Alex Berezow finds that, “when we consider countries that are similar to the United States, a strong correlation exists between the number of guns per capita and the gun-related homicide rate.” Tom Hartsfield takes issue with Berezow’s analysis:
Gun control might reduce the number of firearm homicides but cause an increase in non-firearm homicides. Countries with gun control might be more developed, safer, and have less violent crime for other reasons, just as countries with high numbers of guns might have more crime due to more guns. Robbery or assault rates might increase without private citizens being able to use a firearm to protect themselves.
Incorporating data on non-homicide violence, Hartsfield finds that “you are no less likely to be a victim of violent crime in a country with fewer guns”:
First, there is no correlation between the number of guns per capita and the overall homicide rate. So people who believe fewer guns will reduce the homicide rate may be wrong.
Second, there is no correlation between the number of guns per capita and the rate of assaults and robberies. So people who believe guns make society safer by reducing overall crime may be wrong, too.
The Dish 