The Numbers Don’t Lie — Guns Aren’t the Weapon Driving Crime

In what should come as no surprise to those who follow crimes involving firearms in the U.S., guns do not rank number one in the weapons of choice. You’ve probably heard it before that “gun violence is out of control”. You have probably also heard especially in Minnesota recently that “assault weapons” or “weapons of war” are the problem.

While violence in general is unacceptable, when you actually look at the data from the FBY that entire narrative starts to fall apart.

What the FBI Data Actually Shows

FBI Data is showing a decrease in firearm homicides as well as rifles being in the minority of all gun violence.

According to the FBI’s own homicide data, while firearms are involved in the majority of murders, that’s not the full picture politicians want you to see. Let’s break down the data. In 2024 total firearm-related homicides were 11,717. You would think based on the news that the so called “assault weapons” made up the majority of those stats.

That is now what the evidence bears out, however. Rifles of all kinds (including AR-15s) were used in only 401 of those incidents. However, knives or cutting instruments were used in 1,566 murders while blunt objects accounted for 283 and hands, fists, and feet were involved in 633.

What this data shows clearly is that more people are at risk of being murdered with knives, blunt objects, and hands than rifles. Despite these facts, legislation is constantly being targeted towards the least likely source of murder in the U.S., rifles.

The Rifle Myth

There is the ever-abounding myth around semi-automatic rifles. Politicians and media outlets love to focus on so called “assault weapons.” They do this despite their very own FBI data telling them a very different story. This myth needs to be dispelled if we want to get serious about cracking down on gun violence.

Rifles and shotguns consistently account for a tiny fraction of overall homicides. Knives account for nearly four times as many deaths as rifles and shotguns. This is without even breaking down where these murders are being committed. Often, they are in large population centers that are among the most anti-gun locations in the United States.

Why This Matters

When it comes to drafting and passing legislation it should always be targeted, and practical. Politicians should also take into account constitutional protections and make sure whatever that legislating is, is based on fact not myth. We here at 2 If By Sea Tactical continue to push for changes in gun laws pointing to fact and real world-based solutions, not feelings.

When emotional responses drive legislation, that is where bad policy comes into play. We need our government to focus in on the root cause of these types of violence and make sure repeat offenders are not walking free. We need to study where these events are primarily taking place and concentrate our efforts in those locations.

This is the real conversation this nation needs, and one we rarely, if ever get. We are stuck with headlines grabbing sound bites and little data driven policies. It is never discussed that most firearm homicides involve handguns, not rifles of any type.

We never hear about how most violent crimes are committed by repeat offenders. There are never solutions for lack of enforcement of existing laws, just the rush to try and add new ones. The reason for this is these points don’t generate headlines. They also do not justify sweeping bans aimed at disarming the populace at large.

When policy ignores reality, the consequences fall on law-abiding gun owners. It is only the law-abiding ones that have their items taken away and banned and comply with the changes in laws. Criminals continue to do what they are doing and do not care.

Despite all this data released by the FBI expect nothing to change. There will be continued pushes for “assault weapon” bans like we are seeing in Virginia and Minnesota. Anti-gun politicians will continue to attempt expanding definitions to capture more firearms. This is because it is all about narrative and not solutions.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world.  As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.