Why are handguns harder to buy than shotguns and rifles?

[Jessica5]

Shotguns and rifles are more lethal for murder and suicide.

 

[BipolarExpat]

Actually handguns are so much easier to transport and conceal,... kinda makes sense

 

[Soul]

No one hunts with handguns.

 

[TAW122]

@BipolarExpat pretty much is on point here. Handguns and pistols are easier to conceal and move around. Also, they are oftenly used in crimes as gangs and other criminals like to use them to commit their evil deeds/crimes with it. Long guns, while they are deadlier (rifle with a powerful caliber, shotgun with buckshot/slugs, etc.) are harder to conceal and aren't used as often in crimes as that of handguns.

 

[inconsequential]

Long guns are used for hunting, pistols aren't.

 

[pane]

People DO hunt with handguns.

 

[Jessica5]

@BipolarExpat pretty much is on point here. Handguns and pistols are easier to conceal and move around. Also, they are oftenly used in crimes as gangs and other criminals like to use them to commit their evil deeds/crimes with it. Long guns, while they are deadlier (rifle with a powerful caliber, shotgun with buckshot/slugs, etc.) are harder to conceal and aren't used as often in crimes as that of handguns.

Why are handguns more often used in gangs? Do they really care about hiding their weapons?

 

[TAW122]

Why are handguns more often used in gangs? Do they really care about hiding their weapons?

Yes, which is partly why there is a length requirement for long guns (shotgun barrels cannot be shorter than 18" in length and also must be 26" in overall length. Also, rifle barrels must be 16" in length while the overall length must be 26" as well. The exception to this is getting an $200 tax stamp along with other requirements since those items (saw-offed shotgun or short barrel rifle; SBS are NFA items).). Furthermore, especially in inner city areas where crime is rampant, handguns are mostly used due to their concealability.

 

[kappa]

What everyone else said. Because you can conceal it easily.

Do you guys remember that video after either Thurston or Columbine of how you could conceal any weapon? That kid had a shotgun in his pants in the video lmao.