A new survey conducted by Georgetown University’s William English found that more than one-third of American gun owners have used a firearm in self-defense.

The study drew on a nationally representative sample of 51,398 individuals and was fielded during July and August 2026. Researchers asked respondents about their firearm ownership and any instances in which they had drawn or fired a gun to protect themselves or others.

The large sample size allows for precise estimates across demographic groups. The results indicate that defensive gun uses are far more common than many public discussions suggest.

Gun ownership remains widespread in the United States. The survey’s methodology, which relied on a broad cross-section of the population, provides one of the most detailed recent looks at how often owners report turning to firearms for protection.

William English, the lead researcher, designed the project to capture both ownership rates and real-world experiences with defensive firearm use. The timing of the fieldwork, immediately before the current month, ensures the data reflect contemporary conditions.

The findings add concrete numbers to ongoing debates over personal safety and the role of firearms in American life. With more than 51,000 participants, the survey offers a statistically robust picture that stands apart from smaller or less representative polls.