Project identification : a study of handguns used in crime.

This reports the results of a cooperative study with selected police departments, using data from 16 diverse cities, to determine the types of guns being used in crimes, and their sources. This report reflects a total of 10,617 crime guns submitted by police of 16 cities for tracing. Of this total 74 percent were successfully traced. It was found that a substantial majority of handguns used in street crimes is of low quality with a market value of less than $50. A revolver of .32 caliber or less was found to be the most popular. Simplicity of operation and concealability are judged to be the attractive qualities of these weapon types for street crimes. 'Pawn/loan' businesses were found to supply a disproportionate number of inexpensive, concealable weapons, and it was further discovered that most of the crime guns were purchased in the state where they were involved in a crime. There were significant exceptions where a majority of the weapons found in five study cities was purchased in other states. It is concluded that, with a few exceptions, the percentage of out-of-state purchases is directly proportional to the strength of the local firearms regulations. The data gathered from each of the 16 cities studied is included in the report.Cover title.Message from the Director -- Highlights -- Background -- Procedures -- Handgun classifications -- Stolen guns -- Summary -- Statistical summary -- Major crime gun sources -- Phase I. Composite findings : Atlanta, New York, Detroit, New Orleans -- Phase II. Composite findings : Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Oakland -- Phase III. Composite findings : Miami, Dade County, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Paul, Minneapolis -- Phase IV. Composite findings : Boston, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Louisville.This reports the results of a cooperative study with selected police departments, using data from 16 diverse cities, to determine the types of guns being used in crimes, and their sources. This report reflects a total of 10,617 crime guns submitted by police of 16 cities for tracing. Of this total 74 percent were successfully traced. It was found that a substantial majority of handguns used in street crimes is of low quality with a market value of less than $50. A revolver of .32 caliber or less was found to be the most popular. Simplicity of operation and concealability are judged to be the attractive qualities of these weapon types for street crimes. 'Pawn/loan' businesses were found to supply a disproportionate number of inexpensive, concealable weapons, and it was further discovered that most of the crime guns were purchased in the state where they were involved in a crime. There were significant exceptions where a majority of the weapons found in five study cities was purchased in other states. It is concluded that, with a few exceptions, the percentage of out-of-state purchases is directly proportional to the strength of the local firearms regulations. The data gathered from each of the 16 cities studied is included in the report.Mode of access: Internet