What are the effects of background checks on gun purchases?

The Effects of Background Checks. Background checks for gun purchases are designed to prevent access to guns by convicted felons and other prohibited possessors—such as minors, fugitives from justice, those who live in the United States illegally, users of controlled substances, those with certain histories of mental illness,…

What is the purpose of a background check?

Background check laws seek to prevent firearm purchases by individuals thought to be at high risk of presenting a danger to themselves or others. By restricting the means by which dangerous individuals could otherwise access guns, these laws are designed to reduce gun crime and violence.

Does a universal background check reduce gun violence?

While compliance is likely to be imperfect, a universal background check may still reduce gun-related homicides or suicides by deterring prohibited possessors from attempting to acquire firearms or by making it harder for them to succeed in doing so. Universal background checks may also reduce illegal gun trafficking.

Do background checks prevent mass shootings?

Background check policies could prevent individuals at risk of perpetrating mass shootings from obtaining firearms. One study found that of the 116 mass shooting incidents between 2009 and 2016 for which information was available, 44 incidents (34 percent) involved a prohibited possessor (Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, 2017b).

Do universal background checks reduce illegal gun trafficking?

Universal background checks may also reduce illegal gun trafficking. For instance, when analyzing crime guns, [1] Webster, Vernick, and Bulzacchelli (2009) found that fewer of the out-of-state guns originated in states with universal background checks than in states with no background checks for private sales of firearms.

Do you need a background check to buy a gun online?

You do not need to undergo a background check if you buy a gun online, through a gun show, or through some private sales. You can check the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to see FFLs in your state.