It's estimated that there are around 192,000,000 firearms in the USA in the hands of civilians.
That's one hundred and ninety two million guns in the hands of ordinary Americans.
Can you believe that? There are around sixty five million hand guns in the hands of citizens.
Maybe that isn't a fact to make you stop and think; after all it's just another big number.
We're bombarded with big numbers all day long; everything seems to cost billions or trillions of dollars these days.
They're just numbers.
How about this then? If you keep a gun in the home it's more likely to kill someone you know than a stranger! Guns kept in the home for the sole purpose of self defence are more likely to be used in unintentional or accidental shootings.
The majority of fatal deaths involving firearms happen in or around the home.
The overwhelming number of guns kept in private homes will not be safely locked away.
Most of them are also kept loaded.
Virtually all of the deaths of juveniles which happen as the result of unintentional use of a gun happen in a home.
Around fifty percent of these deaths will occur in the victims own home.
Forty percent or so will take place in the home of a family member or friend of the victim.
Fifteen to nineteen year olds are five times more likely to commit suicide if they live in a home which has guns.
You need to consider very carefully if you intend to buy a handgun which will be kept in your home.
Whether it's for sport or self defence it needs to be kept out of harms way.
It should also be secure in the event of a burglary at your home.