BritinBritain
Per Ardua Ad Astra
That's a popular misconception but its incorrect, Monty is right on this score. Most guns used in crime are in fact bought legally. According to this ATF report done in 1994.
1. The Most common guns used by criminals in US are bought legally in straw purchases. I.E. people with no criminal record buying guns on behalf of criminals.
2. The second most common method is through dishonest gun dealers, most commonly legally licensed dealers working from home. These rogue dealers only represent 8% of all licensed dealers, but unfortunately they do exist. You might recall a big ATF arrest a few months ago of a dealer in AZ who was supplying Mexican Drug Cartels with the large majority of the assault rifles used in the ongoing war with the Mexican police.
3. The study showed that only 10-15% of guns used by criminals are in fact stolen.
Article here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/procon/guns.html
I take a moderate position on guns, I oppose a ban (except on extended magazines) but recognize that are some very serious problems with the distribution of guns. Its far too easy for criminals and the mentally ill to get legally purchased firearms.
The problem I have mmarsh, the study is nigh on 20 years old, a lot can happen and change in 20 years. Trying to get information on recent and accurate studies is extremely difficult, I've been doing it for 13 years and know how difficult it can be.