Survey: Gun Restrictions Now Among Americans' Top 5 Fears

by
posted on October 26, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg

The 2016 Chapman University Survey of American Fears asked more than 1,500 adults to choose the things that frighten them the most. Our forefathers wouldn’t be surprised at most of the results.

The No. 1 fear in the study was “corruption of government officials,” which was also the winner last year. More than 200 years ago during Virginia’s ratification of the Constitution—June 14, 1788, to be precise—George Mason explained one incident that partly prompted the Second Amendment and our right to bear arms. “[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually.” History is teaming with similar examples, including Nazi Germany.

“Terrorist attacks” came in second place among American fears and “being a victim of terror” scored number four. Americans have the right to defend themselves, including against terrorists, but even back in 1824 Thomas Jefferson—in a letter to Maj. John Cartwright about state constitutions and gun rights—made a statement still echoed today in reputable self-defense courses. “[A]ll power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, … or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed…”

Number five was “government restrictions on firearms and ammunition,” which broke the Top 10 list for the first time. The Second Amendment addresses it in one sentence. “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The only unrelated fear that crept into the top five was lack of money for the future.

Latest

TC Triumph 01
TC Triumph 01

T/C Rebirth: Thompson/Center Brings Back The Triumph Muzzleloader

Thompson/Center Arms has reintroduced its famous Triumph muzzleloader, an in-line design that uses 209 shotgun primers and is designed for easy cleaning and loading.

Preview: Competition Electronics ProChrono LTD

A more economical alternative to Competition Electronics’ Bluetooth-enabled DLX model, the ProChrono LTD is a ballistic chronograph ...

Gun Of The Week: FN 15 Guardian

We’re on the range with the FN 15 Guardian, an AR-15 that gives people a rock-solid rifle with quality components at an affordable price.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 24, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

LEO Trade-Ins: The Sleeper Surplus Market

Although much of the budget-priced military surplus market has dried up, there are still affordable options among the long guns and handguns retired from law enforcement service.

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Spirit of the Corps Rifle Series

After much demand, Henry Repeating Arms is back with two attention-getting lever guns in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps and its 250 years safeguarding the globe.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.