Gun culture in the United States refers to the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding the ownership and use of firearms by private citizens. Gun ownership is deeply rooted in the country’s history and is legally protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Firearms in the U.S. are commonly used for self-defense, hunting, and recreational activities.
Gun politics in the United States are highly polarized. Advocates of gun rights, typically aligned with conservative or libertarian views, emphasize the importance of the Second Amendment and oppose gun control. In contrast, those who support stricter gun control, often with liberal perspectives, advocate for more regulations to reduce gun violence. The gun culture in the United States is unique among developed nations due to the long history of firearm ownership dating back to the colonial era, the massive volume of firearms owned by civilians, the generally permissive regulations, and the popularity of firearms for use in activities such as target shooting, self defense, hunting, competitive shooting, etc.