I understand that many FA's find their way into the country from places like the Balkans and ex-USSR satellite coujtries.
>>>>