Research in Brief: The Underground Gun Market

Public discourse on gun violence often focuses on the tragic mass shootings that continue to claim innocent lives in the United States. In many of these recent mass shootings, the weapons used have been legally obtained and carried. As a result, in discussions about preventing future gun violence, many people focus on policies that would regulate gun purchases from licensed dealers, such as background checks and mental health screenings for potential purchasers. Yet, given the influence of opponents of gun regulation and the intractable politics of this issue, many also see few prospects to strengthen U.S. federal gun laws in the foreseeable future and conclude that not much can be done to make a real and lasting difference. However, changing the focus to the everyday violence on U.S. streets may offer more promise.