Objectives

This study examined ownership patterns of automatic/ semiautomatic firearms in the United States.

Methods

Data were derived from a national random-digit-dialing telephone survey of 800 gun owners.

Results

Sixty percent of gun owners reported owning an automatic or semiautomatic firearm. In comparison with other gun owners, owners of automatics or semiautomatics were more likely to be male, live in the South, own a gun for protection, and have a gun for work. They were also more likely to report binge drinking.

Conclusions

Owners of automatic or semiautomatic firearms differ from other gun owners in several respects, including frequency of binge drinking.