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Preferences for Firearms

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Moshary
  • Bradley T. Shapiro
  • Sara Drango

Abstract

This paper provides a critical input into crafting effective firearms policy: an understanding of consumer demand for guns. We estimate individual-level price sensitivity and substitution patterns across gun types using stated-choice experiments. We find that potential firearm buyers are price insensitive overall but that first-time buyers are the most price sensitive. We also estimate considerable substitution from semiautomatic long guns (sometimes called "assault weapons") to handguns, which are associated with more crimes per gun.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Moshary & Bradley T. Shapiro & Sara Drango, 2025. "Preferences for Firearms," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 7(3), pages 340-356, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aerins:v:7:y:2025:i:3:p:340-56
    DOI: 10.1257/aeri.20230435
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elisabeth Honka, 2014. "Quantifying search and switching costs in the US auto insurance industry," RAND Journal of Economics, RAND Corporation, vol. 45(4), pages 847-884, December.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • K23 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • L64 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Other Machinery; Business Equipment; Armaments
    • M31 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Marketing

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