Citation

Sanguino SM, Dowd MD, McEnaney SA, Knapp J, Tanz RR. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 2002; 156(8): 777-780.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Ill 60614, USA. ssanguino@northwestern.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12144363

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the type and quality of handgun safety information a typical consumer would obtain from a licensed gun dealer. METHODS: Semistructured, interactional on-site interviews were conducted with licensed handgun dealers in 2 metropolitan areas. A variety of dealers (gun shops, pawnshops, general merchandise stores, and sporting goods stores) were visited. Investigators posed as customers interested in buying a handgun. During the interview, investigators expressed concern that as the parent of a 4-year-old child, they needed suggestions about keeping their child safe with a gun in the home. Information collected included basic dealer demographics, opinions on whether a 4-year-old child could pull a handgun trigger, handgun safety advice and recommendations, and the type of safety devices and handgun safety educational materials that were available in the store. RESULTS: There were 96 visits made to gun dealers. The typical salesperson was a man who appeared to be older than 40 years. Trigger locks were the most common safety devices available. When asked what a consumer should know about purchasing a handgun, 85% of salespeople did not mention safe storage. Only 9 (9%) offered advice that included all of the following: keeping the gun securely locked, keeping the gun unloaded, and storing the gun separately from the ammunition. One third answered "no" or "don't know" or "uncertain" when asked if a 4-year-old could pull the trigger. The majority (92%) did not have any handgun safe storage educational materials on site. CONCLUSIONS: Salespeople offered potential buyers little or no education about safe storage of handguns. The information provided was often inconsistent with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.