Q&A
What is the “open carry loophole”?
While many states regulate the carrying of concealed guns including by requiring a permit to do so, most states do not regulate the open…
Is there a difference between permitless carry and constitutional carry?
No. “Constitutional carry” is a term used by the gun lobby to justify dangerous permitless carry policies that require no permit, background check, or…
What is a Stand Your Ground law?
Under traditional self-defense law, a person can use force to defend themselves anywhere. If they’re outside their home, though, they can’t use force that…
Is there proof that people who are not allowed to have guns are printing guns?
In February 2019, a Texas man was sentenced to 8 years in prison after officers caught him with a partially 3-D printed AR-15 rifle…
Why did the Trump administration decide to move jurisdiction over downloadable guns away from the State Department?
It’s unclear. In January 2020, the administration announced it would move jurisdiction over downloadable guns from the State Department to the Commerce Department. This…
Do plastic guns even work?
On July 30, 2018, Dr. Shwetak Patel, professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Washington, tested the files previously made available…
What is a straw purchaser?
A straw purchaser is someone who purchases a gun for someone else, typically for someone who cannot pass a background check such as…
Are ghost guns expensive to build?
Everytown’s research found that it is possible to buy an AR-15 ghost gun build kit and a lower receiver for as little…
Are 3D guns considered to be ghost guns?
Yes. 3-D guns, sometimes known as downloadable guns, are one type of ghost gun. These firearms are created with computer code instructions…
Are ghost guns just for hobbyists?
Ghost guns aren’t just for hobbyists. Law enforcement agencies are recovering homemade, unserialized firearms from criminals at alarming rates. Everytown has examined…
Who can request an Extreme Risk Protection Order?
In each state with an Extreme Risk law, only limited groups of people may request an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). In most…
Is a gun that is hidden from view considered securely stored since children cannot readily access it?
No. A firearm that is simply hidden from view is not securely stored. A properly stored firearm is one that is unloaded and locked,…
What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to remember victims and survivors, raise awareness of what domestic violence is, how to recognize it, and what can be done to prevent it.