Everybody knows that the gun rules in each state can differ quite a bit—but have you ever realized how much? We’re looking at the states that have some of the tightest reins on firearm ownership, based on the Gifford Law Center’s rankings. These are the ten states that have the strictest regulations, with the aim of keeping everyone a bit safer. Let’s see if these rules work.
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Setting the Standard
California is at the front of the pack and received an impressive “A” from the Gifford Law Center. The state’s gun death rate is 8.7 per 100,000, which is likely due to the state’s tough laws that control everything from who can buy a gun to how people store them. While it’s not perfect, California is working hard to keep its citizens safe, placing it 44th nationwide for gun deaths.
Tightening the Grip
New Jersey also received a solid “A” grade and has a gun death rate of only 5 per 100,000. Clearly, it’s a state that has really clamped down on gun violence. Part of the state’s approach to gun safety includes heavy-duty background checks and even restrictions on the types of firearms you can own. The aim is to keep the streets safer and the results? Ranking 47th in gun deaths.
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Proactive Policies
Connecticut is third, with an “A” for its proactive gun laws and about 7 deaths per 100,000 from firearms. The state has laws banning assault weapons & requires owners to undergo safety training for owners, which is part of their commitment to preventing tragedies before they happen. So, it’s no surprise that the state is 45th in the nation for gun-related fatalities.
A Broad Approach
Illinois is in fourth place with a “A-” grade and with a gun death rate of 14.4 per 100,000. In big cities like Chicago, the state has created plenty of laws, including licensing for gun dealers, to tackle the gun violence problems. These measures appear to be working since Illinois ranks 32nd in the nation for gun-related deaths.
Strong Laws, Safer Streets
In fifth place, New York also has an “A-” grade and a gun death rate of 5.3 per 100,000. It’s a state where officials take a hard line on illegal gun use and they have some strict rules about who can carry firearms. Clearly, these policies are making a difference—the state ranks 46th in the entire nation for gun deaths.
Island Vigilance
It’s a fact—Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states out there. But did you know it’s also pretty safe, too? The state has an “A-” grade for gun safety and an even better gun death rate of 4.5 per 100,000. As such, Hawaii is a leader in preventing gun violence and this is only helped by the state’s strict controls on who can bring guns onto the islands.
Focused on Prevention
Massachusetts ranks sixth and has an “A-” grade. But that’s not all—it also boasts one of the lowest gun death rates at just 3.70 per 100,000, ranking 49th across the nation. The state’s pretty focused on safety features and tracking firearm sales sets a high standard, which helps it keep gun-related deaths to a minimum.
Addressing Urban Challenges
While Maryland’s gun laws score an “A-,” the state still faces some challenges as it has a gun death rate of 13.6 per 100,000. The state requires all firearm owners to register and be licensed to own a firearm. Unfortunately, these measures don’t seem to be working, as denser urban areas still struggle with gun violence. The state ranks 35th in gun deaths.
Progressive Steps Forward
Washington is in tenth place with a “A-” grade thanks to its progressive policies. These include mandatory background checks for all gun sales. Essentially, officials want to make it harder for the wrong people to get guns. The state has a gun death rate of 12.6 per 100,000, which puts it 36th across the nation.
Higher Altitude, Higher Challenges
Colorado rounds out our list in tenth place with an “A-” grade for its gun laws. Unfortunately, regulations like background checks and limits on magazine capacities aren’t enough. The state has a gun death rate of 17.3 per 100,000, which puts it 19th in the nation for gun-related fatalities. Perhaps they need more measures for these gun laws to be truly effective.
Source: Giffords Law Center
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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