Firearm Ownership and Acquisition Among Adults and Youth: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Understanding firearm ownership and acquisition practices may provide insight into how youth access firearms and develop norms around ownership. Methods: Using a mixed-methods, participatory approach, we examined motivations for firearm ownership, perceptions of responsible ownership, acquisition methods, and associated safety behaviors among adults and youth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 249 youth and adults who were firearm owners or lived in high-violence areas. Surveys were completed by a community-based sample of 122 youth and a national sample of 446 adult firearm owners. Results: Across qualitative and quantitative data, protection and hunting were the most common reasons for firearm ownership among adults and youth, and gun or sporting goods stores were the most frequently reported acquisition source. Adult definitions of responsible ownership emphasized secure storage, firearm handling proficiency, concealed carrying, and educating others. Latent class analyses identified three classes of ownership motivations and four classes of acquisition methods. Class membership varied by demographic characteristics and firearm-related behaviors, including storage and carrying practices. Conclusion: Overlapping motivations and acquisition pathways among adults and youth, along with class-based differences in storage and carrying behaviors, suggest that adult firearm practices shape youth exposure and access. Efforts to reduce youth firearm harm should prioritize promoting secure storage and responsible acquisition among adult firearm owners, particularly within groups with levels of risk.