A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that across all political and social groups in the United States, there is a strong preference against living near AR-15 rifle owners and neighbors who store guns outside of locked safes. This surprising consensus suggests that when it comes to immediate living environments, Americans’ views on gun control may be less divided than the polarized national debate suggests.

The research was conducted against a backdrop of increasing gun violence and polarization on gun policy in the United States. The United States has over 350 million civilian firearms and gun-related incidents, including accidents and mass shootings, have become a leading cause of death in the country. Despite political divides, the new study aimed to explore whether there’s common ground among Americans in their immediate living environments, focusing on neighborhood preferences related to gun ownership and storage.

  • HelixDab2@lemm.ee
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    6 months ago

    I have an AR-15. It’s usually in it’s case. (I don’t have children.) I know plenty of people that have AR-15s, and a few weirdos that prefer AKs (but they’re finally seeing the light now that cheap Russian ammo isn’t cheap at all any more). It’s just such a non-issue for me. My biggest issue is that I would prefer that the people I’m around are safe, as in, have good muzzle awareness, excellent trigger discipline, etc. But the gun itself? I’m fine with AR-15s.

    If they have something like an L85A1, anything by KelTec, or an AK, I know that they have deeply suspect judgement, and can not be trusted in any matters of taste.

    • Bgugi@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      anything by keltec

      You say that, but let’s be honest: keltec is a mullet company. They make an array of monotonous pocket pistols, and freaky shit. Nothing in between. You know anybody who has a fun keltec is down for a good time.

    • Hugh_Jeggs@lemm.ee
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      6 months ago

      Funny, in modern countries we just think you’re all fucking cowards no matter what

        • Hugh_Jeggs@lemm.ee
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          6 months ago

          People who have guns -

          • Hunters ✅

          • Soldiers ✅

          • Farmers ✅

          • Cowards who are protecting themselves from -

          • Other cowards

          • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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            6 months ago

            There are also gun collectors and target shooters. Nothing wrong with either hobby. There are even Olympic target shooting events.

          • ArcaneSlime@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            6 months ago

            I had a guy pull a knife on me in the walmart parking lot, apr 2020. He decided to leave instead of stab me, and would you like to know why? Because in your summation “I’m a coward” who decided that instead of being stabbed I would reach for my firearm. Call me a coward all you want but I got my groceries and he probably found some more courageous victim, I’ll call that a wash.