The debate over handguns in the US.

There has always been some type of debate when comes to owning guns. There are many advocates who believe that guns are used as assault weapons, however the Second Amendment protects "the right of the people to keep and bear arms." Many organizations feel that people who own guns even with a permit can still be seen as dangerous to others. Most violence in America such as suicide, murder, which include those in schools such Columbine or Virginia Tech, and even accidental deaths will occur involving handguns. In a VPC report, 65 million handguns are in America. Those against guns believe the likelihood of an accidental death, especially involving children or a possible suicide is more likely to occur in the household, if a gun is present.

Of course there is still the argument of those who do favor the use of handguns. In the article concealed guns, there are several pros for people having a gun in their possession. Many people believe that by having a gun, they are more likely to prevent a criminal attacking them. Another example would be that a person may feel safer being armed and feel freer to go outside at night or in dangerous areas, knowing they have a gun on them. There's also the assumption that government can't protect and guarantee the safety of every person. People feel that by having a firearm, they have a responsibility of protecting their family.  

There are also those who fail to observe the circumstances of people using guns for self-defense. According to a study by the Brady campaign in 2010, permit holders have gone from five million to just over 6 million in a three-year span. It also mentioned that Florida has the most concealed handgun permit holders in the country. From 1987-2010, nearly two million permits were handed out in Florida. 

The handgun debate has also been expressed involving two important acts, the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. Each act gives descriptive ideas and details on the requirements and potential penalties when it comes to owning a handgun. By the 1990s, both democrats and republicans had their opposing views when it came to gun control laws. Democrats didn't favor the right to guns, while republicans believed people should have the right to own a firearm.

At this point, the debate will continue to carry on over the right to own a handgun. There are those who feel they have a constitutional right to own a firearm, while others believe that the possession of handguns will only cause more potential and even tragic occurrences. For now, opinions will surface from both points of view but in the end, owners of handguns will still remain throughout the United States.