Statistical validity of assault weapons trace data

[Howzit]

http://www.davekopel.com/2A/LawRev/CluelessBATFtracing.htm

[yay]

1. interesting

[geckosfeet]

2. The report is over 10 years old.

And it is written in an obvious attempt to support an agenda.

In any case, having trace data is vital. How it is used is another matter.

[benEzra]

3. The data would be much more meaningful

if guns actually used in crimes were tracked separatedly from guns merely found in the homes of people arrested for other crimes, including securities fraud and embezzlement, and if (say) all weapons used in violent crimes were traced, rather than just the unusual ones.

The FBI keeps track of guns actually used in violent crimes, and those stats show rifles of any type as being involved in about 3% of murders.

FBI Uniform Crime Reports 2007, Table 20, Murder by State and Type of Weapon